Tucked between the Pacific Ocean and rolling hills on California's wild Central Coast, the small unincorporated community of San Simeon offers a laid-back, secluded and area-affordable escape from city life. Set along California's famously scenic Highway 1, just about halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, this is a popular second home and vacation spot near the lavish Hearst Castle, dramatic Big Sur and a year-round colony of elephant seals. San Simeon earns an overall CAP Index Crime Score of 1 out of 10, lower than the national average score of 4.
The San Simeon pier is a popular spot for fishing and whale watching.
San Simeon is a small town located along some of the prettiest stretches of the central coast.
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Popular beaches, whale watching and elephant seal viewing
A few miles up the coast, William Randolph Hearst Memorial Beach spans a large cove on San Simeon Bay. Sheltered from wind, this is a popular spot for swimming, kayaking, canoeing and paddleboarding, as well as sunbathing and picnicking on the white-sand beach. Wildlife lovers might catch a glimpse of gray whales, humpbacks, and even orcas from the shore or the adjacent, 850-foot-long San Simeon Pier; elephant seals might be seen lounging on the sand. It's dangerous to approach these large, blubbery and sometimes violent pinnipeds, but they can be safely viewed from the scenic overlook at the Piedras Blancas Rookery just north, which is free to visit and open to the public every day of the year. "The elephant seals can be pretty scary if you run into them in the wild,” says area resident Jennifer Lawson, a Realtor with Re/Max Pines by the Sea, “but it’s really cool to be able to see them from a safe distance.” Pico Creek Beach, which fronts San Simeon’s short ribbon of hotels and restaurants, is one of the Central Coast’s best surfing spots; set where Pico Creek meets the Pacific, the reef here creates consistent wave breaks that attract experienced boarders.
San Simeon is home to some of the prettiest beaches in CA.
San Simeon is full of many beauitful beaches.
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A more affordable coastal option
San Simeon's apartment-style condominiums and manufactured homes date back to the late 20th century, and are generally concentrated near the beach, providing most residents with ocean views and a short walk to the water. Much of San Simeon is protected from commercial development, so most properties here are purchased as vacation residences or rental investments and tend to be more affordable than those in nearby coastal communities like Cambria, Cayucos and Morro Bay.
Modest condos with layouts of about 1,000 to 1,400 square feet range from roughly $450,000 to $850,000, depending on their floor plan, upgrades and proximity to the beach. Renovated units set right on the beach, with layouts of about 1,000 to 2,000 square feet, range from about $1 million to $1.5 million. In the 55-plus Pine View Mobile Home Park, modest manufactured homes range from roughly 700 to 1,200 square feet, with prices of $150,000 to $300,000, depending on size and renovations.
San Simeon also has a small manufactured home community.
Manufactured homes in San Simeon are a great choice for a cost firendly yet quaint housing choice.
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A small commercial stretch near the beach
Set along Highway 1, San Simeon’s small commercial area has a handful of casual and low-key dining options. Cavalier Coastal Kitchen overlooks the beach and is a go-to for homestyle breakfasts, with a lunch and dinner menu focused on seafood. San Simeon Beach Bar & Grill, a favorite for its daily happy hour, serves classic American fare with a coastal twist. Up the coast near the San Simeon Pier, Sebastian’s serves burgers and sandwiches in an old general store alongside Hearst Ranch Winery, with outdoor, beachfront seating. Just south in Cambria, there's a more diverse culinary scene, locally owned grocery stores like Cookie Crock Market and Soto’s True Earth Market, and an array of shops and art galleries.
Cavelier Restaurant is a great spot for brunch by the beach in San Simeon.
San Simeon has a few great locally owned grocery stores/
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Learning in the Coast Unified School District
San Simeon is served by the Coast Unified School District. From kindergarten through Grade 5, students attend Cambria Grammar School, which receives a C rating from Niche. From there, students can attend the B-minus-rated Santa Lucia Middle School and the A-minus-rated Coast Union High School; the latter offers hands-on career courses in fields like animal science and agricultural mechanics.
A convenient commute on Highway 1
While San Simeon residents can feel far removed, Highway 1 easily connects them with destinations all along the coast. San Luis Obispo Regional Transit Authority buses connect folks here with much of San Luis Obispo County. Adventist Health’s Twin Cities Community Hospital is about 30 miles east in Templeton, while the San Luis Obispo County Airport is about 40 miles south, with commercial flights to destinations throughout the American West.
GreatSchools:
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Panoramic oceanfront, single-level condo in an exclusive five-unit community—this 3 bed, 2 bath, 1,300 sq ft retreat offers coastal comfort with direct beach access just outside your patio. Enjoy an open-concept living area with a cozy gas fireplace and seamless indoor-outdoor flow. The primary suite features private patio access and separation from guest bedrooms. A generous storage pantry in
What an advantage this particular ocean view condominium home has in San Simeon Ca. 271 Vista Del Mar is the most southwestern unit of this beautifully maintained complex on the west side of Highway 1. It is a half block from the gorgeous San Simeon beaches and Pico Cove, great surfing and fishing is right outside your door! Across the street is an open space preserve filled with trails and
Coastal charm meets easy living in this San Simeon getaway! Located just moments from stunning beaches, scenic hiking trails, and the iconic Hearst Castle, this 2-bedroom, 1.5-bathroom condo is your ticket to the Central Coast lifestyle. The main level features an open-concept kitchen, dining, and living area with access to a private patio—perfect for morning coffee or evening sunsets. A
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Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
502
Median Age
47
Population Density
1 person/acre
Population under 18
20.5%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
29.5%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$66,290
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$82,957
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
96.5%
Above the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
30.2%
Advanced Degrees
15.3%
% Population in Labor Force
51.9%
Below the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
44''
Average Winter Low Temperature
42°F
Average Summer High Temperature
66°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
7/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
10/ 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.
