Atascadero is a friendly, small city characterized by scenic oak-covered hills, family neighborhoods, and a strong sense of community. Conveniently located between San Luis Obispo and Paso Robles wine country, this city provides a relaxed, rural atmosphere while remaining in proximity to other local cities such as Paso Robles, Morro Bay, and San Luis Obispo.
Founded in the early 1900s as a planned "colony," Atascadero still carries much of its original charm. The historic City Hall rotunda and Sunken Gardens remain at the center of town, surrounded by locally owned shops, cafes, and restaurants. The downtown has thoughtfully grown, adding wine bars, craft breweries, and farm-to-table dining, yet retains a small-town feel.
Atascadero's landscape is excellent for anyone who loves the outdoors. Residents may be seen hiking and horseback riding along oak woodlands and open trails each morning. The city offers great views from the top of Stadium Park, while Atascadero Lake Park remains a favorite gathering spot in town for walking, having a picnic, and family outings. Down the road lies the Central Coast (Charles Paddock) Zoo, the only accredited zoo on the Central Coast, which is a must-visit for residents and visitors.
Just outside of town, Santa Margarita Lake offers kayaking, fishing, and camping surrounded by quiet foothills. Thanks to its warm, sunny climate, outdoor recreation is part of daily life here-whether that's a youth baseball game in one of the city's parks, an afternoon of disc golf, or just enjoying a shaded walk beneath the oaks.
The sense of community in Atascadero comes alive with many local events. Each October, the Colony Days Parade celebrates the founding of the city with vintage costumes and horse-drawn carriages on a day full of small-town pride. During summer months, the Tamale Festival and Concerts in the Park fill the Sunken Gardens with food, live music, and families gathering under the stars.
The town's food and drink scene continues to grow, with the addition of farm-to-table restaurants, craft breweries, and a smattering of boutique wineries within driving distance. Weekly farmers' markets and art walks bring neighbors together and put the creative spirit defining Atascadero's culture front and center. It is a place where people know each other, and community is at the heart of everyday living.
Atascadero combines history, space, and affordability in a way that's becoming truly unique on the Central Coast. You'll find everything from restored colony-era homes near downtown to modern ranch-style houses on larger lots, many nestled beneath oak trees or tucked along quiet cul-de-sacs. The peaceful atmosphere is family-oriented, with excellent parks, schools, and a location that makes commuting or exploring nearby towns simple.
Whether you're visiting or looking for a place to call home, Atascadero brings together the best of small-town charm and Central Coast living: a community rich in history, among nature, and with lots of friendly faces ready to invite you in.
29,735 people live in ATASCADERO, where the median age is 40.5 and the average individual income is $59,728. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Total Population
Median Age
Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.
Average individual Income
ATASCADERO has 11,510 households, with an average household size of 2.54. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in ATASCADERO do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 29,735 people call ATASCADERO home. The population density is 1,140.52 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Total Population
Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.
Median Age
Men vs Women
Population by Age Group
0-9 Years
10-17 Years
18-24 Years
25-64 Years
65-74 Years
75+ Years
Education Level
Total Households
Average Household Size
Average individual Income
Households with Children
With Children:
Without Children:
Marital Status
Blue vs White Collar Workers
Blue Collar:
White Collar:
We are grateful to be part of such an amazing community and to be involved where we work and live. If you have been thinking of Buying or Selling on the Central Coast we look forward to guiding you along the way. Let’s connect!
