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Detailed pages on related topics: San Luis Obispo colleges • San Luis Obispo travel • San Luis Obispo mortgage and property.
Introduction to San Luis Obispo, California
The city of San Luis Obispo lies on the Central Coast of California, roughly halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles (each a little more than 200 miles away). Founded by Father Junipero Serra in 1772 and incorporated in 1856, the city was named after Saint Louis, a 13th Century Bishop of Toulouse, France (the city's name is the Spanish translation of "St. Louis, the Bishop"). Situated at the junction of U.S. Highway 101 and California State Highway 1 (the scenic Pacific Coast Highway), the city is the county seat of San Luis Obispo County.
Very much a college town, San Luis Obispo is home to California Polytechnic (Cal Poly) State University and also to Cuesta Community College. The City Council has had a college professor elected to it four times, and approximately one third of the city's population is of college age or attending college. Noted satirist and recording artist Weird Al Yankovic made his start by working as a DJ at the Cal Poly campus radio station while studying architecture at the university. His debut song, "My Bologna," was recorded in a bathroom stall on campus.
San Luis Obispo Arts & Entertainment
One of San Luis Obispo's main draws is Farmers' Market, a large outdoor festival held downtown every Thursday evening throughout the year. Created in 1983 as an outlet for the city's large collegiate population, the event features live entertainment and produce sold by local farmers and vendors. Other city events include Cinco de Mayo celebrations and a standard Christmas Parade. The city has also been a stop on the route of the Olympic Torch and the Tour of California bicycle race. Focal point of the city's downtown area is the Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, originally built in the late 18th century and later carefully restored. Those attracted to the offbeat may appreciate San Luis Obispo's Bubble Gum Alley, on whose walls people have been sticking their chewed gum since 1960.
Several nearby attractions are within easy driving distance of San Luis Obispo. Just south of the city is Edna Valley, an area which has developed into a well-known wine region. Some of its wineries have won awards and acclaim for their vintages. Even more wineries can be found in the Paso Robles area, located about 30 miles north of San Luis Obispo. Located 43 miles to the north of San Luis Obispo is the very popular Hearst Castle, the spacious estate of famed publisher William Randolph Hearst. The city of Santa Maria, located 33 miles to the south, offers its own variety of local attractions, including the Museum of Flight, the Discovery Museum, and the Railway Historical Museum.
Sports enthusiasts can take a two-hour drive eastward along highway 58 to the city of Bakersfield where the Bakersfield Condors (East Coast Hockey League) play their games. Another pro team in this city is the Bakersfield Blaze (a Minor League baseball team and the Single-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers).
Comparing San Luis Obispo to similar size places nationwide (Peers) and to other places in California (State):
Ratings range from 
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| Characteristic | Compared to Peers | Compared to State |
|---|---|---|
| Male Share of the Population | |  |
| Racial Diversity |  |  |
| Senior Citizens |  | |
| Well-Paid Single Men | | |
| Age of the Population | | |
| Female Share of the Population | |  |
| Children Under 5 Years Old | | |
| Characteristic | Compared to Peers | Compared to State |
|---|---|---|
| Average Household Size | | |
| Portion of People Married | | |
| Characteristic | Compared to Peers | Compared to State |
|---|---|---|
| College Educated Adults | | |
| Median Family Income | | |
| People in Middle Class or Better | |  |
| People Above Poverty | | |
| Characteristic | Compared to Peers | Compared to State |
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| Walking and Biking to Work | | |
| Short Commute Times | | |
| Working at Home | |  |
| Public Transportation Use |  | |
| Characteristic | Compared to Peers | Compared to State |
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| Studio & One-Bedroom Rentals | | |
| People Living Alone | | |
| Seasonal and Vacation Housing | | |
| Housing Recently Built | | |
| Affordability of Property Taxes | | |
| Affordability of Rents | | |
| Characteristic | Compared to Peers | Compared to State |
|---|---|---|
| Low Violent Crime | | |
| Low Property Crime | | |
Detailed pages on related topics: San Luis Obispo colleges • San Luis Obispo travel • San Luis Obispo mortgage and property.
 | San Luis Obispo Careers San Luis Obispo career and employment information. |
 | San Luis Obispo Colleges San Luis Obispo colleges and trade schools. |
 | San Luis Obispo Hotels & Travel San Luis Obispo hotels, landmarks, tourism, transportation. |
 | San Luis Obispo Mortgage San Luis Obispo property, mortgage, and real estate. |
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