🛡️SAFER GROUND series

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A college town blending wine country, coastal living, and moderate climate risks — one of the best balanced havens in California.

• Population:  ~48,000
• Climate Type: Coastal Mediterranean (cool summers, mild winters, marine influence)
• Median Home Price: ~$950K  (2025)
• Cost of Living: 80  (0 Low - 100 High)                                                       

• Ocean-cooled climate with fewer extreme heat days than inland California.
• Less wildfire and sea-level rise exposure compared to Ventura and Santa Barbara.
• Vibrant community anchored by Cal Poly University with strong education and civic engagement.
• Walkable downtown with restaurants, shops, and cultural life.
• Outdoor recreation: beaches (Pismo, Morro Bay), hiking, vineyards.
• Strong community feel; often ranked as one of the “happiest cities in America.”

• Housing is expensive relative to median incomes.
• Water supply stress is a recurring issue due to regional droughts.
• Smaller job market outside of university, healthcare, tourism, and wine industry.
• Earthquake risk remains (though less acute than Los Angeles).
• Limited public transportation; car dependency outside downtown.