Overview
Avila Beach is a beautiful California community surrounded by mountainous terrain and natural landscapes. The community has a working fishing pier, apple orchards, and the historic Point San Luis Lighthouse. Visited by tourists because of its many amenities and attractions, residents can enjoy being at home in a popular vacationing spot.
Climate and Geography
Central California’s warm-summer Mediterranean climate means that Avila Beach residents have cool and wet winters with temperatures falling as low as 43 degrees. Summer temperatures are warm and dry with temperatures reaching the mid 70s. Avila Beach receives an average of 20 inches of rain and 286 sunny days each year.
The community is situated right along the coast of the Pacific Ocean, by San Luis Obispo Bay.
Recreation, Culture, & Entertainment
Recreational activities in Avila Beach include visiting parks, landmarks, zoos, aquariums, and museums. Some of the top attractions include Bob Jones City to Sea Bike Trail, Point San Luis Lighthouse, Avila Main Beach, Avila Beach Farmers Market, Pirates Cove Beach, Avila Hot Springs, Avila Beach Pier, Central Coast Aquarium, and Peloton Cellars to name a few.
Residents who want to visit a metropolitan area can reach Los Angeles or San Francisco in about four hours of driving.
Cost of Living & Taxes
The cost of living in Avila Beach is higher than the state and national average. However, factors like health care, utilities, and transportation are lower than the rest of California and the USA.
California has an effective income tax rate of 1.79 percent for single filers and 4.6 percent for joint filers. Retirement income like Social Security benefits are not taxed, and while railroad retirement benefits are generally exempt, Tier 2 benefits are taxable by the state. Other income from private, government, and military pensions are taxed to the same extent they are taxed at the federal level.
California state offers property tax breaks to homeowners who are 62+ and have a limited income by allowing them to defer payment of their property taxes, however interest is then calculated on the outstanding amount.
Health Care
Residents of Avila Beach are serviced by hospitals in neighboring communities such as French Hospital Medical Center, Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center, Arroyo Grande Community Hospital, Atascadero State Hospital, and Marian Regional Medical Center. These hospitals are all within a 24-mile radius of Avila Beach.