Why SLO County is Perfect for Remote Workers?
With the pandemic changing things around for so many of us, a significant percentage of the workforce has turned to remote work. Consequently, most people are looking to move - preferably to a place like San Luis Obispo, that is friendly to remote workers and can provide all the amenities they need.
From spacious homes that can fit a home office, to great internet speed, everyday affordability, and a community of other remote workers, San Luis Obispo is actually a perfect location for remote workers, and it’s not just because the Oprah Show decided it’s the happiest place in America. Here’s why remote workers love SLO county.
Spacious homes & home offices:
If there’s one thing home buyers have been loud and clear on lately, it’s that they want big homes, and home offices are a must. With the pandemic changing the lifestyle of everyone around us, and more of us becoming remote workers, it has become vitally important for our living spaces to be large, and for them to be able to accommodate work space.
That’s one of the reasons why everyone’s been moving away from cities and into suburbs and smaller towns: the space you can get for the same money doesn’t even compare. San Luis Obispo is one of those small communities where you can get a lot of space for your buck, and you can use it wisely.
The properties are large, and well maintained, and most of them are fully modernized. That means that any home you buy or rent here will either already have an office space, or there’s room to create one. That’s a non-negotiable for anyone who wants to work from home long-term.
Coffee shops & co-working:
But let’s say you don’t want to work at home - separation between your work life and home life is incredibly important for your mental health and relationship happiness, so it might be worth finding a working space outside the home.
You’re in luck, because California, and many of the popular SLO county downtowns are home to many charming coffee shops where you can park your laptop to type away for hours at a time and get all your work done with a pleasant background of distant chatter and the buzz of coming and going locals. Free Wi-Fi is a given, but you can also use your phone data, if you’re ever in a pinch.
Alternatively, you can always opt for an occasional drop by a local co-working space, or you can become a regular. Lots of freelancers and other remote workers prefer a co-working space, because you get all the perks of a traditional office (structure, co-workers, work-life separation), but you are also able to choose your own schedule. It’s the best of both worlds.
Cost of living:
One essential consideration, when it comes to assessing whether or not a location would make a great home is cost of living. Given as we’re talking about California, we can expect the cost of living to be high. However, compared to similarly privileged areas of the state, SLO county may even fall into the affordable category.
Most expense categories are on par with the average for the state, with some bills even being smaller here, most notably transportation and utilities. It makes sense, when you don’t need to drive for hours all the time - everything is close by! The most significant expense is definitely housing, due to the ever-increasing value of Californian property.
However, that also means that as an owner, you see the value of your property growing before your eyes, so it’s still a great real estate investment. The popularity of California homes is only increasing, so should you ever decide to sell, you will not be disappointed.
Internet & tech:
A very important point you may overlook are basic aspects like access to tech and stable, reliable internet connections. It may seem laughable in 2022, but depending on your location, you may have an unpleasant surprise to discover that remote towns have trouble getting stable internet. Needless to say, that is a non-starter when you work from home.
Thankfully, that is not a problem here. Despite being a small, quiet community, it does not mean that it’s not modern. You enjoy all the amenities of a larger, metropolitan city, including access to modern tech, the fastest internet connection around, and round-the-clock service, should you experience any issues with your devices.
You have a lot of options for at-home broadband, but you can also connect to one of the many free wi-fi spots in town, should you decide to work outdoors and enjoy the sunshine.
Great weather:
A major advantage of working from home is that you get the privilege of working anywhere you like and have better flexibility for your schedule and work location. That means that during the warm weather months, you can take full advantage of your backyard and work in the sunshine. You can even work poolside, as long as you are not expected to be in many meetings.
Most properties in San Luis Obispo have excellent outdoor space, and especially under the current global circumstances, that has become a very valuable and appreciated luxury. The opportunity to safely spend some time outside and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine instead of being cooped up all day long can make a massive difference to your quality of life, especially when we’re talking about a long-term remote career. San Luis Obispo is on the Central Coast, so many of the homes and properties have pristine ocean views!
One can even set up a backyard office space. That won’t just come in handy, but it will also add value to the property with minimal investment, especially considering the current trend of outdoor living. All you need is nice patio furniture, a Wi-Fi connection, and access to an outlet and your summer office is good to go.
Quality of life:
And speaking of quality of life, you will not find a happier place in America than right here in San Luis Obispo. And why was the Oprah Show so impressed with this corner of California, over all the others? Well, what’s not to like? Between the exquisite food, the terrific entertainment, and the huge amount of activities, you may never want to leave.
It’s especially important for remote workers to find activities to do and enjoy outside the home, in order to create some separation between their work life and their personal life. Here, they can visit the beach, hike for miles, or take their bikes out for a ride in the wonderful weather.
For less active people, there are plenty of places to stop at for the best seafood in California, a spot of shopping, or visiting the farmer’s market to get the freshest organic veggies the local farmers have to offer. Plus, San Luis Obispo is known for its spectacular wines, and the many vineyards that produce them.
Community of remote workers:
One of the best things about San Luis Obispo is that the people here are wonderful. A diverse community of locals, they make for tight-knit neighborhoods that are ideal if you want to raise a family, or make friends. Schools are top rated! Cal Poly State University, brings top notch education, and business vitality to the Central Coast.
Better yet, there is a large existing community of remote workers, as in most corners of California. Remote work can be lonely if there is no one else who shares the same experiences, challenges, and overall lifestyle, so it helps when there are others who understand the pressures.
Especially if you’re planning on taking full advantage of a co-working space, there are many opportunities to meet like-minded individuals. That makes the move here worth the investment.
Bottom line:
Over the last couple of years, a lot of us have moved away from traditional office jobs and have, instead, embraced a remote work lifestyle. At first glance, that doesn’t seem to impact life very much, but in reality, there are a lot of considerations to look at when choosing where to live.
When reviewing options, SLO county stands out. The weather is perfect for spending time outdoors, no matter the season - a very important aspect, during a pandemic - there are a lot of activities to partake in during your free time, and you will never be without a workspace. Whether you prefer to work from home or from a shared office, you are always covered.