Santa Margarita

Santa Margarita is considered the bedroom community of San Luis Obispo. It is located near Cuesta Peak, which is part of the eight mile long Cuesta Ridge, and the foothills in the Santa Lucia Mountains. It is the 179th largest community in the state and is among the most rural communities the region. The town’s name came from the Mexican Alta Calfornia land grant of Rancho Margarita.

 

The area was a meeting place for Chumash and Salinas tribes in around 6500 CE. The Spanish arrived in 1776 when the de Anza expedition crossed into the valley. During the mission era in the mid to late 1700s the area was under the control of Spain. The sub-mission of Santa Mexico won its independence from Spain the region passed into the hands of Mexico and broken into Mexican land grants. In the 1800s the lands were a part of Rancho Santa Margarita. Later the lands passed into the hands of the United States. The Martin Murphy family purchased the lands in 1860 and in 1889 the Southern Pacific Railroad came through leading to a boom in area and the founding of the community. Growth lulled in 1894 and rose again in the 1920s, lulled in the 1956 when it was by passed by Highway 101. Today it remains a small town and home to artists, families and people of all ages.

 

The community is somewhat ethnically diverse and most residents are of European ancestry. The Santa Margarita Lake/ the Salinas Reservoir lies some miles southeast of the community. The lake is perfect for fishing, kayaking and boating. There are a number of areas nearby by for hiking, biking and trail riding. The Santa Margarita Ranch is one of the oldest continuously operated ranch in the state. The Ranch is popular location for special events of all kinds. Call Robert Sousa at 805-460-3000 and start your search for the home of your dreams today.