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About Arroyo Grande, CA

About Arroyo Grande, CA

Proximity to popular beaches and wineries

Set in the heart of California’s scenic Central Coast, surrounded by orchards, farms and vineyards, Arroyo Grande offers pleasant weather year-round, and a rural, small-town sense of community. “I love the diversity of this community,” says resident Teri McKay, a real estate agent with Keller Williams Realty Central Coast. “Young families like mine, retirees, and hardworking professionals all live here, and outdoor lovers appreciate the hiking trails, scenic parks, and proximity to wine country.” Arroyo Grande isn't far from oceanfront hubs like Pismo Beach and the Oceano Dunes. “We’re about 4 miles from the Pacific Ocean, so many homes have stunning ocean views.” Agriculture has played a role in Arroyo Grande’s economy since the mid-1800s, and today, local tourism is also important. Arroyo Grande is set within the San Luis Obispo Coast American Viticultural Area (AVA), with dozens of nearby wineries that attract visitors from around the country. Still, this town of less than 20,000 residents maintains its small-town feel, with less traffic than larger coastal cities and highly rated public schools.

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As you approach Peacock Cellars, a tractor sits off to the side of the road.
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Cypress Ridge is a small community surrounded by breathtaking scenary.
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A favorable climate for residents and grapes with a lower risk of wildfires

Arroyo Grande’s proximity to the Pacific leads to damp, cool conditions and a moderate climate that's ideal for growing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes. Like most of California, Arroyo Grande is at risk of wildfires and associated air quality issues, though these cool coastal breezes and higher humidity levels lead to a much lower risk than many other parts of the state.

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Peacock Cellars Tasting Room and Farm is tucked in along the hillside in Los Berros.
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Peacock Cellars Tasting Room and Farm is the perfect spot relax and take in the scenery.
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A higher housing median than the national average

As of early 2025, the median home price in Arroyo Grande is $950,000, down 5 percent since early 2024. This price is nearly twice the national median, but a few hundred thousand less than in San Luis Obispo, a larger city about 15 miles north. Near Arroyo Grande's historic town core, homes are either late 19th-century Victorian-era styles or early 20th-century Craftsman builds. There are suburban subdivisions found throughout town, both with and without homeowners associations; most homes here date to the mid-to-late 20th century, but there are some 21st-century homes, as well. Buyers can also find townhomes and condominiums, as well as several 55-plus manufactured home communities. Just outside city limits, sprawling custom estates on multi-acre lots zoned for horses can go for about $2 million to almost $4 million, offering views of rolling hills, vineyards and the distant coastline.

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Find your dream home in Cypress Ridge.
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Cypress Ridge isn't a far drive from the beach.
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Locally owned businesses and popular community events in the historic Village of Arroyo Grande

The Village of Arroyo Grande, locally known as simply The Village, is the main shopping and dining hub. This lively, walkable downtown core is an eclectic hub of mom-and-pop boutiques and specialty shops, interwoven with farm-to-table restaurants, cafes and bars. Grocery, retail and fast-food chains can be found throughout town. The Village is also home to Centennial Park and Heritage Square Park, where locals are likely to encounter the town’s beloved roosters, who've been roaming the area since the 1990s. Centennial Park hosts the Arroyo Grande Farmers Market every Saturday, and Heritage Square Park hosts the town’s summer concert series on Sunday evenings, featuring local talent and food vendors. Each September, the town's popular, two-day Harvest Festival is held in The Village, drawing large crowds with its parade, carnival and competitive races for both babies and wiener dogs.

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Residents of Los Berros enjoy a short commute to downtown Arroyo Grande for shopping and dining.
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Locals in Cypress Ridge shop at JJ's Market for fresh groceries.
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All-ages recreation at community parks and the nearby Lopez Lake Recreation Area

Arroyo Grande’s community parks include the18-acre Soto Sports Complex, with an array of lighted courts and fields used for youth and adult league tournaments. Elm Street Park has one of the area's only off-leash dog parks, as well as a community garden and an inclusive playground for kids of all physical abilities. About 10 miles outside city limits, the nearly 1,000-acre Lopez Lake offers 22 miles of shoreline, and is a popular destination for swimming, fishing, canoeing and more. Attractions here include Mustang Waterpark, with a variety of slides for all ages, and the Vista Lago Adventure Park, with a ropes course and a zipline. Within the 4,200-acre Lopez Lake Recreation Area, miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails lead into the surrounding hills, home to swimming holes, waterfalls and the peak of Hi Mountain.

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Going to the driving range is a common practice in Cypress Ridge.
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There are many dog friendly parks in Cypress Ridge.
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Lucia Mar Unified School District earns top marks

Lucia Mar Unified School District is rated an overall A-minus by Niche, and serves about 10,000 students throughout Arroyo Grande and surrounding communities. Through a partnership with Cuesta College, local high schoolers can choose from dozens of dual-enrollment career and technical courses. Focused on college prep, the A-plus-rated Central Coast New Tech High is a school of choice, and Niche names it the No. 1 public high school in San Luis Obispo County.

