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  • HOME
  • MY CLIMATE HAVEN
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    • Climate Risks
    • Safer Ground
    • What to Look For
    • Building Resilience
    • Mental Health
    • Next Steps
    • Climate Haven Academy
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    • SAN FRANCISCO, CA
    • PHOENIX, AZ
    • CHICAGO, IL
  • FEATURES
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  • ABOUT
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🛡️SAFER GROUND series

ATASCADERO, CALIFORNIA

A more affordable inland alternative offering space, safety, and calmer living with fewer major climate hazards than Southern California.


  • Population:  ~30,000
  • Climate Type: Inland Mediterranean (warm summers, cool dry air, cold nights)
  • Median Home Price: ~$750K  (2025)
  • Cost of Living: 65  (0 Low - 100 High)                                                       

✅ Pros

  • No sea-level rise or coastal flooding 
  • Lower wildfire exposure than most SoCal foothill areas
  • Cooler nights in summer improve heat resilience
  • More affordable than SLO, Ventura, or Santa Barbara
  • Access to beaches (30 minutes) without coastal risk
  • Agricultural region brings strong local food resilience

⚠️ Cons

  • Hotter summers than coastal cities
  • Drought and water reliability require long-term planning
  • Smaller job base
  • Spread out, car-dependent
  • Regional smoke exposure during fire season

📊 Climate Risk Scorecard

A quick comparison of Atascadero's exposure to six major climate hazards.

👥 Community & Adaptation

  • Active wildfire mitigation efforts and defensible-space awareness throughout surrounding foothills
  • Participation in regional watershed planning to protect groundwater and improve long-term water security
  • Strong agricultural resilience, supported by local growers and land-stewardship practices
  • Alignment with San Luis Obispo County sustainability and climate-action goals
  • Community culture that values preparedness, conservation, and responsible land management

🌿 Lifestyle Snapshot

  • Small-town feel with a friendly, family-oriented community
  • Easy access to parks, lakes, and open space for year-round outdoor activities
  • Close to Paso Robles wine country and Central Coast day trips
  • Quieter pace of life with room to breathe, explore, and unwind
  • Attractive option for those seeking simplicity, nature, and affordability away from city congestion

🏡 Properties to Consider

Affordable Option

  • 4 bedrooms, 3 bath, separate residences  (~$850,000)
    • Ground floor fully equipped dwelling with no steps; private spacious 3 bedroom home above.
    • Views of the canyon and hills from the private large deck and living areas on both levels. 
    • The decks were recently completely rebuilt with composite decking for easy care.

Listing from Zillow.com

Mid Range Home

  • 3 bedroom / 3 bath, 2550 sqft (~$1,075,000)
    • Designed and built by renowned, award-winning sustainable builder Turko Semmes.
    • Sweeping views of the Salinas River Valley and rolling hills.
    • Access to the revitalized downtown Atascadero, wine tasting in Paso Robles, and shopping in San Luis Obispo.

Listing from Zillow.com

Premium / High-End Property

  • 5 bedroom / 4 bath hilltop retreat  (~$1,995,000M)
    • Just under 4 acres in Chandler Ranch 
    • Remodeled kitchen with marble counters, custom cabinetry
    • Private lake stocked with bass and catfish, bordered by mature oaks, fruit and nut trees, and wildlife .

Listing from Zillow.com

Browse Atascadero listings on Zillow, including built-in climate risk scores from First Street.

View Listings

📝 Final Grade: B

Atascadero provides a steady, affordable pathway to Central Coast living, offering space, sunshine, and a small-town atmosphere that nurtures connection and calm. It’s a great fit for families and remote workers who want safety and stability without the coastal housing premium. Though hotter summers and a more rural footprint require some planning, Atascadero’s livability and resilience make it an inviting destination for those looking to build a simpler, more grounded future.

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