Last Updated on: 2nd August 2023, 03:17 pm
Are you thinking about moving to Nipomo CA? This is charming unincorporated town near San Luis Obispo is known as the gateway to the California Central Coast. Originally occupied by the Chumash Indians, Nipomo is a great place to live with year-round beautiful weather, nearby beaches, and award-winning wineries.
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Where Is Nipomo California?
Nipomo is in San Luis Obispo County halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco. The city of Santa Maria is directly south of Nipomo, and the city of Arroyo Grande is to the northwest. Nipomo is situated directly west of the beautiful Los Padres National Forest and only 12 miles away from the famous Pismo Beach.
It is about 161 miles from Nipomo CA to Bakersfield CA and 177 miles from Nipomo to Los Angeles. The best way to get around Nipomo CA is by car. Although the community is nice for walking, you will need a car to access most of the things you’ll need. If you want to access a nearby city, the Regional Transit Authority has a route running from San Luis Obispo to Santa Maria and has a direct stop in Nipomo.
Nipomo Population & Demographics
The population of Nipomo is 18,176, which is an 8.7% increase from 2010! The population density of Nipomo CA is 1,300 people per square mile. Many notable people were born and raised in Nipomo CA, including NFL player Akeem King, MLB player Jeff McNeil, and citizen Florence Owens Thompson, who was the subject of Dorthea Lange’s famous photograph, “Migrant Mother.”
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Nipomo Demographics:
- Sex ratio: 50% male, 50% female
- Median age: 37.5
- Racial and ethnic composition: 69.7% White (43.8% non-Hispanic), 50.8% Hispanic, 1.8% Black or African American, 1.6% Asian, 1.2% American Indian, 0.3% Native Hawaiian
- Median household income: $88,525 (compared to the California average of $84,097)
- Educational attainment: 83.3% high school degree (or higher), 24.7% bachelors degree (or higher)
- Foreign-born population: 16.6%
The large Hispanic and Latino community in Nipomo is largely a result of Rancho Nipomo, which was a 37,888-acre Mexican land grant that was awarded to Captain William G. Dana in 1837. Rancho Nipomo encompassed all of present-day Nipomo and is now designated as a California Historical Landmark.
Is Nipomo a safe place to live? According to the FBI, the total crime rate in Nipomo CA is 2,665 crimes per 100,000 people. This is 2% higher than the California average and 14% higher than the national average. The violent crime rate is 456 per 100,000 people, and the property crime rate is 2,209 per 100,000 people. Although the crime rate is higher than the state and national average, Nipomo is a safe place to live. Most crime in Nipomo is situated in certain areas where there may be gang activity or a higher poverty rate.
When living in Nipomo CA, you will be served by the San Luis Obispo Police Department.
Cost of living in Nipomo California
Because Nipomo CA is an unincorporated town, it’s easiest to categorize it by the San Luis Obispo cost of living. The cost of living in the San Luis Obispo area is 164, which means it is 64% more expensive than the national average. By comparison, the cost of living in California is already 50% higher than the national average. The Nipomo CA cost of living is very similar to San Luis Obispo, as the living experience is similar and the real estate is desirable in both places.
According to the Economic Policy Institute, a family of four would need to earn $104,773 per year to afford to live in Nipomo.
Typical Nipomo Living Expenses:
- Average utilities in Nipomo: $193.36
- Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $19.00
- Cappuccino: $4.30
- Gallon of Gas: $5.56
- Loaf of bread: $2.72
- Gym membership: $78.33
Source: Numbeo
Looking for homes for sale in Nipomo CA? Nipomo real estate will be one of your largest expenses when moving to the area. According to RedFin, the Nipomo median home price is $793,000, which is $433 per square foot. This is much higher than the national median home price of $393,935. Although moving to Nipomo can be expensive, it is certainly worth it. Nipomo is known for its large, beautiful houses with expansive yards.
More interested in finding apartments or houses for rent in Nipomo, CA? The average rent in Nipomo CA is $2,410 per month; the cost is dependent upon things like amenities and number of bedrooms. This is lower compared to other major cities in California, such as Los Angeles where the rent is $2,786 and San Francisco, where the rent averages out at $3,340.
Nipomo Neighborhoods | Where to Live in Nipomo CA
Some of the top communities in Nipomo include Black Lake Village, Downtown Nipomo, and Nipomo West.
Black Lake Village | Cozy Neighborhood Great for Retirees
Most of the residents in Black Lake Village are older, making it the perfect neighborhood for retirees who are looking for a peaceful place to live. Black Lake Village surrounds the Blacklake Golf Resort, which contains a beautiful golf course, golf lessons, and a bar and grill.
Downtown Nipomo | Lively Area Perfect for Young Couples and Commuters
If you like a little more hustle and bustle, then Downtown Nipomo will be perfect for you. Living in Downtown Nipomo will put you within walking distance to some of the best shops and restaurants in the area. You also have direct access to the freeway, making it the perfect area for commuters to reside.