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The marquee at Oceano Elementary School keeps students and parents informed.
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Paulding Middle School is the home of the Patriots.
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Public transportation and access to nearby hubs via Highway 101

Highway 101 passes right through town and leads about 15 miles north to San Luis Obispo; via the 101 (as it's locally known), Santa Barbara and Los Angeles are about 90 and 170 miles south, respectively. SoCo Transit buses travel throughout Arroyo Grande and southern San Luis Obispo County. Dignity Health Arroyo Grande Community Hospital is right in town and employs many locals. San Luis Obispo County Airport is about 10 miles away, with nonstop flights to western U.S. hubs on American, United and Alaskan Airlines.

Falling crime and property crime rates

According to the Arroyo Grande Police Department, the town's crime rates are among the lowest in the state. According to the most recent information provided by the California Department of Justice, both violent and property crimes fell between 2022 and 2023.

Lauren Schott
Written By
Lauren Schott
Joseph Palacios
Photography Contributed By
Joseph Palacios
Anne Sheridan
Video By
Anne Sheridan

Neighborhood Map

Arroyo Grande by the Numbers

18,236
Population
$1.39M
Average Housing Value
41
Average Days on Market

Average Home Value



Source: Public Records

Top Schools in Arroyo Grande, CA

Source:

Best Public Elementary Schools

Ocean View Elementary School
#1 Ocean View Elementary School
A-
Niche
9
GreatSchools
Branch Elementary School
#2 Branch Elementary School
B+
Niche
8
GreatSchools
Pacific View Academy
#3 Pacific View Academy
B
Niche
Harloe Elementary School
#4 Harloe Elementary School
B+
Niche
6
GreatSchools
Fairgrove Elementary School
#5 Fairgrove Elementary School
B
Niche
6
GreatSchools
Oceano Elementary School
#6 Oceano Elementary School
B
Niche
6
GreatSchools
Grover Beach Elementary School
#7 Grover Beach Elementary School
B-
Niche
3
GreatSchools

Best Public Middle Schools

Pacific View Academy
#1 Pacific View Academy
B
Niche
Judkins Middle School
#2 Judkins Middle School
B+
Niche
6
GreatSchools
Paulding Middle School
#3 Paulding Middle School
B+
Niche
6
GreatSchools
Mesa Middle School
#4 Mesa Middle School
B
Niche
4
GreatSchools

Best Public High Schools

Arroyo Grande High School
#1 Arroyo Grande High School
A-
Niche
7
GreatSchools
Pacific View Academy
#2 Pacific View Academy
B
Niche
Lopez Continuation High School
#3 Lopez Continuation High School
C+
Niche
3
GreatSchools

Best Private Schools

Arroyo Grande Montessori School
#1 Arroyo Grande Montessori School
Crossroads Academy for Learning
#2 Crossroads Academy for Learning
Royal Oaks Christian School
#3 Royal Oaks Christian School
St. Patrick Catholic School
#4 St. Patrick Catholic School
Valley View Adventist Academy
#5 Valley View Adventist Academy
Highland Preparatory School
#6 Highland Preparatory School

Agents Specializing in this Area

Agent Spotlight

Jessica Padilla
(805) 301-9584
My passion for Real Estate started with a goal to purchase my first home by age 25 & I haven't looked back since!

Home ownership can be extremely rewarding, but it can also be overwhelming. My goal is to make every real estate transaction as fun & easy as possible, each step of the way, while securing the highest value for my clients (buying or selling)!

With a background in Sales & Marketing for over 15 years, and personally completing several real estate transactions including short-sales, vacant lots & investment properties, I've established a solid foundation for success as your Realtor. I am a Cal Poly SLO grad with a Degree in Business & Marketing.

I have lived in San Luis Obispo since 2004 and feel blessed to call this place home.

My latest Real Estate endeavor is building a custom home in Pismo Beach. The process so far has been exciting & a huge learning experience for my husband & I! We look forward to creating new memories & growing our family in Pismo Beach.

I'm very active in our local community and have served on the Board of Directors for the Rotary Club of San Luis Obispo, Young Professionals Networking Group and the American Institute of Architects - California Central Coast Chapter. I volunteer for SLO Big Brothers Big Sisters, and am involved in several local service projects through the Rotary Club of SLO. I enjoy making an impact on our community through service.

While I'm not dreaming about Real Estate... I love to travel, cook, bake, and enjoy an active lifestyle hiking and exploring our beautiful Central Coast. My husband & I adopted Maxwell, our dog, in 2014 - welcomed our first child in 2022 and our second in 2024.

It would be my honor & privilege to assist you on your Real Estate journey!
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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.