Why Live in Santa Margarita
Santa Margarita in San Luis Obispo offers a blend of residential charm and rural appeal. The neighborhood features a mix of three-bedroom bungalows and ranch-style homes built between 1950 and 2000, shaded by mature willow, cypress, and oak trees. These homes typically have vinyl siding, shingle roofs, and two-car garages. The area also includes the Santa Margarita Mobile Home Park with two-bedroom manufactured homes. Santa Margarita Community Park is a local highlight, featuring a Wild West-themed playground and picnic areas. Outdoor attractions include the East Cuesta Ridge Trail, about 5 miles south, and Santa Margarita Lake, 9 miles away, known for kayaking, camping, and fishing. Local businesses along El Camino Real, such as the Barn Antique Store and J’s Country Kitchen, add to the neighborhood's character. The Santa Margarita Ranch hosts annual events like the Best of the West Antique Equipment Show and "Christmas at the Ranch." El Camino Real is the main roadway, connecting to U.S. Route 101, with San Luis Obispo 10 miles south. Public transportation includes the Regional Transit Authority’s Route 9 bus. Santa Margarita Elementary, rated highly, is within the neighborhood, while Atascadero Middle and Atascadero High are about 10 miles north. The area has a low crime risk compared to the national average, making it a practical choice for families.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Santa Margarita a good place to live?
Santa Margarita is a good place to live. Santa Margarita is considered somewhat walkable and bikeable. Santa Margarita has 1 park for recreational activities. It is sparse in population with 2.1 people per acre and a median age of 43. The average household income is $74,148 which is below the national average. College graduates make up 38.7% of residents. A majority of residents in Santa Margarita are home owners, with 32.3% of residents renting and 67.7% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving Santa Margarita can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
Santa Margarita neighborhood guide.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in Santa Margarita?
The median home price in Santa Margarita is $765,000. If you put a 20% down payment of $153,000 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.5%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $3,870 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $166K a year to afford the median home price in Santa Margarita. The average household income in Santa Margarita is $74K.
What are the best public schools in Santa Margarita?
The best public schools that serve Santa Margarita are:
What are the most popular zip codes in Santa Margarita, San Luis Obispo, CA?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near Santa Margarita, San Luis Obispo, CA?
Home Trends in Santa Margarita, CA
On average, homes in Santa Margarita, San Luis Obispo sell after 127 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Santa Margarita, San Luis Obispo over the last 12 months is $730,000, down 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$730,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$765,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$639
Number of Homes for Sale
2
Last 12 months Home Sales
8
Median List Price
$765,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
9%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-2%