No loft apartments or nice complexes in downtown San Luis Obispo? (Monterey: apartment complex, for rent)

[RLCMA]

I've been working in San Luis Obispo for about a month now and living in Oceano which I'm not too happy about. However, it's free which is good. I may be moving here permanently and I'm curious if there are any nice loft apartments in downtown close to all the bars and stores or if there are any really nice apartment buildings downtown. From driving around I have not seen any nice apartment buildings but I'm wondering if there are any lofts on top of some of the nice stores. Anyone know?

[truckzter]

I haven't seen any. I did know one guy who lived in an apartment above some store on Higuera, and he said you just have to drive around and look for rent signs in windows. Now, I know the city is planning to build a mix use building -- offices and apts, but I don't know when that is going to start. It would be an awesome idea, and I know it would be beautiful living on Higuera or Monterey.

I can't think of the apartment complex name, but several of my fellow Cal Poly grad students lived in a complex on the West end of Broad (over by Mill and Palm). It was a short walk downtown. I know, I know -- it doesn't have the same charm.

[macsret]

truckzter,

How do you find the crime in the SLO area? Again, as on another thread very interested in how asthmatics fair there, very interested.

jOE

[truckzter]

macsret --

I wouldn't say there is a crime problem. If there are problems, it's from the college students. I got my BA at Cal Poly in 04 and MA in 07 .. and I also work there now .. I feel comfortable walking the campus and city at night (sometimes I'm at my office at 11pm, and I don't feel unsafe). SLO attracts some backpackers/transients-by-choice, but the PD is VERY particular about keeping SLO a family/tourist community. Most of the Cal Poly students will say the SLO PD are #*$&(&#^&#% because the city would rather squash the college students' "fun" than PO the families. For example, SLO had the largest Mardi Gras parade/turnout west of the Mississippi (no kidding). But it got so large, people started climbing buildings, running around naked, etc. The riot police had to come out to calm things down. The families and shop owners royally complained, so the city nixed ANY ANY ANY kind of Mari Gras festivities -- much to the chagrin of the college students. No amount of pleading will bring Mardi Gras back to SLO.

The city is trying VERY HARD to prevent growth and sprawl because people love the community feel.

The biggest complaint about SLO is there isn't anything to "do" at night because shops/restaurants close between 8-9pm. But college students are always walking around in groups at night, so it's very safe because the place isn't deserted. And, like I said, the PD is ALWAYS around -- either on bike or by car.

Asthmatics? As in people with asthma? Well, I don't really know because I don't have asthma. Many people are allergic to the oak trees, and sometimes pollens can be a problem. Public smoking is banned in CA, we don't have a problem with mold (because of the dry conditions), and because SLO is close to the beach, citizens get some really nice breezes. I can be more specific if you want to ask specific questions.

I hope this has been helpful!