$951,804Average Value$650Average Price per Sq Ft23Homes For Sale
A well-kept secret on California's Central Coast
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
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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an experienced agent in this area.
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 31 days on the market compared to the national average of 57 days. The median sale price for homes in Los Osos, CA over the last 12 months is $910,000, up 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Large R-2 Residential Multifamily lot- 180 x 107 / 19,440 sq.ft. with approved plans for a 4-unit Apartment Complex/Condo project "READY TO BUILD!"- Comes with an existing 575 sf Commercial Office building that is currently rented out for $ 1,200.00 per month. Buyer to pay all final SLO County Permit Fee's!
Positioned along one of Los Osos’s most promising corridors, these 2 commercial retail-zoned parcels offer outstanding long-term potential. Current development restrictions prevent immediate construction, but once lifted, commercially zoned properties like this will have priority—without the waitlist.This lot has been held and maintained for years, waiting for the right moment, and that
Awesome Morro Bay, Rock, Ocean, Dunes, City Lights, and Mountain Views from this premier/once-in-a-lifetime dream home site on quiet Baywood cul-de-sac. Elfin Forest access just down the street. Lot's SLO county water allocation position is #94. Los Osos is in a building Moratorium. Please have your buyers check with the County of San Luis Obispo regarding the current Los Osos building updates.
Welcome to Cabrillo Estates, where coastal elegance meets timeless serenity in one of Los Osos’ most prestigious enclaves. This exceptionally rare, parcel presents a coveted opportunity to design and construct a custom residence in a community where available land is increasingly scarce. Elevated above the shoreline, the property captures sweeping panoramic views spanning more than 180 degrees —
Welcome to your sanctuary in Daisy Hill Estates, Los Osos, OWNERSHIP INTEREST/NO SPACE RENT! Located at the top of the park on the back row. This charming 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom home promises both comfort and breathtaking natural beauty. The enclosed large South facing solarium provides a convenient ramp, expanded living area and year around solar heat. Step inside to discover a bright and open
Discover the ultimate canvas for your dream home with this exceptional view lot in Los Osos! Nestled in a tranquil neighborhood, this expansive 9,250-square-foot parcel offers captivating vistas of the stunning Irish Hills, along with delightful views of the ocean, bay and potential Morro Rock from a split level floor plan. Enjoy the paved street and the convenience of being just steps away from
A truly once in a lifetime ownership of one of California's coastal properties. This property is absolutely unique in that it is comprised of entirely tide and submerged lands within Morro Bay south of the city of Morro Bay. It is a dream property for environmental mitigation or habitat preservation that cannot be duplicated anywhere. Preserve it for California today
This extensively remodeled mobile home in Los Osos, offers an elevated approach to Central Coast living, featuring a thoughtfully designed open floor plan and refined upgrades throughout. Interior elements include wood laminate flooring, crown molding, recessed LED lighting, skylights in the kitchen and den, and vinyl dual-pane windows that create a bright and well-integrated living environment.
A One-of-a-Kind Private Retreat Above the Pacific Tucked into the coastal hills of Los Osos, this extraordinary estate offers a rare opportunity to own a truly one-of-a-kind retreat inspired by classic European design and modern California living. Set high on a hill with sweeping views and complete privacy, the 5,000+ sq ft residence unfolds as a series of curated spaces designed for both
BUILD NOW!!! Owner financing available, Minor Use Permit (MUP) in process, water meter installed, environmental and archeological reports completed, HCP/ITP in place! Building permit next - then choose your finishes! Floor plan, site plan, and elevations submitted with the MUP for a beautiful 1900+ square foot 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home are included! This private and secluded 1/3+ acre property
Prime Vacant Lot for Sale ~ Los Osos Seaside Community Located at 1840 Pine Ave, Los Osos, CA, this 4,250 sq. ft. lot (approx. 50' x 85') offers a rare opportunity to own vacant land in a peaceful seaside community near the estuary. Situated on the corner of Pine Ave. and Loma St. allows for creative build out options. Surrounded by natural beauty, this spacious lot is ideal for future
What a great opportunity to plan for the future! This spacious lot offers elevated positioning to capture breathtaking views of Morro Rock and the surrounding water. Currently number 30 on the building waitlist, this property includes preliminary building and site plans for a thoughtfully designed 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home. The layout maximizes the views with upper-level living spaces to take
Amazing Ocean / Bay views from this tucked away gem in Los Osos. Want the perfect weather in the best neighborhood with absolutely amazing walking trails that seem endless and is walking distance to MDO, Montana de Oro State Park. This two bedroom two bath home is one of three units on the property, very spacious, light and bright with its own yard. This is a great opportunity to have this
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