Paso, Atascadero, or Grover Beach? (Salinas, San Luis Obispo: motel, college, living)

[mariecug]

I think I could be happy in most places. I think any of these towns will be a big change for me because I'm coming from 2 major cities (Balt/DC)! I've been to the west coast exactly twice and it was quite different. So beautiful, and the people had a completely different attitude.

Generally speaking, I like organized, clean, non-corrupt towns. For fun, I go out to restaurants. Driving 30 minutes doesn't bother me at all. If possible, I'd like to make some friends (I'm 30). I'm a professional (PhD in psychology) but can get along with most people.

Thanks for calling me young lady!!!!

[Capt. Dan]

NONCORRUPT---is that why you left DC?

[Capt. Dan]

Okay--in all seriousness. Avoid San Luis Obispo. They have just about ruled and regulated themselves to death and you dont get alot for your real estate buck there.
North of Cuesta Grade i would recommend a wonderful little town called Templeton. South of San Luis Obispo i would recommend Grover Beach.You wont go wrong either way. Just curious. Will you be working in SLO? i worked at Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center for 28 years as an OR Nurse. Great place to work! I just couldn't afford to retire there!

[JANA MANIA]

I've been up and down the grade many times.To do it daily for a job ,when there is a choice,I would not.There have been many accidents,some very serious on this grade.One was a young state rep as he was permanently paralyzed.Now, if you can't stand heat,this could be an issue living in N County during the warmer months.These are small towns-nothing like back east.At least Atascadero has trees which makes the landscape very enticing.
Yes,Lt Dan, The ride is beautiful on any road to the ocean from N. County..

[JANA MANIA]

Originally Posted by mariecug

I think I could be happy in most places. I think any of these towns will be a big change for me because I'm coming from 2 major cities (Balt/DC)! I've been to the west coast exactly twice and it was quite different. So beautiful, and the people had a completely different attitude.

Generally speaking, I like organized, clean, non-corrupt towns. For fun, I go out to restaurants. Driving 30 minutes doesn't bother me at all. If possible, I'd like to make some friends (I'm 30). I'm a professional (PhD in psychology) but can get along with most people.

Thanks for calling me young lady!!!!

Hey, Where I'm sitting 30 is very young.These towns are all clean and not corrupt.Your restaurant choices will be a lot less than where you are now!Much smaller scale,young lady!

[treeluvr]

Originally Posted by mono#9

I'm genuinely curious why everyone makes such a big deal about the drive up the grade. I've only made it as a tourist passing through--but it's not exactly the Grapevine. It is fairly steep, but only for a few minutes, and it's a four lane, well-paved highway as I remember. Is there some time of day that it gets bogged down? Hwys 41 and 46 are two of the most beautiful drives in California--I love them--but they are both two lane highways, curvy, and if you count on them for a commute and get stuck behind a hay truck--well. So what is it about the grade that is so terrible?

Curvy two-lane Hwy 41 (or is it 46?) gets major fog also. Can be pretty scary when driving between Morro Bay and Atascadero when you can't see ten feet ahead. I don't remember the Hwy number, but I sure remember the fog.

[mariecug]

I'll be working at Atascadero State Hospital.

I have lived in DC and Miami - talk about corruption! I can't take it.

I visited the SLO area for 2 days and it blew my mind it was so pretty and relaxed! Also very different in terms of diversity.

I'm a little worried about my husband getting a job or getting into Cal Poly (he went back to school last year) ... but I'm trying to stay positive.

[the city]

San Luis Obispo is like a mini santa barbara. Bunch of nice big-box LA stores, The Grad night club, Sunset Drive-in Theater, Movie Experience 7 stadium seating luxurious theater, the downtown shopping, and SLO Promenade strip mall.

North County is gonna be a mini santa maria area with gangs, lots of traffic, etc. by 2030 or so. If you want the normal s. cal city life then go to paso robles, but if u want the nicer and quiter life go for san luis obispo.

[Sorcerer68]

Originally Posted by Lt. Dan

I think an earlier poster may have alluded to this, so, I'll just add my 2 cents worth.
What type of atmosphere are you looking for Ms.Marie? North of Cuesta Grade always seemed to me to be sort of "western". San Luis Obispo has a "college" feel to it and the communities to the south of SLO have more of a "beach town" feel. These differences are quite noticeable. I guess what I'm saying is--if you are going to pay good $$$ for a house in California, why not get the atmosphere that you like. Good Luck young lady!

I've lived on both sides of the Cuesta Grade which is a cultural divide. Some like it north, I prefer it south. North of the grade feels a lot like...a different state. I don't so much mind the hot summers but the rest...yikes. I lived in Pismo and SLO south of the grade and yes, SLO was my favorite.

Between the 3 places, I'd pick Grover Beach and deal with the fog.

[Capt. Dan]

Originally Posted by treeluvr

Curvy two-lane Hwy 41 (or is it 46?) gets major fog also. Can be pretty scary when driving between Morro Bay and Atascadero when you can't see ten feet ahead. I don't remember the Hwy number, but I sure remember the fog.

Hwy 41--Atascadero to Morro Bay
Hwy 46-Paso Robles to the coast between Cayucos and Cambria
if i remember right.