Last Updated on: 3rd January 2024, 05:47 pm
Templeton is a census-designated place in San Luis County, California. Templeton, CA, is known for its countless vineyards, wineries, and wine-tasting rooms! The city was incorporated in 1886 and later unincorporated in 1889. Templeton was established as the last southern station along the Southern Pacific Railroad (SPR). Many accredit Templeton’s development to the SPR and the businesses it brought to the–once–very small city.
Templeton, California, is a great place to live! The city boasts a tight-knit community and small-town feel. Templeton has a lovely downtown area with countless shops and boutiques, and the neighborhoods are safe, affordable, and plentiful. If you’re considering moving to Templeton, take a look at our comprehensive guide—we think you’ll like what you see.
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Where is Templeton California?
Templeton is located in San Luis Obispo County near California’s coast. It’s 115 miles from Templeton, CA, to Fresno, CA; Atascadero and Paso Robles border the city. Nearby notable cities are Morro Bay, San Luis Obispo, and Santa Margarita. The nearest beach to Templeton is located in Cayucos, CA, which is 20.2 miles west. When living in Templeton, CA, you get proximity to the coast and its amenities, minus the dramatic housing cost.
Regional Transit Authority (RTA) provides public transportation for San Luis Obispo County. They offer fixed-route bus services, dial-a-ride, and ADA paratransit services. Templeton has two bus stops; anyone in Templeton, CA, would utilize Route 9. You can access their fares, schedule, and live transit trackers online.
Templeton CA Population & Demographics
The population of Templeton, California, is 8,386, which has seen a 712-person decrease since 2010. Templeton, California, is the tenth-largest San Luis Obispo County city with the twelfth-highest median income.
Additional Templeton demographics:
- Median age: 44.8
- Educational attainment: 97& have high school diplomas, and 39.1% have bachelor’s degrees or higher
- Foreign-born population: 4.5%
- Veteran population: 8.6%
- Sex ratio: 56 females to 44 males
Although Templeton has an older median age, 33% of people living in Templeton are under the age of 30, and 28% are under the age of 19. The city’s veteran status is notable, with 8.6% of its citizens having served in the US Armed Forces.
Many people are moving to Templeton; 7.8% of residents living here have relocated within the last year! Of the 3,169 households in Templeton, 79% own their homes and 21% rent. 60% of people living in Templeton are married, and 40% are unmarried.
Is Templeton Safe?
Although Templeton does have a higher overall crime rate than its state and country, the city boasts a very low violent crime rate, meaning there are still safe places to live here.
Here are crime rate statistics for Templeton, CA, provided by the FBI:
- Templeton crime rate per 100k people: 4,124
- California crime rate per 100k people: 2,159
- US crime rate per 100k people: 2,346
- Templeton violent crime rate per 100k people: 234
- California violent crime rate per 100k people: 309
- US violent crime rate per 100k people: 388
Templeton’s violent crime rate is 24.2% lower than the state and 39.7% lower than the country.
- Templeton property crime rate per 100k people: 3,890
- California property crime rate per 100k people: 1,850
- US property crime rate per 100k people: 1,958
Templeton is a safe place to live with very little violent crime. The city of Templeton is served by the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Department; 20 officers patrol Templeton.
Cost of Living in Templeton
Templeton, CA, is an expensive place to live compared to the average US city; the Cost of Living Index (COLI) here is 146.2, which is 46.2% above the US average of 100. However, Templeton is 3.8% more affordable than its state; California has a drastic COLI of 149.9! The most significant expense when living in Templeton, CA, is housing—the cost of housing index here is 255.4, making it 155.4% more expensive than the average US city.
Other Templeton cost indexes compared to the state US:
| COLI | Templeton | California | US |
| Groceries | 108 | 105.1 | 100 |
| Health Care | 108.9 | 98.3 | 100 |
| Utilities | 110.1 | 234.8 | 100 |
Although Templeton is more expensive than the average US state, it’s a more affordable place to live in California.
Typical *Templeton living expenses:
- Inexpensive restaurant meal: $14.00
- Gallon of milk: $4.26
- Loaf of white bread: $3.99
- Pound of rice: $2.49
- Pound of local cheese: $5.15
- Average Templeton utilities per month: $344 (per Doxo)
Source: Numbeo.
*The above figures are for Atascadero, which has a COLI of 146.1—these prices should be almost exact in Templeton.
According to the Economic Policy Institute, a family of four living in Templeton and San Luis Obispo County should earn a household income of $104,773 to live comfortably.
A major factor that can affect your income-to-expense ratio is housing. The Templeton, CA, real estate market is expensive—-the median sale price for Templeton homes is 1.5 million, and the average price per square foot is $592. The median sale price has increased by 53.8% since 2022, and the average price per square foot has increased by 39%. If you’re watching any Templeton homes for sale, you may want to act fast—prices may increase as the city grows and becomes more desirable.
Renting in Templeton, CA, is just as pricey as buying. The median rent in Templeton is $2,600 a month and has decreased by $110. Renting in California is generally expensive; the average monthly rent in Los Angeles is $2,742 for a 788-square-foot rental.
Templeton Neighborhoods | Where to Live in Templeton
Templeton has great neighborhoods; here is our favorite!
Wildwood
Wildwood is an established Templeton neighborhood boasting affordable single-family homes. There is a home for anyone in Wildwood; the sizes range from 1,500 to 2,220 square feet, and prices range from $490,000 to $851,000. Each home has luscious grass and mature landscaping; monthly HOA fees are $320.
Wildwood is a few miles from Tom Jermin, Sr. Park, and U.S. Route 101, making it an ideal spot for commuters and families.
