$1,154,093Average Value$498Average Price per Sq Ft
Quiet yet neighborly community set between Santa Margarita and Atascadero
Originally established in 1918 as a farming community to support the neighboring town of Atascadero, 8 miles north, Garden Farms is today a close-knit neighborhood where everyone knows one another. Homes are wide set, often on multi-acre lots, but the vast landscape, secluded location, and lack of throughways provide a serene backdrop for neighborhood get-togethers. “My parents lived here since 1984. There are community farmers markets and potlucks; it’s a very special place,” says Maggie Miles, founder and owner of the neighborhood's small, privately owned Friendship Garden Preschool. “We have a very small turnover rate here," says Miles. "Lately, there’s been quite a few, but it’s usually unheard of." Residents travel to neighboring areas like Santa Margarita and Atascadero for public schools, dining and groceries, and Santa Margarita Lake, about 10 miles away, is a popular destination for boating and fishing. The peaceful neighborhood earns a CAP Index Crime Score of 2 out of 10, compared to a national score of 4.
Most of the homes in Garden Farms have large shade trees and room for a pool.
Garden Farms can enjoy boating and fishing at the nearby Santa Margarita Lake.
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Ranch and Spanish Revival-style homes on acre or multi-acre lots
Garden Farms' homes are wide set along narrow country roads that don't have sidewalks; the lack of through traffic allows neighbors to visit each other on foot or go for scenic strolls. Properties are cushioned by mature cypress, sycamore and pine trees. While there are a few Craftsman homes from the community's earliest days, three-bedroom ranch-style homes and bungalows from the latter half of the 20th century are most common, usually set on the neighborhood's east side. Thanks to fertile soil and a high water table, many locals grow their own vegetables and flowers or keep a small number of livestock. Prices mostly depend on lot size; eastside homes range from $600,000 to around $1 million. In the northwest, four-bedroom Spanish Revival-style homes from the 1990s and 2000s with barrel-tile roofs and arched doorways are set on multi-acre lots with private pools and extensive professional landscaping. These homes typically range from $1.6 to $2 million, but those with 3 to 5 acres of land range from $2 million to $2.3 million.
A mid 20th century home is shaded by the trees along this small road in Garden Farms.
A newly built Spanish style home sits on a lot overlooking the rolling hills of Garden Farms.
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Hiking trails around Santa Margarita Lake
The nearest green space, Santa Margarita Community Park, is about 2 miles south, with a large, Wild West-themed playground. About 10 miles southeast, Santa Margarita Lake features picnic areas overlooking the water and an extensive network of hiking trails with views of the surrounding Saint Lucia Mountains. The lake is also popular for boating and fishing, with plenty of trout and catfish.
The Friendship Garden, a locally owned neighborhood preschool
The privately owned Friendship Garden Preschool is located within the community. “There’s a lot of families here, tons. It’s a great place for children,” Miles says. “We have a wonderful preschool, and it’s very desirable because of all the outdoor space for kids to play around.” Local kids can continue to Santa Margarita Elementary, which is about 2 miles away and offers extracurriculars like Chess Club and Battle of the Books. Atascadero Middle features lunchtime clubs like Dungeons and Dragons and Poetry, while Atascadero High's sports teams include cross country, football and water polo. All three public schools are rated B-plus by Niche.
Atascadero Middle School provides a great education to help Garden Farms students succeed.
Santa Margarita Elementary School provides a great education for Garden Farms students.
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Annual showcase from the Central Coast Weavers Guild
Just north of Garden Farms, the Strawbale Barn Weaving Studio is a private, appointment-only shop that opens to the public once a year in November for the Central Coast Weavers Guild’s Annual Sale and Showcase. The event is a hub for weavers and fiber artists across the county and a huge destination for handmade clothing, home goods and other unique items.
Getting to neighboring towns on the 101
Garden Farms is bordered west by U.S. 101, though the nearest interchange is about 3 miles away; the 101 leads 12 miles south to San Luis Obispo, and 21 miles north to Paso Robles. Major road El Camino Real borders the neighborhood east, leading 8 miles north to Atascadero and 2 miles south to Santa Margarita. The Regional Transit Authority’s Route 9 bus stops on El Camino Real and travels to both Atascadero and Santa Margarita. The nearest hospital, Adventist Health Sierra Vista, is 12 miles south in San Luis Obispo. Nearby airports include San Luis Obispo County Regional, 17 miles away, and Fresno Yosemite International, about 140 miles away.
Nearby restaurants in Santa Margarita and Atascadero
Locals can head into Santa Margarita for locally owned restaurants like The Range, which serves seafood, steak and pasta on a cozy patio strung with lights. North in Atascadero, The Nest is a popular cafe-style brunch spot owned and operated by local families. Atascadero also has several grocery stores, including Food 4 Less and Vons.
Stop by for breakfast or lunch at J's Country Kitchen near Garden Farms.
Sit down to a delicious Mexican dish at Garcia's Restaurant near Garden Farms.
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Wildfire risk in the Central California countryside
Garden Farms is at high risk of wildfires, the most recent occurring in 1994. The Santa Margarita Fire Department, a volunteer-based organization that has been active since 1921, is 2 miles south. Locals can help prevent fires by pruning local flora and quickly disposing of dead branches or leaves.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
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Parks in this Area
Atascadero Lake Park
Charles Paddock Zoo
Three Bridges Oak Preserve
Transit
Airport
San Luis County Regional
32 min drive
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Garden Farms
US
Homicide
3
4
Sexual Assault
2
4
Assault with Weapon
2
4
Robbery
2
4
Burglary
3
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
2
4
Larceny
2
4
Crime Score
2
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Garden Farms Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Garden Farms, Atascadero sell after 137 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Garden Farms, Atascadero over the last 12 months is $1,110,000, down 12% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Housing Trends
Median List Price
$1,099,000
Median Sale Price
$1,110,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$1,110,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
2%
Last 12 months Home Sales
6
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-12%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$498
Neighborhood Facts
Number of Homes in Neighborhood
95
Median Year Built
1972
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,206
Above the national average
1,933
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
43,560
Distribution of Home Values
Source: Public Records
Interested in learning more about homes in this neighborhood?
Reach out to
Ashlea Boyer,
an experienced agent in this area.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
479
Median Age
43
Population Density
1 person/acre
Population under 18
23.8%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
23%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$53,611
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$74,754
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
93.4%
College Graduates
38.8%
Advanced Degrees
6.3%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
54.5%
Below the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
31''
Average Winter Low Temperature
38°F
Average Summer High Temperature
76°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
50/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
0/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
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.
