Best Sums It Up for Me

“All in one day from the mountains to the beach and the lakefront to the vineyards - it’s all within my reach
It’s a good day in the sunshine with my friends and the music never ends wherever we roam
I’m living and loving the SLO Life - SLO’s my home!”
Song by JD Project for SLO Life Magazine

The Happiest Place on Earth

The city was named the “happiest place in America” by Dan Buettner in his 2010 book “Thrive: Finding Happiness the Blue Zones Way,” which describes how to live a long and happy life and was published by National Geographic.

Some people may think Oprah Winfrey gave us that title because she did a segment about SLO Town.

While San Luis Obispo as a City and our County continues to grow, the City Planners and the Parks and Recreation Departments throughout the County are working with builders and developers to add open spaces, parks, walkways, trails, and other outdoors resources within and around new communities. The Land Conservancy of SLO County is a great organization (in my humble opinion, of course) that raises funds to protect and manage our local historic resources and open spaces. Some of my favorite projects that they have done are the Pismo Preserve and the Historic Octogan Barn.
If you are interested in more information on their projects and how to donate, volunteer or become involved in other ways, here is their contact information:
The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County
1137 Pacific Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
805.544.9096

According to the Gallup-Healthways State of American Well-being series, the happiness of a community is measured by a well-being index score using the following five elements: purpose, social, financial, community and physical. Pardon me while I list them as I feel the best apply to my hometown.

Community.

In one study, 94.1 percent of individuals reporting they were satisfied with their community. You will see parks and open spaces throughout SLO. We have community gardens and more planned. Wide, tree-lined sidewalks and plazas downtown encourage people to stroll and visit. Put a smile on your face I guarantee you’ll get plenty back!

Social.

What would you like to do tonight? Residents love their art – from performance art to the visual arts - we got it! Hungry? SLO is home to some of the most amazing restaurants, world-class chefs and finest wines anywhere. Cocktails and live music? We are not only influenced by the college when it comes to our live music scene. Live music at the many outdoor venues throughout the County during the summer months caters to every taste and the entire family is invited. Playgrounds and dog parks. Oh! By the way - we have some of the most beautiful beaches anywhere! Let’s go whale watching or people watching!

Physical.

San Luis Obispo was recently cited as one of the most active cities in the nation. Many residents bike and walk to work every day.  There are more than 6,500 acres of protected open space for hiking, biking and yearlong outdoor activities. We like to move! Gyms- there are plenty of gyms that provide all your heart desires. Pickleball courts, tennis, rock climbing walls, swimming, weight training, spin classes . . . Come play with us!

Purpose.

In the 1970’s the City set out to plan for the long-term well-being of our community. I believe that the City’s goal was to respect our environment that surrounds us, plan the best use of our natural resources, and show consideration for the diverse people that came before us and built this town. You’ll see that in the preservation of buildings downtown, land that has been set aside as open space for public use and landmarks all over the County. My wish is that the people that move to this beautiful area learn to love our history and the spirit of our people - both past and present!

Financial.

Here’s some information from Point2homes.com that I found interesting about SLO County (as of 2024):
Average Household Income: $89,259.05

Median Household Income: $68,333.00

Self Employees 21,000 Private Companies 93,018

Governmental Workers 26,285 Not for Profit Companies 7,655

White Collar 115,395 Blue Collar 32,563