Templeton CA Weather & Climate
Templeton weather is enjoyable most of the year; its Koppen classification is Mediterranean, which is best described as mild winters and long, dry summers. Templeton isn’t a humid place to live, and the rainy season goes from November to March. The average annual rainfall is 19 inches, and the average snowfall is 0.1 inches. The warmest month of the year here is July, but the average high is only 84 degrees Fahrenheit; temperatures rarely go above 93 degrees. The coldest month is December, with an average low of 38 degrees, but you can expect the temperature to stay above 29 degrees.
The weather for Templeton is prime in the summer months; the best time to visit Templeton is mid-September; you can enjoy the warm weather while avoiding the wet and rainy months. The summers here are dry, so if you’re accustomed to a damp climate, this may take some adjusting. However, you’ll likely appreciate the lack of humidity.
Things to Do in Templeton CA
Templeton, California, offers countless activities and attractions. We discuss the things to do in Templeton below, but if you’re looking for places to shop, we suggest Templeton Market & Deli and Trader Joe’s!
Zinalley Winery
Zinalley Winery is one of the best wineries in Templeton, CA! Here, you can enjoy beautiful Central California views while sipping delectable wines.
3730 CA-46, Templeton, CA 93465, (805) 238-0959
Templeton Park
Templeton Park is a notable community park where events and concerts are often held. There is a playground and plenty of space for your kiddos to explore.
550 Crocker St, Templeton, CA 93465, (805) 781-5930
Tom Jermin, Sr. Park
Tom Jermin, Sr. Park is one of the best parks in Templeton. It’s dog-friendly and provides ample space for your furry friends or children to run around.
200 S Bethel Rd, Templeton, CA 93465
Additional Attractions in & Near Templeton
The Templeton Parks and Recreation Department maintains the numerous Templeton parks. Templeton is a tight-knit community with events happening often. Attending events is a great way to meet new people and friends! You can keep track of Templeton’s events with the special events calendar.
Templeton CA Restaurants
Templeton isn’t famous for a specific food group, but many delicious options are available. From seafood to Latin cuisine, Templeton has something for everyone. Here are the tastiest restaurants in Templeton, CA!
Pier 46 Seafood Co
Pier 46 Seafood Co is a notable seafood restaurant in Templeton near U.S. Route 101. Pier 46 boasts a relaxed vibe and delicious seafood dishes. Per their reviews, the clam chowder and fish and chips are must-try dishes.
1131 Rossi Rd, Templeton, CA 93465, (805) 434-1950
McPhee’s Grill
McPhee’s Grill is a popular steakhouse famous for its perfectly seared t-bones and juicy pork chops. McPhee’s Grill is one of the best restaurants in Templeton, CA.
416 S Main St, Templeton, CA 93465, (805) 434-3204
Chulo’s Cafe & Cantina
Chul’s Cafe & Cantina is a tasty Mexican restaurant in Templeton that serves traditional Mexican dishes like chilaquiles and carnitas tacos.
335 Posada Ln, Templeton, CA 93465, (805) 434-3044
Jobs in Templeton CA
Agriculture and farming are the main industries in Templeton, but healthcare and educational services are also prominent. Twin Cities Hospital and Templeton Unified School District are main employers of Templeton, and according to San Luis Obispo’s economic website, California Polytechnic State University and County of San Luis Obispo are the county’s largest employers.
Templeton’s economy employs 3,920 people, but most people living in Templeton, CA, commute to nearby cities for work. The average commute time is 19.2 minutes, meaning people are likely commuting to San Louis Obispo, Morro Bay, and Atascadero. The unemployment rate is 0.2% below the US average, and Templeton is projected to see a 34.2% job market increase by 2033.
If you’re considering moving to Templeton, you should note average salaries and hourly rates. Templeton jobs pay well; the average hourly wage in Templeton is $23.19, and the average salary is $61,000. Registered Nurses working in Templeton earn an hourly average of $44, and receptionists earn $17. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median hourly wage is $22.03, and the mean hourly wage is $29.66.
If you’re looking for jobs in Templeton, CA, the city can likely accommodate you. However, if you don’t see your dream position listed, plenty of larger nearby economies will have options, too; Indeed has 106 Templeton jobs listed, but there are over 2,000 more within 35 miles of the city. City of Templeton jobs and San Luis Obispo County jobs are both terrific options if you work in the public sector.
Templeton Schools
Templeton is part of the Templeton Unified School District, and Laurus College and Cuesta College are nearby universities. The district has five public schools: Templeton Middle School, Templeton High School, Templeton Elementary School, Vineyard Elementary School, and one alternative education school. The school district has strict anti-bully rules and policies and a strong stance on hate-motivated violence. Templeton Library is also a great resource. This brand-new structure provides modern computers and other technology, tutors, and various community activities.
The district has a diverse racial and ethnic makeup: 64.9% White, 24.7% Hispanic or Latino, 8.5% Two or more races, 1.4% Asian or Asian Pacific Islander, and 0.3% American Indian or Alaska Native. Diversity in school can be beneficial to a child’s development.
The city of Templeton has countless resources to help people of all ages advance their education—whether young or old, the schools in and near Templeton, Calif, are there to foster your future.
Templeton Statistics & Information
- County: San Luis Obispo
- Templeton area: 7.766 square miles
- Templeton zip code: 93465
- Templeton area code: 805
- Templeton elevation: 807 feet
- Templeton time zone: Pacific Standard Time (GMT-8)
- Closest airport to Templeton: San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport (SBP) is 27.6 miles from Templeton
Map of Templeton California
Explore more of this wonderful town with this Templeton, California map!
Now that you know everything there is to know about moving to Templeton, all that’s left to do is find reliable Templeton movers to help get you there. Contact Martian Movers at 805-779-3844 for a free estimate; our award-winning team is ready to make your relocation easy and stress-free.
