Economic development and business resources on the California Central Coast.


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COMMUNITY PROFILES

ECONOMIC PROFILE

San Luis Obispo (SLO) County commonly referred to as "the Central Coast" sits along the Pacific Ocean in the Central Coast of California, between Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Our neighboring counties of San Francisco and Los Angeles has helped us retain rural charm with reminders of old California abound. The small size of our county's communities, scattered along the beaches, coastal hills, and mountains of the Santa Lucia range, provides a wide variety of coastal and inland hill ecologies to support many kinds of fishing, agriculture, and tourist activities.

SLO County is the third largest producer of wine in California, surpassed only by Sonoma and Napa Counties. Wine grapes are by far the largest agricultural crop in the county, and the wine production they support creates a direct economic impact and a growing wine country vacation industry.

As of 2009 SLO County's population is estimpated to be 269,337.

“A great place to live” is the feeling at the core of Arroyo Grande’s appeal. With a mild, smog-free climate, a relaxed outdoor-oriented lifestyle, and small town living with city-like advantages, Arroyo Grande is a growing and thriving community in South County. With beautiful and fertile land it is not surprising then that the main industries in the area are tourism and agriculture. Located 15 miles south of San Luis Obispo via Highway 101 with an area of 5.45 square miles, Arroyo Grande is within minutes of some of the County’s most popular beaches including Pismo Beach, Grover Beach, and Shell Beach.

Paramount throughout the community is a strong desire to maintain the quality of life enjoyed by residents as demonstrated by the residents’ commitment to preserving the historical aspects of the City’s downtown village area which features Victorian architecture. Asides from the aesthetics, the City offers dozens of youth and adult programs and sports activities. The City oversees 21 parks with 60 acres of developed parkland. There are acres of greenbelt throughout the City which boast bike, hiking, and/or horseback riding trails. The newly built Clarke Center hosts local and professional performances on a weekly basis.

Safe, serene and secure described the Arroyo Grande community. There is a wide variety of homes, from the turn-of-the-century Victorian and traditional ranch-style homes to beautiful custom homes. The San Luis Obispo County area has been called “one of the safest communities in the nation” and Arroyo Grande makes no exception. Both law enforcement agencies and the Lucia Mar School District take a no-nonsense approach to discipline.

Arroyo Grande is well served in health care, enjoying a wide choice of physicians and specialists as well as the Arroyo Grande Community Hospital, a 65-bed acute hospital. Elder and in-home care is readily available.

Leisure-time activities are diverse and often unique. World-class wineries offer year-round tasting as well as spring & fall wine celebrations. Nearby Lopez Lake provides camping, fishing, water-skiing, canoeing, sailing and water slide thrills. The Arroyo Grande Strawberry Festival is held over the Memorial Day Weekend and the Harvest Festival is the last weekend of September.

For more statistical information please visit www.census.gov. For the most detailed information go to the Fact Sheet link.

More Info:
Arroyo Grande Business Profile (MS Excel)
City of Arroyo Grande
Arroyo Grande Chamber of Commerce

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Atascadero, Spanish for “place of much water” was originally home to the Salinas Indians. The community of Atascadero was founded in 1913 as a planned utopian colony by E. G. Lewis, a successful publisher from the East. Incorporated in 1979, Atascadero now has over 26,400 residents and is the second largest city in San Luis Obispo County. Many of the principles that E.G. Lewis envisioned for his “dream city” are ensured through the city’s general plan which includes preservation of open space, protection of trees and hillsides, the keeping of domestic animals, large lot sizes and quality education in the Atascadero Unified School District. The city now is a General Law City with a Council-Manager form of government.

Nestled among the hills of northern San Luis Obispo County, Atascadero is 17 miles north of San Luis Obispo and it bisected by Highway 101 in the north to south direction and bisected by Highway 46 in the east to west direction. The 23,000 acre community encompasses 24.3 square miles of gently rolling hills dotted with native California oaks; a natural 35 acre lake and seasonal streams, along with the famous Salinas River, one of the few Northern Hemisphere rivers that flow north.

Most new residents are attracted to Atascadero’s beauty and non-stressful California Central Coast lifestyle because there is no smog, one of the lowest crime rates in the state, the convenient local access to US 101 and inland areas, as well as it’s convenient location halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco. The City boasts the County’s only zoo and has over 95 acres of maintained parkland for residents to explore. Yearly Colony Days, Concerts in the Park and El Camino Cruise Night draw many residents during the warm nights of summer and fall.

