with $100k coming in, swapping out of Lexington
changea dispatch from
san luis obispo
CA
35.28°N
120.66°W
San Luis Obispo (SLO to locals) sits halfway between LA and San Francisco on the central coast, with Cal Poly students, gorgeous wine country (Edna Valley and Paso Robles nearby), and a Thursday night farmers market that takes over downtown. It's been called the happiest city in America (multiple studies, Oprah included), and the vibe really does back that up. Bubblegum Alley is exactly what it sounds like. Mellow and beautiful.
in our guides
of 10
Most walkable cities in America
read the guideof 10
Best cities for live music and arts
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Best small cities to live in
read the guideof 10
Best cities to escape the heat
read the guideof 10
Best cities for outdoor athletes
read the guideof 10
Best cities with year-round outdoor weather
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Best cities for cyclists
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Best cities to live in California
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Best cities with mild winters
read the guidethe verdict
the monthly premium over Lexington
San Luis Obispo is the expensive option. The argument has to be entirely about the place, not the price.
a quick ledger.
$3,095/mo
108% more expensive than Lexington(vs $1,488/mo)
9.3%
$400/mo more in state tax than Lexington
vs 4.5% in Lexington
$4,463/mo
$2,007 less than Lexington
gross of federal tax. a comparison, not a paycheck.
$934k
188% more expensive than Lexington
vs $324k in Lexington
282k
vs 520k in Lexington
field notes, weather & such.
303
pleasant days a year, in san luis obispo.
Lexington barely cracks 171 pleasant ones.
Lexington hosts 4.2× more events.
68/100
13% higher than Lexington
vs 60/100 in Lexington
Closest outdoor draw: Montaña de Oro State Park, 6.7 mi.
98/100
11% higher than Lexington
vs 88/100 in Lexington
3
77% fewer than Lexington
vs 13 nonstops in Lexington
if san luis obispo appeals, also worth a look:
