3 SLO County towns make list of ‘most peaceful places to live’ in California
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Money Inc listed Cambria, San Luis Obispo and Paso Robles among 30 peaceful spots.
- Cambria placed No.4; San Luis Obispo No.18; Paso Robles No.19.
- Ranking weighed crime, nature access, housing costs, commute and living-quality metrics.
Money Inc just released a new survey of ”The 30 Most Peaceful Places to Live in California,” and three San Luis Obispo County towns made the list.
Cambria was the top local finisher on the guide at No. 4, behind Susanville, Thousand Oaks and Eureka.
San Luis Obispo landed at No. 18, followed immediately by Paso Robles at No. 19.
The Money Inc posting touted the list as “a Complete Guide to Tranquil Communities,” featuring places “where residents enjoy slower rhythms, lower crime rates and connections to nature and neighbors.”
It also addressed relative average home prices compared to other communities in the state and provided tips for people who want to move to a more tranquil place.
Cambria
Cambria was a natural fit for the list, according to the survey.
“Cambria’s slower pace makes it particularly suitable if you’re seeking refuge from faster-paced California cities,” the website said. “The town provides coastal access, an oceanfront boardwalk and natural beauty without the tourism intensity of more popular beach destinations.”
The small town at the southern end of Highway 1’s Big Sur stretch was described in the posting as “a genuine retreat from urban intensity” with dramatic coastal scenery, a native Monterey pine forest, tide pools, hidden beaches and ocean views that invite quiet exploration.
Home prices were shown as ranging “from $700,000 to $1 million for a three-to-four-bedroom property, reflecting the area’s appeal and relative seclusion. The community attracts residents who value simplicity and coastal living.”
San Luis Obispo
The county seat was described as maintaining “a relaxed atmosphere that contributes to its reputation as one of the happiest places in America.”
The survey noted SLO’s “vibrant downtown area with local shops, restaurants and the popular Thursday night Farmers Market. The presence of Cal Poly adds a youthful energy without overwhelming the community’s peaceful character.”
The city’s temperate climate, family-friendly environments in neighborhoods such as Laguna Lake and the rural settings of Edna Valley and other areas were also mentioned.
Housing costs were acknowledged as exceeding California’s state average, “reflecting the area’s desirability. You’ll benefit from access to both cultural amenities and nature, creating a balanced lifestyle that many residents find appealing.”
Paso Robles
The rural charm and peaceful lifestyle of the Central Coast wine country, Paso Robles’ population of around 30,000 and its freeway accessible location within easy driving range of the Central Valley, Los Angeles and San Francisco contributed to its selection.
“You’ll find over 200 wineries scattered across rolling vineyards and oak-studded hills. The warm climate and agricultural landscape create a relaxed atmosphere that attracts families and retirees seeking a quieter pace of life,” the report said.
It also noted Paso’s sparse suburban feel and community-oriented character, natural hot springs, preservation of the area’s agricultural heritage, wine-tasting rooms and regional cuisine.
Housing costs were described as “lower than California’s state average of $772,924.”
These factors led to selecting the 30 communities
According to the report, “Several key elements shape whether a community feels peaceful and secure for residents. Crime rates, natural surroundings, and measurable quality of life indicators work together to create environments where you can live with reduced stress and greater contentment.”
Other factors included access to nature and metrics about quality of life, which included noise-pollution levels, commute times, traffic congestion, quality of local education, healthcare access, hospital proximity and housing affordability relative to median incomes.
What is Money Inc?
On its website, Money Inc describes itself as “the one place for you to learn all about the culture of money. Whether it’s a stock tip you want, a business you’ve never heard of, a car you might be eyeing, a watch you seek, a sneaker you want to try on, or a traveling excursion you’d like to learn about, Money Inc covers just about anything for the affluent observer.”
Here’s the full list of peaceful places
The full list of the 30 most peaceful places in California:
1. Susanville
2. Thousand Oaks
3. Eureka
4. Cambria
5. Nevada City
6. Ojai
7. Mendocino
8. Carmel-by-the-Sea
9. Ferndale
10. Sonoma
11. Truckee
12. Grass Valley
13. Aliso Viejo
14. San Juan Capistrano
15. Lake Arrowhead
16. Yountville
17. Calistoga
18. San Luis Obispo
19. Paso Robles
20. St. Helena
21. Tiburon
22. Half Moon Bay
23. Moraga
24. Los Altos Hills
25. Larkspur
26. Mill Valley
27. San Anselmo
28. Sausalito
29. Bolinas
30. Healdsburg
This story was originally published January 8, 2026 at 5:00 AM with the headline "3 SLO County towns make list of ‘most peaceful places to live’ in California."
