Thinking of Moving to California’s Central Coast?

Your Insider’s Guide from a Templeton Local & Owner/Broker of Nest Central Coast Realty

By Dianna Vonderheide

California’s Central Coast is one of those rare places where life instantly feels lighter. Whether it’s the ocean air, the rolling vineyards, the small-town friendliness, or the endless outdoor beauty, people who visit often find themselves wondering what it would be like to live here full-time.

If you’re considering a move to San Luis Obispo County — whether to Templeton, Paso Robles, Atascadero, SLO, or one of our beach towns — this guide will give you an honest, detailed look at what life here is really like. As a Templeton local and the Owner/Broker of Nest Central Coast Realty, I help newcomers learn the rhythms, lifestyles, and character of each community so they can choose the area that fits them best.

Why So Many People Fall in Love With the Central Coast

The Central Coast has a way of winning people over gently but quickly. It’s not flashy. It’s not hurried. It feels safe, beautiful, connected, and calm — a lifestyle that many people seek but rarely find.

The Climate

One of the biggest draws is the weather. Coastal towns like Pismo Beach, Shell Beach, and Avila Beach enjoy cool, breezy temperatures year-round, while inland communities such as Paso Robles and Templeton have warm, sunny summers and crisp evenings. Winters are mild, springs bloom green, summers stretch long into September, and fall turns golden across the hills.

The Scenery

Few regions offer this combination: beaches, vineyards, oak woodlands, rolling hills, farmland, small towns, and walkable downtowns — all within a short drive of each other. It’s completely normal to spend a morning on a coastal trail in Montaña de Oro and your afternoon wine tasting in Templeton or Paso Robles.

The Lifestyle

What people notice first is the ease of life here. Traffic isn’t overwhelming. People wave when they pass you on the street. Local businesses know their customers. Weekends revolve around farmers markets, wine tasting, beach days, hikes, concerts in the park, and dinners outdoors.

It’s not just a place to move. It’s a place to breathe.

A Closer Look at the Towns of SLO County

San Luis Obispo County is made up of distinct communities, each with its own personality. Here’s a deeper look at the major towns newcomers consider:

San Luis Obispo (SLO): Lively, Walkable, and Culture-Rich

SLO is the most urban part of the county, but it still feels relaxed and friendly. Downtown shops, patios, cafés, boutique stores, wine bars, and Mission Plaza events give it a vibrant feel without the overwhelm of a big city. The Thursday night farmers market is legendary and brings the whole community together.

Neighborhoods vary from the wine-country beauty of Edna Valley to the family-friendly Laguna Lake to hillside homes near Bishop Peak. Young professionals, students, families, and retirees blend together here, creating a dynamic, energetic environment.

Best for: Walkability, restaurants, culture, Cal Poly connections, easy access to shops.

Paso Robles: Wine Country Living With Space to Breathe

Paso Robles is one of the most respected wine regions in the country — and it shows. Vineyard estates, ranch properties, custom homes, and open land define the landscape. The summers are warm and sunny, the winters are mild, and the starry nights are unforgettable.

Paso has a thriving downtown with exceptional dining, tasting rooms, and year-round events. Whether you want acreage, a vineyard property, or a luxury estate with views, Paso offers possibilities that don’t exist in many other California regions.

Best for: Space, vineyard living, warm summers, rural charm, strong community feel.

Templeton: Small-Town Charm, Big Heart, and Highly Sought-After Schools

Templeton is the picture of small-town life — and as a Templeton resident myself, I can say it’s truly special. People move here for the strong sense of community, award-winning schools, quiet tree-lined streets, and proximity to wineries, restaurants, and outdoor activities.

The Saturday Farmers Market is a weekly gathering where it feels like everyone knows everyone. Homes range from walkable neighborhoods to ranches, acreage properties, and vineyard estates.

Best for: Community, schools, central location, wineries, small-town warmth.

Atascadero: Wooded, Quiet, and Convenient

Atascadero offers more space and affordability than many nearby towns, with neighborhoods surrounded by oak trees and rolling hills. It’s a comfortable middle ground — quieter than SLO, cooler than Paso in the summer, and still just minutes from everything.

In recent years, the restaurant and brewery scene has grown, and families appreciate the laid-back atmosphere and larger lot sizes.

Best for: Budget flexibility, space, privacy, families, and commuters.

