On California’s scenic Central Coast, about 12 miles from San Luis Obispo, the small unincorporated town of Los Osos is set on Morro Bay and the Pacific Ocean, known for its laid-back surfing culture and proximity to Montaña de Oro State Park. “It’s full of incredible open space and scenery all along the bay and the ocean,” says area resident Kathleen Scruton, a Realtor with REeBroker Group. “It’s really nature-oriented and attracts a lot of hikers.” Set against a backdrop of coastal cliffs, sandy shores and oak-covered dunes, Los Osos attracts remote workers, as well as area photographers and painters looking for inspiration. “It's kind of a bohemian town,” Scruton says. “A lot of the artists in the area seem to be focused in Los Osos.” While the beaches and waterfront commercial district in the neighboring city of Morro Bay are often busy with tourists, Los Osos has managed to maintain a more residential feel. “A lot of the people who move there want things a little quieter,” Scruton says. “So even though Morro Bay’s got a lot of areas to get away from the tourists, Los Osos is a lot more laid back and quiet. Some of my clients who have bought in Los Osos are like, ‘don’t tell anybody else about it.’”
Los Osos is located right near the ocean.
Los Osos has an incredible coast line.
1/2
Gateway to Montaña de Oro State Park, with miles of trails and surf-friendly beaches
In the center of town, Los Osos Community Park has two playgrounds, tennis courts and a skate park. It’s also home to the town’s restored original 1872 schoolhouse and a community center for private events. The bayside, 32-acre Sweet Springs Nature Preserve is a eucalyptus grove with a network of trails along the water. “You get some really beautiful views of Morro Rock across the bay with the sunset behind it, so it’s a popular spot for photography,” Scruton says. Two roughly 90-acre open spaces—the bayside El Moro Elfin Forest and further inland, Los Osos Oaks State Natural Reserve—offer miles of hiking trails through groves of ancient oak trees.Los Osos is also the gateway to the 8,000-acre Montaña de Oro State Park, where 7 miles of beaches attract experienced surfers. The park also has dozens of multi-use trails, with terrain ranging from flat to steep; some climb the summits of Valencia Peak and Hazard Peak, which offer panoramic views of Morro Bay.
Montona De Oro State Park is just south fo Los Osos.
There is always a view of Morro Rock no matter where you are in Los Osos.
1/2
A more affordable coastal option than nearby tourist communities
As of early 2025, Los Osos' median housing price is about $850,000, more than twice the national median but lower than Morro Bay's $955,000 and San Luis Obispo's approximately $1 million. Beach bungalows and coastal cottages from the late 20th century are commonly found throughout Los Osos. The town's most expensive homes are custom oceanfront builds with views of the bay and coast, with prices between $1 million and $2.5 million, and the least expensive options include condominiums, as well as manufactured homes in senior living communities. Los Osos underwent rapid growth in the 1970s and '80s, until a building moratorium was issued to avoid depleting the community’s limited groundwater supply. Over the past few decades, water conservation efforts have finally boosted this supply, and in late 2024, the local Coastal Commission lifted restrictions on new development.
Bungalow style homes line the streets in Los Osos.
1920's house can also be found scattered around Los Osos.
1/2
San Luis Coastal Unified School District is the highest rated in San Luis Obispo County
Niche names San Luis Coastal Unified School District the No. 1 school district in San Luis Obispo County. Its 10 elementary, two middle and two high schools serve about 7,500 students. Los Osos is zoned for the A-minus-rated Morro Bay High School, which enables students to enroll in a variety of career and technical education courses and offers dual enrollment credits through a partnership with Cuesta College.
Morro Bay High School is near Los Osos
Baywood Elementary School is central to Los Osos.
1/2
A commercial district on Los Osos Valley Road and a weekly bayside farmers market
Los Osos Valley Road, the town's main thoroughfare, is lined with locally owned restaurants, bars, cafes and art galleries, as well as a few grocery stores and fast-food chains. In an area known as Baywood Park, there are several local eateries and art galleries, as well as a weekly Monday farmers market. The community’s annual Oktoberfest is also held here with live music, a car show and food vendors. While there’s limited retail shopping in Los Osos, chain and boutique retailers are nearby in San Luis Obispo.
There are many retail options off Los Osos Valley Road.
North County Farmers Market is Located in Los Osos.
1/2
A lower risk of crime than the national average and lower wildfire risk than much of California
An unincorporated town, Los Osos doesn’t have its own police department and is instead served by the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office. Los Osos has an overall CAP Index Crime Score of 3 out of 10, compared to the national average of 4, and has especially low scores for violent crime.
Los Osos' climate is generally mild year-round. In this coastal locale, cool summer breezes and elevated moisture levels create a lower risk of wildfires and associated air quality issues than many other parts of the state.
Access to San Luis Obispo Transit Authority buses a few miles from California Highway 1
Los Osos is about 6 miles from Morro Bay and California’s famous Highway 1, which leads about 12 miles east to San Luis Obispo and Highway 101. San Luis Obispo Transit Authority buses serve the community, and several local medical facilities are available. San Luis Obispo is home to two hospitals, Dignity Health French Hospital Medical Center and Adventist Health Sierra Vista Medical Center, and San Luis Obispo County Airport, where nonstop destinations include Los Angeles and San Francisco.
Ted Gillan is a highly experienced realtor on the Central Coast of California with over 18 years of experience in the industry. Ted brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the Central Coast real estate market. With deep roots in the area, Ted has a passion for helping families realize their dreams, whether that be a ranch, vacation escape, beach home or modern abode. Throughout his career, Ted has gained extensive knowledge of the real estate market and is committed to providing his clients with the best home buying and/or selling experience possible. His attention to detail, strong negotiation skills, and commitment to excellence make him an invaluable asset to his clients. In addition to his work in real estate, Ted and his family have been actively involved in the Central Coast communities since the 1980s. Their commitment to creating the best environments in which to raise families for generations to come is a testament to their dedication to the Central Coast. If you are looking for a seamless real estate experience and exceptional assistance in buying or selling your part of California's Central Coast, Ted is the realtor to contact. With his extensive knowledge and expertise, he will guide you through the process and ensure that you achieve your real estate goals.
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.
