Atascadero, CA Homes for Rent

Atascadero, located on California’s Central Coast in the Salinas Valley, offers a small-town atmosphere with a growing downtown. The neighborhood is surrounded by the Salinas River and the oak-covered foothills of the Santa Lucia Mountains, with Pacific coast beaches, San Luis Obispo, and Paso Robles wine country all within 20 miles. Established in 1913, Atascadero has a population of about 30,000, drawn by area-low home prices and highly rated schools in the Atascadero Unified School District. The downtown area is becoming more walkable with new shops and restaurants, creating a vibrant community space. Despite the presence of the Department of State Hospitals-Atascadero, a maximum-security forensic hospital, the city’s crime rates are below the national average. Housing options range from custom single-family homes on large lots to suburban subdivisions and manufactured homes. Outdoor recreation is plentiful, with hiking, biking, and equestrian trails at Three Bridges Oak Preserve and Stadium Park, and activities at Atascadero Lake Park, which also hosts the Central Coast’s only zoo. Downtown Atascadero features locally owned shops, eateries, and community events like the weekly Farmers Market and annual Tamale Festival. The area is well-connected via Highway 101 and public transportation, with the Atascadero Transit Center providing access to surrounding communities.