Nipomo West | Family-Friendly Neighborhood With Outdoor Activities
If you are thinking about moving to Nipomo with your family, then check out the Nipomo West area. Nipomo West is full of beautiful homes and is within walking distance to the top-rated Dana Elementary School. This area gives you direct access to fishing, hiking, and camping opportunities at Nipomo Regional Park.
Nipomo Weather & Climate
If you love the heat but aren’t a fan of the cold, then you’ll enjoy the Nipomo weather. According to the Köppen classification, Nipomo has a warm-summer Mediterranean climate. This means that the summers are hot and dry while the winters are mild and fairly wet.
Nipomo CA weather is generally very comfortable. The warm season in Nipomo lasts from June 22 to October 24, with an average daily high temperature of 73ºF. The cool season lasts from December 1 to March 15, with an average daily high temperature below 65ºF. You’ll want to have an umbrella when living in Nipomo. The rainy season lasts for 6.6 months, from October 13 to May 1, with a sliding 31-day rainfall of at least 0.5 inches.
Things to Do in Nipomo CA
When living in Nipomo, you can do your grocery shopping at stores such as Vons and La Placita Market. You’ll also enjoy convenient shopping at CLOSET915 and Nipomo Western Wear. Here are some more of the best things to do in Nipomo CA.
DANA Adobe & Cultural Center
The DANA Adobe & Cultural Center is the former home of William Dana. Visit this attraction to learn more about California’s Rancho Era history as well as how Nipomo came to be.
671 S Oakglen Ave, Nipomo, CA 93444, (805) 929-5679
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Nipomo Swapmeet & Flea Market
The Nipomo Swapmeet & Flea Market is the largest outdoor swapmeet on the Central Coast. Open every Sunday from 6 AM to 3 PM, the Nipomo Swapmeet features over 300 vendors and food trucks for you to enjoy.
263 N Frontage Rd, Nipomo, CA 93444, (805) 929-7000
Nipomo Native Garden
The Nipomo Native Garden is one of the best free things to do in Nipomo. This native botanical garden features hundreds of different types of plants that you can enjoy while walking on one of the many trails.
999 Osage St #927, Nipomo, CA 93444, (805) 929-3589
Additional Attractions in Nipomo
On the hunt for more things to do in Nipomo? The Nipomo Recreation Association hosts many events in the area and you’ll also find many outdoor activities, like camping and day visits to the park, trails, and golf courses on the SLO Parks and Recreation site.
Nipomo Restaurants
Nipomo may be small, but it has many incredible dining options. Here are some restaurants you can enjoy when living in Nipomo.
Jocko’s
Jocko’s is one of the most well-known restaurants in Nipomo CA. This laid-back steakhouse serves some of the best grilled meat in all of California.
125 N Thompson Ave, Nipomo, CA 93444, (805) 929-3686
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Cowgirl Cafe
Cowgirl Cafe serves up classic American diner food from 7 AM to 1:30 PM every day. Enjoy a chicken-fried steak or a stack of pancakes in this Western-themed cafe.
501 Orchard Rd, Nipomo, CA 93444, (805) 931-0624
Las Cazuelas Restaurant
Take a seat at Las Cazuelas Restaurant for some of the best Mexican food in Nipomo. This lively restaurant is open every except Monday.
131 W Dana St, Nipomo, CA 93444, (805) 929-9030
Jobs in Nipomo California
Most of the jobs in Nipomo CA are in the service industry, and most employees have to commute to other major cities in San Luis Obispo County to work. San Luis Obispo County is the third largest producer of wine in California, which also creates a significant economic impact.
According to PayScale, the average yearly salary in Nipomo is $39,320 and the average hourly wage is $20.17. A few of the major employees within the Nipomo/San Luis Obispo County region are California Polytechnic State University, the County of San Luis Obispo, and Pacific Gas and Electric.
If you are looking for more Nipomo jobs, then check out the Nipomo Community Services District job board or search for jobs hiring in Nipomo CA on Indeed.
Nipomo CA Schools
Students living in Nipomo CA are served by the Lucia Mar Unified School District. This district covers 550 square miles and serves 10,700 students. The schools located inside or close to Nipomo are Nipomo Elementary, Dana Elementary, Dorothea Lange Elementary, Mesa Middle School, and Nipomo High School.
There are no colleges or universities, but nearby options include Allan Hancock College (8 miles away), Cuesta College (30 miles away), and California Polytechnic State University (25 miles away).
Nipomo Statistics & Information
- County: San Luis Obispo
- Nipomo Area: 14.852 square miles
- Nipomo Zip code: 93444
- Nipomo Area Code: 805
- Nipomo Elevation: 331 feet
- Nipomo Time Zone: Pacific Standard Time (PST)
- Closest Airport to Nipomo: Santa Maria Public Airport District (SMX), 14 miles away
Nipomo CA Map
Explore more things to do, restaurants, and amenities with this map of Nipomo.
If you are ready to plan your move to Nipomo, CA, then Martian Movers is here for you every step of the way. Give the best movers in Nipomo a call today at 805-779-3844 for a free quote!