The city is serviced by The Twin Cities Hospital located 6 miles north as well as by numerous medical professionals who reside in the city. Many residents live in Atascadero and travel to work in either San Luis Obispo or Paso Robles. But many work in the most prominent Atascadero industries of retail and service with over 2000 employed at Atascadero State Hospital which resides within the city limits.

For more statistical information please visit www.census.gov. For the most detailed information go to the Fact Sheet link.

More Info:
Atascadero Business Profile (MS Excel)
City of Atascadero
Atascadero Chamber of Commerce

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The City of Grover Beach covers 2.25 square miles and is located along the beautiful Central Coast of California, 14 miles south of San Luis Obispo, 92 miles north of Santa Barbara, and 150 miles south of Monterey.

Grover Beach provides for a unique quality of life for its 13,000+ residents and draws many tourists with its moderate coastal climate, drive-on beach, and diverse recreational opportunities. The tourist industry continues to be the biggest factor in Grover Beach’s economy. Activities such as dune hiking, fishing, clamming, golfing, horseback riding, wine tasting and off-road vehicle riding are just some of the most popular activities in Grover Beach.

The City is part of the Lucia Mar School District and is serviced by the Arroyo Grande Community Hospital which is 2 miles from the center of Grover Beach. Although many tourists are always present in the community, the City celebrates its residents through the Stone Soup Festival and the Ethnic Street Faire, as well as with numerous clubs, churches, and other organizations.

The City is very proud of the newly constructed Multimodal Facility (train station), which is located at 150 Highway 1 (Pacific Coast Highway). Amtrak currently provides rail service with two daily stops and also provides two daily round trips of the San Diegan connecting buses to destinations in San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Ventura, Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego Counties. The train station is an important and positive step in the City’s economic development efforts.

For more statistical information please visit www.census.gov. For the most detailed information go to the Fact Sheet link.

More Info:
Grover Beach Business Profile (MS Excel)
City of Grover Beach
Grover Beach Chamber of Commerce

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Anchored by the famous Morro Rock jutting out of the Pacific Ocean, the City of Morro Bay on California’s coastal State Highway 1, covers 10 square miles and is located less than four hours from either Los Angeles or San Francisco and 15 minutes west of the City of San Luis Obispo. At 50-foot elevation, the seaside location assures a mild, frost-free coastal climate.

The dominant feature of Morro Bay is its small craft harbor, home to an active fishing fleet. With public and private marinas, Yacht Club, Morro Bay State Park Campground and Marina, and vessel haul out and storage facilities, the City also attracts numerous recreational boaters.

Beach tourism is the primary industry for Morro Bay. The City offers plentiful opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts including golfing, surfing, boating, kayaking, hiking, fishing, whale watching and bird watching. Residents and visitors alike delight in the City’s art galleries, unique shops and boutiques and opportunities for picturesque dining on the Bay. Taxable retail sales are close to $100 million annually.

The City provides for its local residents as well as the tourists through the weekly Fish and Farmer’s Market, the monthly Embarcadero Art Walk and the yearly Crusin’ Morro Bay Art Show. Morro Bay is located in the San Luis Coastal Unified School District and is 12 miles from Sierra Vista Hospital.

Morro Bay was incorporated in 1964 as a General Law City, with a 5-person council, mayor, and city manager. The 2000 estimate of the population is approximately 10,000. The City is within easy driving distance of the picturesque villages of Cambria and San Simeon, the home of Hearst Castle.

For more statistical information please visit www.census.gov. For the most detailed information go to the Fact Sheet link.

More Info:
City of Morro Bay
Morro Bay Chamber of Comerce

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Paso Robles is located in the heart of California’s beautiful Central Coast, halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles at the crossroads of Highways 101 and 46 which has a direct connection with Interstate 5. Paso Robles is 28 miles north of San Luis Obispo. Paso Robles is a General Law City with a Council-Manager form of government. A growing community with a vibrant Downtown area, “Paso” has a population of about 27,000 and a strategy to support economic development through residential, commercial and business growth balanced with efforts to maintain the City’s small town character. Housing in Paso varies widely in price. Although Paso has the most affordable housing in the County, the city also boasts some of the most luxurious homes so most can find a house that fits both their budget and preference.

