San Luis Obispo, California

Beautiful San Luis Obispo is located along the shores of the Pacific Ocean, one hundred miles north of Santa Barbara, two hundred miles north of Los Angeles and two hundred thirty five miles south of San Francisco on Highway 101.

San Luis Obispo fondly referred to by many as "SLO" was founded in 1772 as a mission, and some 228 years later the historic Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa is still used by worshipers . The Mission, the fifth of twenty-one California Missions built by the Catholic Church, was established by Father Junipero Serra. He located the mission along the meandering San Luis Creek in a valley surrounded by grassy peaks. The mission was built with a tile roof rather than the usual thatch roof in order to repel flaming arrow attacks by the then unfriendly Chumash Indians. Today the mission is at the heart of San Luis Obispo’s historic downtown and sits amidst many other historic building that are now home to everything from museums to retail shops. Mission Plaza has become an urban oasis hosting events throughout the year.

The city of nearly 45,000 offers residents a wonderful variety of both cultural and recreational possibilities with an emphasis on great outdoor recreation. Residents enjoy a charming small town lifestyle with a low crime rate and a pleasing climate that makes living in San Luis Obispo a pleasure, whether you are raising a family or seeking an ideal retirement environment.

The growing economy is based on a blend of agriculture, education, tourism and industry. Serving a trade area of over 250,000 people, the city is a center for commerce and medical services. Two of the largest employers are Cal Poly State University and Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant. In 1998, “Money” Magazine rated San Luis Obispo as one of the west’s best places to live, and in 2004, Frommer’s "Cities Ranked and Rated" named San Luis Obispo among the best 3 places to live in North America!

San Luis Obispo grew from its roots into a real city after the completion of the Southern Pacific Railroad in 1894. Located in one of California’s finest wine regions, the city offers spectacular scenery and a mild Mediterranean climate. The area has a wonderful combination of ideal weather and soil, perfect for growing the quality grapes required to produce outstanding wines, and the vintners of San Luis Obispo county has won more than their fair share of awards.

More at www.slopages.com...

Check out the city's plan:
www.ci.san-luis-obispo.ca.us/communitydevelopment/downl...

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