|
|
|
We’ve found that an understanding of our unique SLO lifestyle helps newcomers become good neighbors more quickly and enjoy their new city more. We hope this guide will help you.
- People smile a lot here. It’s really OK to smile and acknowledge people you don’t even know. Whether walking downtown, riding your bike or driving your car, try a friendly smile and watch the magic happen.
- Take in what the community has to offer: dine well, drink well and play well. Experience all of the sights, sounds and tastes of San Luis Obispo.
- Enjoy the outdoors. San Luis Obispo has magnificent scenic areas that can be experienced first hand by walking, hiking or biking in the public open space areas. When you connect with the land, you’ll start to feel the real San Luis Obispo.
- Hosting visitors has been a San Luis Obispo tradition ever since the mission days. If you see someone that appears to be lost, give them assistance, show them around and tell them what San Luis Obispo has to offer. You’ll see the same things in a fresh way.
- Transportation is different in a small community like San Luis Obispo. Expect slower cars, more pedestrians and friendly commuters. Try not to get frustrated– take a deep breath, look up at the blue skies and green hills and remember just how nice it is to live here. You might even try walking, bike riding or taking the bus once in awhile yourself.
- Try to shop and buy locally. San Luis Obispo is a self-reliant community where people and businesses work together to make the city successful. If you need a product or service, give our SLO businesses a chance for your business first. Since most of the support for community efforts comes from local businesses, you’ll be making your own town better.
- San Luis Obispo is an active community with a tradition of passionate, respectful involvement and accessible leaders. Try to take action on local issues that concern you. Listen respectfully to the views of others. Thoughtfully develop your own positions and advocate them. In SLO, individuals like you can really make a difference.
- Remember that the community is shared with people from all walks of life. San Luis Obispo hosts retirees, young families and a large student population that makes up one third of the community. Learn to appreciate and work with all the different diverse groups. You’ll find that there is a unique balance between the community members here and that each individual group contributes to the unmatchable quality of life here.
- Grow with the community. Give your ideas to local business leaders and tailor your business to the needs of local residents. The community relies on your active business presence to prosper.
- Volunteer here! San Luis Obispo County has more than 1,000 active not-for-profits. Find something you’re passionate about to support by giving a little of your time, money and heart.
You’ll be richer for it and the community will be, too.
- Change is always difficult, and moving from a larger community to San Luis Obispo can be unsettling. However, give yourself time –a year minimum– to adjust to the SLO life. The community might be different, but we think you’ll find you enjoy the life here more.
| |
