Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara is located geographically less than 100 miles from hyper-metropolitan Los Angeles but feels light years away from the noise and congestion of its huge neighbor to the south, which helps explain why the upper crust of Southern California have long favored the coastal retreat as both a getaway destination and the perfect place for a second (or sometimes first) home. With a temperate climate and lush natural environs, the “Riviera of the West” is perfect for a day trip, with its wide, perfect beaches, highly rated wineries, and a large variety of shopping and dining choices.
Much of the architecture in the city is Spanish Colonial in style, in keeping with the Spanish heritage of the city: white buildings with tile roofs are a trademark sight. The city has enacted strict ordinances to prevent erosion of this image, with some success. For example, there are no billboardsanywhere in town or along the freeway through town for 20 miles in either direction.
Santa Barbara encompasses about 40 square miles, but more than half of that real estate is part of the Pacific Ocean.
San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo is a college town. The city’s population is 44,000; Cal-Poly’s enrollment is nearly half of that. Because of the school, the city is able to attract talent and foster an intellectual climate that one might not associate with a city of its size. Education level (and income) are higher here than national averages. The students also contribute to the laid back atmosphere, which is only helped by it’s location along the breezy California coast.
Aside from education, agriculture plays an important role in the local economy. Behind only Sonoma and Napa Counties, San Luis Obispo County is at the top of California wine production. The wine grapes at dollars to the local economy directly and by encouraging tourism to the area. The agricultural industry also contributes to the city’s rural feel.
One of the most popular attractions in SLO is the weekly farmer’s market that takes place downtown. It’s open from 6-9 pm Thursdays every week of the year except for Thanksgiving, and is a popular gathering location for locals.
Housing prices are unevenly scattered throughout the city due to the student population. Areas close to the universities and popular with the student body are artificially inflated, and this, along with the slow growth policy of the city, has provided a buffer against the population and building explosion in the areas surrounding the city.
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