Pismo Beach/Shell Beach

Pismo Beach is a classic California beach town with miles of coastline and spectacular sunsets. Must-try activities include riding the dunes in a four-wheel ATV, horseback riding, surfing, bodyboarding, and fishing. For a more relaxing vibe, stroll along the boardwalk and out on the Pismo Pier and then treat yourself to a meal at one of the city’s fantastic restaurants.

Demographics:

• Population: 8,180
• Median age: 57.5
• Median Listing Home Price: $1.2M
• Median Listing Home Price/Sq Ft: $785
• Median Sold Home Price: $1M
• Median Days on Market: 77 Days
• Schools: Pismo Beach has 7 public schools rated good and higher by GreatSchools.

Avila Beach

Temperate Avila Beach is an upscale beach town offering all kinds of experiences, including natural hot springs, a protected wildlife estuary, and the happening Avila Beach Golf Resort. Locals spend their days sunning on the sand, kayaking the cove or hiking the Bob Jones Trail, and feeding the animals at Avila Valley Barn. And don’t forget to order a pint or a glass of bubbly at one of the town’s top notch breweries or wineries!

Demographics:

• Population: 1,311
• Median age: 63.7
• Median Listing Home Price: $2.5M
• Median Listing Home Price/Sq Ft: $1.4K
• Median Sold Home Price: $861.4K
• Median Days on Market: n/a
• Schools: Avila Beach has 4 public schools rated good and higher by GreatSchools.

Grover Beach/ Oceano

Family-friendly Grover Beach is the gateway to the Oceano Dunes, currently the only California state beach on which people can drive ATVs and vehicles. Each weekend, residents can be found barbecuing at the beach, toasting marshmallows over the fire, and watching the sunset with family and friends. Other favorites include the butterfly grove, casual eateries, and laugh-out-loud entertainment at the Great American Melodrama.

Demographics:

• Population: 13,535 (Grover Beach), 7,487 (Oceano)
• Median age: 37.2, 39
• Median Listing Home Price: $699.9K, $602K
• Median Listing Home Price/Sq Ft: $437, $492
• Median Sold Home Price: $701K, $525K
• Median Days on Market: 50 Days, 54 Days
• Schools: Grover Beach and Oceano have 7 public schools per city rated good and higher by GreatSchools.

Arroyo Grande

Looking for some Old World charm? Arroyo Grande, with its historic village, playful roosters, and friendly people, is the town for you. The town is home to dozens of antique and specialty shops, fine boutiques, and restaurants serving food and drink for all tastes. And, just a short drive away, is Lopez Lake, a hidden gem packed with all kinds of thrilling outdoor activities.

Demographics:

• Population: 18,033
• Median age: 44.6
• Median Listing Home Price: $944.5K
• Median Listing Home Price/Sq Ft: $484
• Median Sold Home Price: $935K
• Median Days on Market: 64 Days
• Schools: Arroyo Grande has 8 public schools rated good and higher by GreatSchools. You can also find 6 private and charter schools.

Paso Robles

Located along Highway 101 midway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, Paso Robles is home to majestic vineyards, oak-dotted hills, and plenty of cowboy charm. Residents of Paso Robles can indulge in award-winning food and wine, take in a concert at the Vina Robles Amphitheater or California Midstate Fair, and explore the city’s many historical and outdoor attractions.

Demographics:

Population: 31,490
Median age: 38.7
Median Listing Home Price: $711.5K
Median Listing Home Price/Sq Ft: $392
Median Sold Home Price: $655.5K
Median Days on Market: 53 Days
Schools: 15 public schools rated good and higher by GreatSchools. You can also find 5 private and charter schools.

Atascadero

Founded in 1913 as a utopian, planned colony, Atascadero is a truly unique Central Coast town. Here residents have easy access to dozens of wineries, championship golf, and the Central Coast’s only accredited zoo. From its historic City Hall and Sunken Gardens, to the scenic Atascadero Lake Park, and shopping and dining downtown, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Demographics:

• Population: 30,130
• Median age: 37.7
• Median Listing Home Price: $694.9K
• Median Listing Home Price/Sq Ft: $416
• Median Sold Home Price: $676.7K
• Median Days on Market: 60 Days
• Schools: Atascadero has 12 public schools rated good and higher by GreatSchools. You can also find 5 private and charter schools.

