Paso Robles??? (Long Beach, Santa Barbara, Santa Maria: construction, schools, living in)

[westerners]

Am I even in the right forum? I didn't find anything for central coastal. We are possibly moving to Paso Robles? Yes, I'm nervous! I never imagined living here the rest of my life. I need info!!! I have 3 young children--is this a place with a lot of young families? Is there anything to do there? Is there good shopping? Is the cost of living much more affordable than L.A.? Are the schools good? Should I just run away before get into something I'm not too happy with? Any info would be greatly appreciated! Thanks

[Roaddog]

Originally Posted by westerners

Am I even in the right forum? I didn't find anything for central coastal. We are possibly moving to Paso Robles? Yes, I'm nervous! I never imagined living here the rest of my life. I need info!!! I have 3 young children--is this a place with a lot of young families? Is there anything to do there? Is there good shopping? Is the cost of living much more affordable than L.A.? Are the schools good? Should I just run away before get into something I'm not too happy with? Any info would be greatly appreciated! Thanks

What do you like to do? i've been there and it looks good to me, real close to the coast, shopping will be fine and I'm pretty sure it should be cheaper than LA. I wouldn't have a problem living there.

[eekwine]

It will be hotter in the summer and depending on your LA location, farther from the ocean. It is hard to know whether or not to advise you about moving there without knowing why you are moving there & what you are looking for. It is definately a more rural area than LA which may be appealing to you or not.

There are other central coast areas. Have you considered Santa Ynez Valley, Arroyo Grande, San Louis Obispo, Monterey, etc?

[westerners]

My husband may possibly be practicing Dentistry there. We live in Pennsylvania right now, but my husband is from Long Beach, and I am from Utah and we are really looking forward to coming back to the west. I worry about the cost of living, and the social scene. I am really looking for a community of young families to grow up with my children. I'm also looking for an area where there are fun places to take my family. We enjoy pretty much anything, but I don't want to spend my days at the local Mcdonald play land. My idea of a good time with the kids are museams, and fun indoor activities during the cold season, and outdoor activites in the summer. How hot are we talking in the summer? Coming from Utah, I am used to low 100's and upper 90's. The schools are also very important. I have heard that California schools aren't that great, and we should just plan on private. Any more info would be great!

[the city]

there started construction on a super walmart. there's a water park. not much to do in north county

[mono#9]

I don't know how the schools are these days--but Paso Robles is a very nice place to live and I would think there would be lots of young families. Why don't you contact the Newcomers Club of the California Central Coast--when I moved to Goleta with children, I joined the Santa Barbara Newcomers and had immediate access to new friends and a baby-sitting co-op. Google them (I think we're not supposed to give links here to other websites) and you'll find an email contact.
As for things to do--there's Lake Nacimiento nearby, Atascadero Lake Park with its jogging paths and zoo, downtown Paso Robles, lots of community organizations. And best of all, San Luis Obispo with it's walkable downtown and great restaurants is half an hour away, and the beach is just a little further. I think you're going to love it there.

[Nexis]

nice town but very boring and no major cities closeby

[the city]

Some people say that North County will look like Santa Maria area one day, and the majority of our small towns in south county will sprout up with population due to the state requiring SLO county to have 350,000 population by 2030.

[Woof]

Originally Posted by westerners

My husband may possibly be practicing Dentistry there. We live in Pennsylvania right now, but my husband is from Long Beach, and I am from Utah and we are really looking forward to coming back to the west. I worry about the cost of living, and the social scene. I am really looking for a community of young families to grow up with my children. I'm also looking for an area where there are fun places to take my family. We enjoy pretty much anything, but I don't want to spend my days at the local Mcdonald play land. My idea of a good time with the kids are museams, and fun indoor activities during the cold season, and outdoor activites in the summer. How hot are we talking in the summer? Coming from Utah, I am used to low 100's and upper 90's. The schools are also very important. I have heard that California schools aren't that great, and we should just plan on private. Any more info would be great!

Why not consider living in San Luis Obispo and commuting to Paso Robles? You'd have more things to do, and a nicer, more moderate climate.

[PasadenaGuy]

You may look at Templeton, which is just south of Paso Robles. I believe their schools may be better - but the area will be more rural. Temps in the summer will typically be 90's with a hot week in the low 100's.