Coastal Towns: For Those Who Can’t Live Without the Ocean                                                                         

Avila Beach

Warm, clean, and boutique — perfect for morning walks, paddle boarding, and family beach days.

Morro Bay

Laid-back, artsy, and full of outdoor activities like kayaking, sailing, and biking. Morro Rock is the landmark that will appear in half your photos.

Cayucos

Retro, charming, surfy, and beloved by locals for its small shops, pier, and taco spots.

Shell Beach

Cliffside views, luxury homes, spectacular sunsets, and a quiet, elevated feel.

Pismo Beach

Classic California beach energy with miles of sandy coastline, oceanfront dining, and great surf.

Best for: Beach lovers, retirees, surfers, coastal living, and scenic beauty.

How to Get Connected: Clubs, Community & Making Friends

One of the best parts about moving here is how quickly you can make connections if you want to.

Country & Athletic Clubs

• SLO Country Club — golf, tennis, dining, and a strong community presence.

• Avila Bay Athletic Club — known for its friendly atmosphere and social events.

• Paso Robles Sports Club — great for families, fitness, and year-round activities.

Social Groups & Meetups

You’ll find local groups for:

• hiking and trail running

• wine tasting

• photography

• women’s networking

• dog meetups

• fitness and yoga

• book clubs

• “new in town” social circles

People here are incredibly welcoming — newcomers are never outsiders for long.

Volunteer Opportunities

Rotary Clubs, school events, food banks, animal rescues, and local nonprofits thrive through community involvement. Volunteering is an easy way to get rooted locally.

Events to Look Forward to All Year

The Central Coast calendar is full of annual traditions that quickly become part of local life:

• Paso Robles Wine Festival

• Templeton Concerts in the Park

• Avila Beach Farmers Market (spring through fall)

• Cambria Christmas Market

• Atascadero Tamale Festival

• SLO Film Festival

• Morro Bay Harbor Festival

• Pismo Beach 4th of July Celebration

Each season brings new events that blend small-town charm with unforgettable experiences.

Outdoor Life: Beaches, Trails, and Everyday Adventures

If you love being outside — or think you might — you’ll feel right at home.

Hiking

• Bishop Peak (SLO) offers panoramic views and a great workout.

• Montaña de Oro’s Bluff Trail feels like walking on the edge of the world.

• Three Bridges Oak Preserve (Atascadero) has shaded trails and beautiful views.

• Harmony Headlands is quiet, peaceful, and perfect for coastal hikes.

Beaches

Each beach has its own personality:

• Pismo for long sandy walks

• Avila for calm, family-friendly days

• Morro Bay for kayaking with otters

• Cayucos for surf culture

• Shell Beach for dramatic cliffs and sunsets

Weekend Adventures

• Wine tasting

• Horseback riding

• E-biking through vineyards

• Kayaking

• Whale watching

• Farmers markets

Life here naturally becomes healthier and more active.

Dining on the Central Coast

The food scene is one of the region’s most underrated strengths. Local produce, fresh seafood, farm-to-table menus, and chef-driven restaurants make dining out a true experience.

Local Favorites

SLO: Novo, Ox + Anchor
Paso Robles: Il Cortile, The Hatch, Les Petites Canailles
Templeton: McPhee’s Grill, Kitchenette
Coastal: Ventana Grill, Oyster Loft

Whether it’s brunch, fine dining, tacos, or wine-paired dinners, you’ll never run out of places to explore.

Your Relocation Checklist

Before moving, consider:

• Do you prefer coastal fog or inland sunshine?

• How important are schools?

• Do you want acreage, walkability, or ocean views?

• Are you prepared for coastal maintenance or rural well/septic systems?

• What’s your ideal commute?

• Are you comfortable with HOAs or do you prefer open living?

• What kind of community do you want — lively, quiet, beachy, or rural?

These questions shape where you’ll feel most at home.

Whether you're dreaming of vineyard sunsets, ocean breezes, or small-town life, the Central Coast offers a lifestyle that’s hard to beat. As the Owner/Broker of Nest Central Coast Realty, I help buyers understand the nuances of each town, match their lifestyle to the right neighborhood, and make their transition seamless.

If you’d like a personalized relocation plan or curated list of homes, I’d love to help.

Dianna Vonderheide
Owner/Broker, Nest Central Coast Realty
Templeton Local • Real Estate Advisor
@diannavond
nestcentralcoastrealty.com
805-234-0640