Over 60 wineries within the Paso Robles area create a year-round attraction for visitors and complement the fine dining experiences available in the Downtown area. Sulfur hot springs have been a Paso Robles amenity since the early 20th Century when the famous Polish pianist and statesman, Ignace Paderewski extolled their curative powers. The main industries are tourism and agriculture both very driven by the wine industry.

Lodging in and around Paso Robles ranges from budget to luxury, with B&B, motels, hotels, and fine resort accommodations in the vineyards. Convention facilities to accommodate groups up to 300 persons are found in the Downtown area. RV parks and camping are also nearby.

Recreation opportunities include boating, water skiing, fishing, and eagle watching at Lake Nacimiento and/or Lake San Antonio, wine tasting at the vineyards, hiking and golfing. The California Mid-State Fairgrounds are in Paso Robles, showcasing major entertainment acts, equestrian, and agricultural exhibits during the annual Mid-State Fair, plus providing a calendar of year-round events. The City also hosts many wine festivals, celebrates its history through Pioneer Day and creates a festive holiday spirit through the Vine Street Victorian Showcase during Christmas time.

For more statistical information please visit www.census.gov. For the most detailed information go to the Fact Sheet link.

More Info:
City of Paso Robles
Paso Robles Chamber of Commerce

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Pismo Beach is part of the original 8,838 acre Rancho Pismo and now encompasses 2304 acres and includes about 8,500 people. Today it has the Council/Manager form of government. Pismo Beach is bordered by the Pacific Ocean, with the cities of Arroyo Grande and Grover Beach to the south. Located along US Highway 101, State Highway 1 branches off the 101 to provide access to the colorful downtown and pier area before continuing inland. Pismo Beach is 12 miles south of San Luis Obispo.

Pismo Beach is primarily known for having one of California’s longest and widest stretches of beach. It is a popular vacation destination boasting over 50 restaurants and 30 hotels many of which are located along the beach and cliffs with spectacular ocean views. Exploring the Pismo Pier and boardwalk, surfing, kayaking and golfing on the three area golf courses are popular activities for residents and tourists alike. It is not surprising then that the main industry in Pismo is tourism.

Pismo Beach hosts many annual events including a Custom Car Show, 4th of July Fireworks, Western Days, Clam Festival, and is home to two Jazz Festivals.

Pismo Beach is served by Arroyo Grande Community hospital, and is well represented by numerous physician specialties. Lucia Mar Unified School District covers nearly 550 square miles and serves over 10,000 students in Kindergarten through 12th grade.

Compared to countywide figures, Pismo Beach has fewer low-income households, some middle-income and a large proportion of higher-income households. Pismo Beach is located 4 miles north of Arroyo Grande Community Hospital and is serviced by the Lucia Mar Unified School District.

For more statistical information please visit www.census.gov. For the most detailed information go to the Fact Sheet link.

More Info:
City of Pismo Beach
Pismo Beach Chamber of Commerce

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The City of San Luis Obispo is located on the Central Coast of California 200 miles north of Los Angeles and 235 miles south of San Francisco. At an elevation of 315 feet, San Luis Obispo is only 10 minutes from the Pacific Ocean and is surrounded by beautiful mountains. With small-town charm and sophisticated residents, the City is the County seat, home to California Polytechnic State University and is located in the San Luis Coastal Unified School District. San Luis Obispo is a full service city, organized under the Council/Administrator form of government with a strong City Police Department, Fire Department and Emergency services. The main industries in the City are tourism and agriculture, but the service industry is also very prominent in the “SLO” economy.

San Luis Obispo is a leader in promoting a healthy lifestyle. It was the first city in California to implement a non-smoking statute in all public buildings. With its proximity to mountains and beaches, there are endless opportunities for family-oriented activities such as hiking, wine tasting at the numerous wineries, rock-climbing indoors and out, biking, camping, boating and water-skiing in the surrounding rural environment.

Historic Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa graces downtown Mission Plaza Park, overlooking San Luis Creek. SLO is a sophisticated and progressive University town with great shopping, dining and nightlife. Every Thursday night features one of the top Farmers Markets in the nation, showcasing local bounty, musicians and artisans whom foster the transformation of Downtown SLO into a community block party. Yearly there are countless festivals such as The Mozart Festival, Concerts in the Plaza and The San Luis Obispo International Film Festival. Parks and Recreation Department, the YMCA and other smaller organizations are very active in organizing many community activities including group hikes and team sports.

