Atascadero Real Estate

Atascadero Real Estate is in the heart of the Central Coast, offering both natural beauty and a rural lifestyle. There are many activities for the entire family including the Charles Paddock Zoo and Atascadero Lake Park.

Atascadero (ah-task-a-dare-oh) is a Spanish name which, loosely translated means "a place of much water,” It was originally settled by the Salinas Indians.
In the half century between 1769 and 1823 the Spanish Franciscans established missions along the California coast, including the nearby Mission 's of San Miguel Arcangel, and San Luis Obispo de Tolosa. The modern settlement of Atascadero began with the Franciscan clergy who managed Rancho Asuncion, a 60,000 acre ranch until 1833 when the Mexican government took over this wonderful real estate. Governor Rio Pico then granted Pedro Estrada nearly 40,000 acres, part of which would eventually become part of Rancho Atascadero.

The community of Atascadero was founded in 1913 as a planned colony by Edward Gardner Lewis, a magazine publisher. After purchasing the Atascadero Ranch in 1912, Lewis put together a group of investors from across the country, and bought the Rancho on July 4, 1913.

As investors came the area was transformed into a "tent city" with tents situated on real estate now occupied by Century Plaza and Bank of America. Lewis employed experts in agriculture, engineering and city planning to develop his dream colony for an anticipated 30,000 residents. In 1914 the land was surveyed and subdivided. Thousands of acres of orchards were planted, a water system was installed and construction began on an 18 mile road through the rugged Santa Lucia Mountains to the ocean. Here Lewis built cottages and a beach front hotel called the Cloisters.
The first civic building in Atascadero, The Printery, published the Atascadero News newspaper and the Illustrated Review, a photo/news magazine.
The centerpiece of Lewis' planned community was an Italian Renaissance-style building which is now home to Atascadero City Hall and the Museum. Built between 1914 and 1918 with bricks made from local clay, this unique and beautiful building has become one of California 's Historical Landmarks.

Over the years Atascadero grew and was incorporated in 1979. W ith nearly 28,000 residents, Atascadero is the third-largest city in San Luis Obispo County. Many of the very principles that E.G. Lewis envisioned for his "utopian city" are ensured through the city's general plan, which includes preservation of open space, protection of trees and hillsides, the keeping of domestic animals, and large lot sizes. It was Mr. Lewis who first had the vision in which he foresaw the future of Atascadero as a creative, rural community.

Today, Atascadero is going through another Redevelopment of the city as it grows to meet its real estate needs. The Atascadero redevelopment agency was formed in 1986 with the Project Area established in 1999.

Atascadero is home to one of the County's largest employers, the Atascadero State Hospital, and is a growing center of commerce and employment in Northern San Luis Obispo County. Atascadero is a great place to live, work and play and offers abundant recreation, interesting history and vibrant shopping opportunities.

Come see what Atascadero offers for your family. Contact The Real Estate Group to help you with all of your Atascadero real estate needs.