An eagerly awaited book "Thrive, Finding Happiness the Blue Zone Way" was just released and devoted a whole chapter to SLO as one of the happiest places in the world — and the happiest in the U.S. — based on a 2008 Gallop poll.

And today "Smart Money Magazine" ranked SLO in the Top 10 places nationally to retire. It lauded SLO as a less expensive alternative to Santa Barbara for our weather and lifestyle.

After noting SLO’s ban on drive-through eateries, they said “And while that might not sit well with everyone, the town is also located in the one of the fastest-growing wine regions in the country, which can help take the edge off.” Read the article.