SLO’s forward-looking spirit is attributable in part to the influence of Cuesta College and Cal Poly, recognized internationally for excellence in applied technical and professional education. Cal Poly is now home to the state-of-the-art Performing Arts Center, bringing world renowned performers to San Luis Obispo. San Luis Obispo is serviced by two hospitals Sierra Vista Region Medical Center and French Hospital Medical Center.

For more statistical information please visit www.census.gov. For the most detailed information go to the Fact Sheet link.

More Info:
City of San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce

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This is a listing of smaller and unincorporated cities in the County:

Avila Beach is an unincorporated area in San Luis Obispo County, with a population of 797. The town was established in the latter half of the 19th century, when it served as the main shipping port for San Luis Obispo. Although Avila Beach still has a working commercial fishing pier and the inland areas have extensive apple orchards, tourism is now the main industry.

Inn at Avila Beach
Beach California - Avila

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Cambria is a census-designated place (CDP) in San Luis Obispo County with a population of about 6,232. The primary economic activity of Cambria is tourism.

Cambria is located on the coast of the Pacific Ocean, and has dramatic rocky cliffs and beaches.

Cambria Chamber of Commerce
Visit Cambria

Peaceful underdeveloped ranchlands with cattle grazing on undulating, oak-crested hills provide a respite for the city weary. There is virtually no city noise, no traffic, no pollution, no crime.

Cayucos Chamber of Commerce
Cayucos By the Sea

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Nipomo is a census-designated place (CDP) in SLO County with a population of 12,626. Commercial nurseries deliver cut flowers to florists around the world. Other agriculture includes citrus farms, strawberry and vegetable fields, vineyards, and cattle ranches.

Nipomo was designated by the "Places Rated Almanac" as having the best climate in the nation, with a perfect score of 100.

Nipomo Chamber of Commerce

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Oceano is a census-designated place (CDP) in SLO County,with a population estimate of 7,260. The Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area is the only state park in California where visitors may drive vehicles on the beach. Activities on this beach include riding the sand dunes on all-terrain-vehicles, swimming, clamming, camping, surfing, surf fishing, hiking, and bird watching.

Oceano City Data

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San Miguel is a census-designated place (CDP) in SLO County with a population estimate of 1,427. Mission San Miguel Arcángel, founded on 25 July 1797 is home to this town. For many years, the Mission served the town as an active parish church. The San Simeon Earthquake of December 22, 2003 caused severe damage. The mission remains in use today, though is undergoing earthquake remediation efforts.

Discover San Miguel
Mission San Miguel

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San Simeon is an unincorporated settlement on the Pacific coast of SLO County. A key feature of the area is Hearst Castle, a hilltop mansion built by William Randolph Hearst in the early 20th century that is now a tourist attraction. Prehistorically the local area was inhabited by the Chumash people, who settled the coastal San Luis Obispo area approximately 10,000 to 11,000 BC.

San Simeon Chamber of Commerce
Hearst Castle

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Shandon is a census-designated place (CDP) in SLO County with a population estimate of 986. Shandon is located at the bottom of the San Juan Valley, where San Juan Creek and Cholame Creek come together to form the Estrella River. This part of the county's economy is largely based in agriculture. Several large vineyard plantings, including French Camp Vineyards represent important employers in the region.

Shandon City Data

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Shell Beach is a small community nestled around Pismo Beach, just along the coast alongside HWY 101. Small things often bring big suprises. From the top of the bluff, a pristine 180 degree view of the Pacific, Point Conception and Avila Bay unveils itself. The gental waters and natural curves of the coast create an ideal place for kayaking adventurers. Other activities include fishing from the cliffs, swimming, sunbathing and surfing.

California Beachs - Shell Beach

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Templeton is a census-designated place (CDP) in SLO County with a population estimate of 4,687. This small town is home to businesses that serve the local ranching and agriculture, including horse ranches and vineyards. Templeton is also emerging as a world class wine producer. Many of the wineries with the "Paso Robles" appellation are actually located in the unicorporated Templeton area.

Templeton Chamber of Commerce

For more information about the specific cities please contact us (805) 788-2012 or by email info@sloevc.org

For information about San Luis Obispo County and the individual Cities visit the County Website.

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