The city of San Luis Obispo serves as the county seat for the County of San Luis Obispo located half way between Los Angeles and San Francisco, and just 10 miles from the Pacific Ocean. One of the original California Mission Cities, San Luis Obispo formed around the Mission de Tolosa founded in 1772.

The back drop of the Los Padres National Forest and the temperate coastal climate make for ideal living conditions with summer temperatures in the upper 70’s and Winter temperatures in the upper 60’s. Outdoor activities abound year round including hiking, biking, lake and ocean fishing, sailing, surfing, kayaking, or just strolling in the beautiful revitalized downtown.

San Luis Obispo is the major retail and cultural center for the county. The down town remains an attraction for locals and visitors alike. Scheduled events like the Thursday night Farmers Market, criterion bike races, and local parades and events add to the vitality of the down town area. With many residents living and working, in the down town area, it remains a friendly place to shop, dine or just spend some time day or night.

California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) adds to the progressive and cultural spirit of San Luis Obispo. With 19,000 students, Cal Poly has a major influence on the 45,000 residents of San Luis Obispo, bringing many events to the community at the Cal Poly Performing Arts Center, and Division I NCAA sports. While Agriculture, Engineering, and Architecture remain the base of the university, the Business, Science and Liberal Arts schools have added to the nationwide reputation of Cal Poly. In addition, to Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo is home to Cuesta Community College serving 7,000 students at the San Luis Obispo Campus and 2,500 more at the two satellite campus locations in north and south county. San Luis Obispo is served by the San Luis Coastal Unified School District which covers not only San Luis Obispo, but Morro Bay and Los Osos as well. Seven grammar schools feed Laguna Lake Middle School, and San Luis Obispo High School. Old Mission grammar school and Mission College Prep also provide excellent programs for those seeking a private school program.

With ideal weather, and a myriad of activities, and the best location in California, is it any wonder that the local residents refer to the San Luis Obispo life style as the SLO Life.