Why Live in Upper Monterey
Upper Monterey in San Luis Obispo is a neighborhood with diverse home styles and a mix of residential and rental properties. The west side features single-family homes from the 1940s to 1970s, including ranch-style and Spanish Revival-style houses, while the south side is known for Craftsman bungalows from the 1920s. The north side has more duplexes and multi-family homes, often rented by Cal Poly students. The area is characterized by well-maintained lawns, tall palm and cypress trees, and small driveways. Ellsford Park is the neighborhood's only public green space, offering a deck overlooking San Luis Obispo Creek. Nearby, High School Hill provides a challenging hike with panoramic views, and Santa Rosa Park, about a mile west, features a skate park, roller rink, and playground. Attractions include the historic Motel Inn, 1865 Craft House and Kitchen, Krobar Craft Distillery, Central Coast Brewing, and Frank's Famous Hot Dogs. The Central Coast Veterans Memorial Museum hosts an annual Memorial Day ceremony. Upper Monterey is well-connected, with U.S. Route 101 nearby, trolley and bus services, and bike lanes on major roads. Local schools, including Bishop’s Peak Elementary, Laguna Middle, and San Luis Obispo High, are highly rated. The neighborhood is safer than the national average, with nearby hospitals and the San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport about 4 miles away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Upper Monterey a good place to live?
Upper Monterey is a good place to live. Upper Monterey is considered fairly walkable and very bikeable with some transit options. It is somewhat dense in population with 6.6 people per acre and a median age of 28. The average household income is $64,083 which is below the national average. College graduates make up 50.4% of residents. A majority of residents in Upper Monterey are renters, with 82.3% of residents renting and 17.7% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving Upper Monterey can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
Upper Monterey neighborhood guide.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in Upper Monterey?
The median home price in Upper Monterey is $1,495,000. If you put a 20% down payment of $299,000 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.56%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $7,610 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $326K a year to afford the median home price in Upper Monterey. The average household income in Upper Monterey is $64K.
What are the best public schools in Upper Monterey?
The best public schools that serve Upper Monterey are:
What are the best private schools in Upper Monterey?
The best private schools that serve Upper Monterey are:
What are the most popular zip codes in Upper Monterey, San Luis Obispo, CA?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near Upper Monterey, San Luis Obispo, CA?
Home Trends in Upper Monterey, CA
On average, homes in Upper Monterey, San Luis Obispo sell after 42 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Upper Monterey, San Luis Obispo over the last 12 months is $1,205,000, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$1,205,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$1,495,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$760
Number of Homes for Sale
1
Last 12 months Home Sales
2
Median List Price
$1,495,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
6%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
2%