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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Written By
Lauren Schott
Photography Contributed By
Joseph Palacios
Video By
Austin Lewis
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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.
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On average, homes in Los Osos, CA sell after 32 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Los Osos, CA over the last 12 months is $895,000, up 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to 2703 Rodman Drive—a coastal classic with front-row seats to Morro Rock, ocean breezes, and Central Coast sunsets you’ll never get tired of. This single-level 3 bedroom, 2 bath gem is tucked into the coveted Cabrillo Estates neighborhood, right at the entrance to Montaña de Oro State Park—aka your personal playground for hiking, biking, and soaking up the outdoors.With 1,984 sq. ft. of
Nestled on a spacious 1.12-acre lot with scenic views of Hollister Peak and rolling valley hills, this stunning modern farmhouse offers both style and versatile income generation. Extensively remodeled in 2020, the property includes a 5-bed 3-bath main home, a 1-bed 1-bath guest suite, and a detached 2-bedroom, 2-bath rental unit, all meticulously designed for comfort and privacy. The main
Unobstructed views of Morro Rock, Morro Bay, Ocean, White Water, Harbor, City Lights and Hollister Peak! Beautiful updated and meticulously cared for home of over 3000 sq. ft. with living room, dining room, kitchen, powder room, large office/media/family room, primary suite with two closets and two half bathrooms with a shared shower, 2 additional bedrooms downstairs and another full bathroom.
Welcome to 2703 Rodman Drive—a coastal classic with front-row seats to Morro Rock, ocean breezes, and Central Coast sunsets you’ll never get tired of. This single-level 3 bedroom, 2 bath gem is tucked into the coveted Cabrillo Estates neighborhood, right at the entrance to Montaña de Oro State Park—aka your personal playground for hiking, biking, and soaking up the outdoors.With 1,984 sq. ft. of
2 large commercially zoned lots being sold together. Once building restrictions are lifed (Which could be as soon as early 2025!), this lot will be buildable and does not have to join the waitlist! Views of Morro Rock on a sunny day! Ocean views are achievable. This is a great, centrally located plot. Close to EVERYTHING with great visability! Drive by and invest in the future of Los Osos.
Welcome to Morro Shores, a welcoming 55+ community in the heart of Los Osos.This delightful manufactured home offers approximately 1,440 square feet of comfortable living space, featuring 2 spacious bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a charming kitchen with retro flair. Laminate flooring runs throughout, creating a clean and cohesive feel.Tucked away at the back of the park with no neighbors behind,
Andrew RichardsonRichardson Sotheby's International Realty
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