Never mind the beaches, and never mind the beloved fact that San Luis Obispo is ranked as the happiest place in the nation (and perhaps even the world); the city that lay intertwined in the mountainous shadows of the Seven Sisters, that boastfully revels as the home to California Polytechnic State University, and that somehow manages to be 100 percent unthreatening is more than just its picture-perfect ambiance. But how do you see past such a polished exterior to get to what’s so much more worthy of celebration on the inside? Let us help you out! Here are five not-so-basic reasons to call San Luis Obispo home.
1. Its local music and art scene is growing more and more every day.
Whether or not you consider yourself an artist of any medium, this first reason is a good thing. In fact, it’s a great thing. With the artistic life of SLO blossoming as we speak—thanks to small shows at SLODOCO, larger soirées at the Fremont or exhibits at The Bunker—as do the opportunities to find that perfect, little niche that makes you sing, figuratively or literally. Also exciting is the inclusive, immensely creative culture that’s slowly but surely making itself known within SLO’s city limits; where artists go, open-minds and open-hearts tend to follow. So, keep your eyes peeled for those Facebook event notifications; there’s something noteworthy happening at least every week!
2. Its quaint location forces you to travel!
Due to SLO’s somewhat awkward location on the central coast, your craving for larger endeavors probably requires a car, a rideshare or maybe even a train. Although this might sound limiting at first, the reality of it is actually quite the opposite. Being nudged, pushed or shoved out of your comfort zone in terms of travel is scary, but ultimately it’s a ticket to growth, maturation and a whole ton of life experience. When you’re living in SLO but Disneyland is in Anaheim, you’ll see that planning out that road trip is 100 percent essential. But don’t sweat it—grab some snacks, shuffle a playlist, and enjoy the view; in most cases, the journey can be just as gratifying as the destination.
3. Because of SLO’s cookie-cutter nature, you truly have the chance to rejoice in your individuality.
San Luis Obispo can be a bit conventional in most aspects. Personalities tend to mesh, and interests tend to blend. If you sweep a glance across CP’s campus, we’re betting you can count more LuLu Lemon leggings than Birkenstocks—but it does cut close. And while it’s hard to deny a comfy pair of yoga pants and an even comfier pair of sandals, individuality is something that might be more important to you. If it does, then you’re in luck! Because SLO has the tendency to attract cohorts of like-minded people, it allows for the courageously unique to truly stand out from the crowd. So, don’t be afraid to rock whatever it is that makes you you; in San Luis Obispo, you have the chance to paint the town in an entirely new color.
4. If you let it, this city can open your eyes.
Most people who already live in SLO know that there’s definitely room for improvement. There’s no doubt that religiously, politically and culturally, our city tends to be a single shade of…well, white. Even if you happen to fit that mold, the single act of choosing not to fear awareness of this issue can bring more life to this city than the pubs and the buskers already do. If you let it, San Luis Obispo can teach you what an open, loving and inclusive community should be—not by example, but by recognizing what can be made better. And if you let yourself, with a broadening perspective, living here can help you better yourself, too.
5. And after you realize #4, you’ll see that living here gives you the opportunity to make a difference.
Social consciousness is such a huge opportunity in this city because it’s something that SLO desperately needs. Either as a prospective or current resident of this city, there’s always the opportunity to either join or start a movement. But how do you muster up the courage to choose awareness? Approach each issue with empathy, maturity and an open mind. There are so many organizations on and off campus worth joining that work towards opening up the minds, hearts and eyes of the SLO community. They work peacefully, and they work with love because they know that their home can and shoulder become a better and brighter place. So never mind the beaches, and never mind the weather—love this city because calling SLO home means bettering where you live as you allow it to better you.