Might be moving to SLO/Santa Maria - Young Family

[hiphopcr]

I would just say to rent before you buy. I would recommend renting in SLO for a year and visiting the other communities in the area on the weekend to see what you like.

Although I can't imagine anyone visiting Santa Maria and thinking "this is a place I'd like to live". SLO is a cool town, though.

[maybeslo]

Thanks so much for all of the feedback everyone. We should know more about this possible move in the next week or two. If we move, I think we may decide to rent for a year to get a feel for the communities. I have been looking at Craigslist and see that there are some nice homes in AG. There also seem to be some nice ones in SLO, but they are more expensive; I assume because of the college students. The main thing will be for us to choose a school for our kids (either public or private) and we may be cutting things close with the timing.

[.highnlite]

That kind of continuous heat is quite bearable as we live in a modern day society where cars and buildings have A/C..

A couple of stories, I met some folks who moved to Arroyo Grande from an upscale neighborhood of Dallas, they told me that their kids elementary school was one of the top rated in Texas and they were concerned about their kids in public school here since they had heard whiners.

The moved here, the kids started one of our two elementary schools and were soon in danger of failing as they were so far behind the other kids.

Arroyo Grande High School was recently ranked 426th in the nation out of 26,000 High Schools.

[Conco2k]

I just finished reading all the posts and am in a similar situation as original poster (OP). I was hoping to get an update from the OP to see if you eventually made the move and if so, where you ended up moving to? I recently just spent the weekend in Santa Maria and did some traveling to AG, Pismo Beach and SLO in the process. In case anyone is wondering, my wife and I see ourselves looking to rent a place in AG. Oh and to clarify, its definitely 35 minutes from SLO to SM doing 65-70 mph.

[the city]

Most families move to Orcutt, and commute to work in Santa Maria. Orcutt is a wealthy suburb of Santa Maria. The schools in Orcutt are better, but everything is in Santa Maria. Bowling, movies, skating rink, a mall, mini golf and arcade center, Costco, Chuck E Cheese, Trader Joes, Lassens Organic Food, hospitals, an airport, community college, and jobs are in Santa Maria. Santa Maria's residents are mostly the working class and lower income families that work in the farms and other low end jobs in the city.

San Luis Obispo's economy revolves around more skilled jobs like teaching, technology, engineering, medical, and other higher paying jobs.

Thus people pay more into schools, more hiking trails, and more police support. Also, SLO has some higher end stores like Pottery Barn, Chicos, Talbots, Sephora, Victoria Secrets, Patrick James, Urban Outfitters, and high end restaurants downtown that people with money can afford to shop at.

[the city]

In a couple years, I am thinking of moving. Renting first, but when considering buying a home I guess you have to look at schools.

in SLO County, Templeton High School rates number 1 for high schools. 2nd is San Luis Obispo High School. Third is Morro Bay High School. Fourth is Arroyo Grande High School. Templeton and Morro Bay have a blue ribbon accreditation.

All four of these high schools, their API reports score above 800.

I'd like to move to San Luis Obispo, but there are no jobs that would pay well enough where I could afford a home. I'd have to look into getting a home in Arroyo Grande.

In regards to Santa Maria, Pioneer Valley High School scores a 750 compared to a lousy 697 with Santa Maria High. In Orcutt, Orcutt Academy High score above 800. Righetti is close to hitting 800, but not just yet.

All though, I like Santa Maria more because it's a bigger city and there is more to do. But the crime rate and schools aren't as good as the suburb.

[Conco2k]

Originally Posted by Conco2k

I just finished reading all the posts and am in a similar situation as original poster (OP). I was hoping to get an update from the OP to see if you eventually made the move and if so, where you ended up moving to? I recently just spent the weekend in Santa Maria and did some traveling to AG, Pismo Beach and SLO in the process. In case anyone is wondering, my wife and I see ourselves looking to rent a place in AG. Oh and to clarify, its definitely 35 minutes from SLO to SM doing 65-70 mph.

A quick update for us as of 4/15 we are officially living in Nipomo. Relatively close to everything only about 10-15min drive to AG or SM. This is a great place if you love the small town feel, Great people and (so far) community. And I have to say Great food selections too!

[.highnlite]

Congratulations on your move, Nipomo has become a nice little town, Jockos etc, This is a great project to get involved in, and meet very fine people Dana Adobe

[the city]

Originally Posted by Conco2k

A quick update for us as of 4/15 we are officially living in Nipomo. Relatively close to everything only about 10-15min drive to AG or SM. This is a great place if you love the small town feel, Great people and (so far) community. And I have to say Great food selections too!

Why did you chose Nipomo over Orcutt? Was it becasue Nipomo was cheaper?