Paso Robles or simply “Paso” is located in San Luis Obispo County just 30 miles from Morro Bay and halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco. Don’t be fooled, though: it’s nothing like its larger neighbors with a unique, laid-back vibe. So, what is Paso Robles known for? Wineries, hot springs, almond and olive orchards, and stunning views are just some of the things you’ll enjoy living in Paso Robles, CA. Become immersed in the small town atmosphere and the beauty of wine country knowing the coast is less than an hour away for carefree days at the beach.
Ready to see what awaits you when moving to Paso Robles, CA? Read on for our complete guide to the city that’s been named one of the coolest towns in America.
Paso Robles, CA Demographics & Population
Paso Robles is located north of San Luis Obispo on the Salinas River with a population of just 31,000. The median age of people living in Paso is 37 with a median household income of $61,000, right about average for the United States but lower than average for California. In terms of ethnicity, Paso Robles is about 56% white, 40% Hispanic, and 2% African American.
Paso Robles area codes are 805 and 820 area codes and Paso Robles zip codes are 93446 and 93447.
What Is the Cost of Living in Paso Robles?
Considering living in Paso Robles? You’re probably curious about the cost of living in this gorgeous community and asking yourself, can I afford to live in Paso Robles? California as a whole isn’t cheap with a cost of living higher than average for the U.S. Paso Robles is about average for California: while health care and groceries are a bit more affordable than the state average, utilities are higher. The cost of living in Paso Robles is about 37% higher than the national average.
A good way to assess the average cost of living in Paso Robles is to look at average rents and home prices. The average rent for an apartment in Paso Robles is $1,680 for about 900 square feet of space. The city is mostly comprised of owner-occupied homes so apartments can be hard to come by. The average home for sale in the city is $404,000 — far above the median home price of $226,000 for the U.S. While that may seem high, it’s still lower than California’s median home listing of $550,000. After all, it’s the second-most expensive state to buy a home after Hawaii!
You can start the search for Paso Robles, CA homes for sale to get an idea of what you can get with your budget.
Best Paso Robles, CA Neighborhoods
Paso Robles has something for everyone with several unique neighborhoods offering fun Paso Robles attractions and beautiful scenery. Narrowing down your options and choosing a new community is likely one of your first priorities when relocating to Paso Robles.
One of the best places to live in Paso Robles is Heritage Ranch, a private gated community on the Lake Nacimiento shore. Located along a wildlife preserve, the community boasts a marina, an equestrian center, a dog park, game courts, playgrounds for the kids, and the Heritage Park Pool. You’ll even find some of the best shopping in Paso Robles in the community with the Oak Hill Center. Heritage Ranch is also one of the largest neighborhoods in Paso Robles with 16 housing tracts and more than 2,000 single-family lots.
Love historical homes? You’ll probably want to consider Vine Street, one of the first residential streets in Paso Robles and home to beautiful Victorian homes that participate in the Vine Street Showcase every year.
One of the most popular Paso Robles neighborhoods for kids is Rancho Paso, a community that was first developed in 1978 and features mid-sized homes. While the community is home to some high-value properties, it also features modest, affordable homes in the city.
Famously Great Climate and Weather in Paso Robles
Paso Robles is located at the end of the Salinas River Valley amid rolling hills and the foothills of the Santa Lucia Coastal Range. This gives the city two climate types that contribute to its famed wine and olives: a dry and semi-arid climate and the typical coastal Californian climate. As a general rule, you’ll get a mix of these climates living in Paso Robles with dry, hot, and long summers with short and cool winters. Spring comes early in Paso Robles and autumns are very mild.
Not a fan of rain? You’ll love Paso Robles weather as the city gets less than 10 inches of rain per year. Be ready for hot summers, though: temperatures are often 100 °F to 110 °F in the summer but by night, the temperature can drop by as much as 50 °F.
Top Restaurants & Things to Do in Paso Robles
Curious about the fun things to do in Paso Robles, CA? How will you keep yourself occupied while living in Paso Robles? While the city is small, it’s home to hundreds of wineries to explore plus endless outdoor activities and family-friendly attractions. Here are some of the best things to do in Paso Robles after you settle into your new life.
DAOU Vineyards & Winery
One of the best things to do in Paso Robles for couples is a visit to DAOU Vineyards, one of California’s top wineries with wine tastings, food experiences, and fun events.
DAOU Vineyards & Winery 2777 Hidden Mountain Rd, Paso Robles, CA 93446 (805) 226-5460
Estrella Warbird Museum
This aviation museum at the Paso Robles Municipal Airport features restored military aircraft and vehicles.
Estrella Warbird Museum 4251 Dry Creek Rd, Paso Robles, CA 93446 (805) 238-9317
The Ravine Water Park
Looking for fun things to do in Paso Robles with kids? Look no further than The Ravine, a family water park with a winding river, wave pool, slides, and more.
The Ravine Water Park 2301 Airport Rd, Paso Robles, CA 93446 (805) 237-8500
Fish Gaucho
Enjoy a Paso Robles tequila bar and the best Mexican food north of Los Angeles at Fish Gaucho, a fun cantina that’s always busy on the weekends.
Fish Gaucho 1244 Park St, Paso Robles, CA 93446 (805) 239-3333
Firestone Walker Taproom Restaurant – Burgers & Pizza in Paso Robles
Enjoy a brewery tour then visit the restaurant at the Firestone Walker Taproom for burgers, hand stretched pizza, and more.
Firestone Walker Taproom Restaurant 1400 Ramada Dr, Paso Robles, CA 93446 (805) 225-5913
Ready for big-city excitement? You can always take a day trip to Bakersfield, which is 106 miles away, or click the link for directions from Paso Robles to San Jose, CA which is 158 miles away.
Top-Rated Schools in Paso Robles, CA
Moving to Paso Robles, CA with kids or planning to start a family? The city is served by the Paso Robles Joint Unified School District with many top-rated schools like Cappy Culver Elementary School which exceeds the state average in testing and academic progress. There are also 17 private schools in Paso Robles including Christian, Lutheran, and Catholic schools like Trinity Lutheran School.
Paso Robles, CA Jobs & Economy
Wine and agriculture play a big role in the economy of Paso Robles. There are more than 25 varieties of grapes grown in Paso Robles Wine Country with an impressive 250 bonded wineries in the area. Other major players in the economy include olive and almond growers, health care, and education.
Top employers in Paso Robles include:
- Avalara
- Paso Robles Public Schools
- California Mid-State Fair
- Cuesta College
- Division of Juvenile Justice
- Heritage Oaks Bancorp
- Land Gorilla
Planning to start a new career after moving to Paso Robles, CA? You can start your search for jobs in Paso Robles on Indeed.
Living in Paso Robles Tips
- Choose from several neighborhoods, including gated lakefront communities and affordable, established neighborhoods
- Jobs are plentiful in the wine industry, agriculture, education, and health care
- Be prepared for a high cost of living in Paso Robles
- Enjoy year-round great weather with endless outdoor activities
If you are thinking about moving to Paso Robles, CA, call our Paso Robles movers at Mentors Moving & Storage. As one of the leading moving companies in San Luis Obispo County, you can trust our trained movers for superior customer service and reliable moving services. Call 661-215-6023 today to request your free moving estimate!