Atascadero & Templeton

 

These small cities, located five miles apart in California’s San Luis Obispo County, are two of Central California’s hidden gems. Further inland than most counties in the area, this section usually experiences warmer, drier summers and cooler winters than other SLO locations. Known for its agriculture and ranching, this section of the state recently emerged as a world-class wine producer.

 

Featuring a range of ranch and split-level homes on generous plots of land, this small, rural town area is fast-growing. Over the past 20 years, the population has increased by 63 percent.

 

There’s deep history here. In the late 1800s, both towns served as the end of the line for passengers traveling south via the Southern Pacific Railroad from Northern California. Today, the Atascadero/Templeton area is a family-friendly community in Wine Country with plenty of parks, open-air spaces, and a commitment to culture.

 

Filled with parks, lakes, and other natural preserves, Atascadero and Templeton are attractive to young residents and their families. Due to their size, both locales have a small community vibe—according to the US Census, Templeton is home to less than 10,000 residents while Atascadero houses about 30,000. The quiet area is also attractive to celebrities seeking privacy—Templeton has had a few famous residents, including Josh Brolin and Sandy Koufax.

 

In Atascadero, Back Porch Bakery & Cafe, located in the Carlton Hotel, is locally loved for its artisanal bread and baked goods. Whiskey and June is a popular watering hole with an extensive menu of top-shelf liquor. In Templeton, the Donati Family Vineyard, Jack Creek Cellars, and Sarzotti Winery are a must-see for wine lovers.

 

Visitors (and even some California natives) come to Atascadero/Templeton to visit the Charles Paddock Zoo, go horseback riding through the local ranches and wineries, or tour the Hearst Castle, a national historic landmark built in 1919 for newspaper tycoon William Randolph Hearst. The castle, which has a total of 42 bedrooms, 61 bathrooms, and 19 sitting rooms as well as 127 acres of gardens, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, tennis courts, and a movie theater attracts about one million visitors per year.

 

With a student-teacher ratio of 23-1, Atascadero has an above-average school district for its close to 5,000 students. Templeton’s schools are also highly-rated: Templeton High School has been named a California Distinguished School, a National Blue Ribbon High School, and a California Gold Ribbon School and is annually recognized in Newsweek magazine’s list of top high schools in the nation.