Templeton California Real Estate

Templeton California is an unincorporated area located midway between the Central Coast cities of Atascadero and Paso Robles in San Luis Obispo County. This charming rural community was founded in 1886 as were the surrounding towns in the area with the arrival of the Southern Pacific Railroad.

Templeton is the only town situated along the El Camino Real that was named for a person instead of a saint. It was originally supposed to be called “Crocker” after the well known San Francisco financial entrepreneur. However, after discovering that a town by that name already existed, “Templeton” was chosen in honor of Crocker’s son.

The town is proud of its heritage and strives to keep its history alive, having restored many old buildings that are still in use. New construction is carefully designed to retain the old-fashioned character and quaintness that defines Templeton as a unique area.

Templeton’s climate is ideal. With ocean breezes emanating from the Pacific less than an hour’s drive away, the average temperatures range from 41 to 60 degrees in winter and 55 to 90 degrees in summer. The area is 721 feet above sea level with annual rainfall averaging fifteen inches.

The community of Templeton is the home of the Twin Cities Community Hospital, a general medical/surgical acute care facility that services the entire North San Luis Obispo County. Templeton is also the Regional Headquarters of the California Highway Patrol and the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office.

In addition to the area’s many wineries, Templeton sits in the midst of a large agricultural area of cattle ranches and fruit orchards, adding much to the small town country atmosphere so cherished by Templeton residents. The land ranges from semi flat to hilly with production of grapes, apples, cherries, grain, almonds and dairy products in abundance.

Each August, Templeton hosts the Mid-State Fair, an attraction of rides, entertainment, food and contests that draws over 300,000 visitors.

Educational facilities are governed by the Templeton Unified School District, overseeing elementary, middle and high schools, as well as the Templeton Community Day School and the Eagle Canyon Continuation High School for students more suited to smaller classes and individualized instruction.

For those interested in relocating to Templeton, it should be taken into consideration that due to the size of the town, availability of housing, particularly rentals, can be problematic at times. However, new sub-divisions are being constructed to alleviate these shortages.

From time to time, ranches and estate homes located on five or more acres can be had at prices of over $750,000 to over one million dollars but it is important to note that with land costs escalating so rapidly at present, new construction homes on one plus acres are often priced below the cost of comparable housing in larger cities where, in fact, acreage is usually in short supply.

An example of one of the lower priced Templeton homes on the market:

1,430 sq. ft. 3 bedroom, 1-3/4 bath on cul de sac, lot size 7,500 sq. ft., central air, fireplace in living room, fully landscaped – asking price $489,000.