Cambria

Cambria is known for its artistic flair, beaches, and wide-open spaces. It’s the perfect place to explore the great outdoors or savor a delicious winemaker dinner. The town is filled with dozens of locally owned shops, restaurants, galleries, and tasting rooms—each with its own special story and history. It’s also just a short drive away from Hearst Castle, the architectural jewel of the Central Coast.

Demographics:

• Population: 5,647
• Median age: 60.7
• Median Listing Home Price: $1.1M
• Median Listing Home Price/Sq Ft: $648
• Median Sold Home Price: $1M
• Median Days on Market: 62 Days
• Schools: Cambria has 3 public schools rated good and higher by GreatSchools.

Cayucos

Cayucos is a fun and friendly beach town that offers a slower pace of life for people tired of big cities. The town’s sandy beaches and famous pier are popular destinations for locals and visitors alike. Referred to “Where the Old West Meets the Ocean,” Cayucos’s main drag has foodie favorites like The Hidden Kitchen and the Brown Butter Cookie Co., as well as an authentic saloon, the Old Cayucos Tavern.

Demographics:

• Population: 2,630
• Median age: 58.7
• Median Listing Home Price: $1.8M
• Median Listing Home Price/Sq Ft:$1K
• Median Sold Home Price: $4.2M
• Median Days on Market: 148 Days
• Schools: Cayucos has 5 public schools rated good and higher by GreatSchools.

Morro Bay

Morro Bay is home to world-famous Morro Rock and harbor, where residents can partake in year-round outdoor activities like kayaking, surfing, boating, golfing, hiking, and biking. The sloping, coastal hills provide unbeatable views of the town’s beautiful beaches, bay, and estuary Meanwhile, the downtown area is always abuzz with shopping, dining, and special events. This is the place to go for the freshest seafood and some retro saltwater taffy. It feels like stepping back in time to California’s bygone days.

Demographics:

• Population: 10.578
• Median Age: 50.8
• Median Listing Home Price: $1.1M
• Median Listing Home Price/Sq Ft: $615
• Median Sold Home Price: $982.5K
• Median Days on Market: 56 Days
• Schools: Morro Bay has 3 public schools rated good and higher by GreatSchools.

Nipomo

Nipomo is a tried-and-true ag town with unbelievable weather and breathtaking views of orchards and mesas. But that’s not all—it’s also home to two world-class golf courses and peaceful Oso Flaco Lake, a hot spot for birds and other wildlife. The Dana Adobe, built in 1851, provides an unparalleled glimpse into California’s rich ranching past. This is the place to carve out your little slice of paradise.

Demographics:

• Population: 17,601
• Median age: 39.6
• Median Listing Home Price: $850K
• Median Listing Home Price/Sq Ft: $433
• Median Sold Home Price: $1.1M
• Median Days on Market: 67 Days
• Schools: Nipomo has 6 public schools rated good and higher by GreatSchools. You can also find 4 private and charter schools.

San Luis Obispo

San Luis Obispo—or SLO, as the locals call it—is known for its charming downtown full of boutique shops and restaurants, outstanding winemaking, and unbeatable outdoor attractions. People here believe in living “the SLO life,” unencumbered by the day-to-day grind. The welcoming community is home to people of all ages, from newborns, to college students from nearby Cal Poly and Cuesta College, to retirees. No matter  your age, it’s the perfect place to call home.

Demographics:

• Population: 47,302 
• Median age: 26.7
• Median Listing Home Price: $975K
  Median Listing Home Price/Sq Ft: $554
• Median Sold Home Price: $1M
• Median Days on Market: 51 Days
• Schools: San Luis Obispo has 13 public schools rated good and higher by GreatSchools. You can also find 12 private and charter schools.

Templeton

Nestled in rolling vineyards and farmland, Templeton takes great pride in its rural roots. Locals love to celebrate on Founder’s Day, the Fourth of July, or just at the weekend farmers market. Templeton is also home to a growing craft beer and wine tasting scene. Take a stroll down Main Street, pop into the antique stores and specialty shops, and then treat yourself to a totally fresh, farm-to-table meal in this welcoming community.

Demographics:

• Population: 7,838
• Median age: 43.5 
• Median Listing Home Price: $1.2M
• Median Listing Home Price/Sq Ft: $531
• Median Sold Home Price: $875K
• Median Days on Market: 66 Days
• Schools: Templeton has 11 public schools rated good and higher by GreatSchools. You can also find 2 private and charter schools.