P aso Robles, California is quaint and charming town in the heart of the central coast wine country. Located halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, it is quickly becoming recognized as having all of the potential of Napa Valley. Today, "Paso" as the locals call it, has over 60 wineries and enjoys over one million visitors each year. Money Magazine recently rated Paso Robles in their top 50 towns to live. This area has an extensive winemaking history. In 1797, Spanish padres first planted grapes around nearby San Miguel Mission. By 1862, the very first commercial winery was open for business. In spite of this, Paso Robles has been more known for its impressive cattle ranches, almond orchards, barley and wheat crops, and for being the location of James Dean's auto accident that took his life. Steadily though, Paso has been attracting wine experts from around the world who have found the soil and climate to be ideal for making their wines. And these wines are turning critics heads.

Paso Robles has a very robust economy. The city has an estimated 26,413 residents and over 17.3 square miles of woods, ranches, wineries, homes and businesses. The top three job sectors are service industries, government and retail sales. The leading industries are agriculture, tourism, financial services, real estate services, insurance services and retail. The median household income for the city is $43,053 per year.

The cost of living is affordable in Paso as well. The average three-bedroom, two-bath home sells for a modest $403,220. Ranch properties surrounding Paso Robles sold for an average price of $449,000 in 2004. Estate properties are also available, starting at $1,400,000. One thing is for certain...in both strong and weak economic times, the demand for housing in Paso Robles has remained steady.

Contributing to the magic of Paso Robles is the legendary underground hot mineral springs. The Paso Robles Hot Springs and Spa is world famous and offers soothing soaks in the healing spring water as well as pampering services like massages, facials, body wraps, pedicures and manicures. This is the place to go to rejuvenate and melt away the stresses of the world.

There is also a plethora of recreational and leisurely activities waiting to be discovered in Paso Robles and its surrounding areas. Country adventures like picking fresh berries at a local farm, sampling fresh apple cider at a local orchard, or choosing a pumpkin right off the vine for Halloween are just some of the choices. Whether you prefer a challenging round of golf, horseback riding, hiking or biking, Paso Robles really has it all. Many of these activities lead to tucked away places offering peace and serenity within untouched natural beauty.

Paso Robles offers rich cultural landmarks including the Pioneer Museum, Estrella Warbird Museum, Helen Moe Doll Museum, the Calabaza Art Gallery and the Call Booth House. The Carnegie Museum, located in the center of the downtown city park, houses collections of local historical items. Annual events like the Harvest Fest, Taste of Downtown, Bluegrass Festival, and Cinco de Mayo celebration allow residents to keep in touch and newcomers to make new friends.

P aso Robles Public Schools offer community children an outstanding educational experience. Students consistently score at or above the state and national averages on tests for academic performance and for college admission and credit. More than 80% of the 10th graders pass the California High School Exit exam on the first attempt. The ratio of students to computers in PRPS schools is above the national average of 18 to 1. Paso Schools' student-to-networked-computer ratio is approximately 6-1. For higher education options the newly built Cuesta Community College and Cal Poly University are easily accessible from Paso Robles' downtown.

Paso Robles is truly a magical place to live, work, retire or raise a family! If you are considering moving to the area, or would like more information, please feel free to request a "free relocation package" today!