Neighborhoods Around Cal Poly

Neighborhoods Around Cal Poly


If you look at a map of the City of San Luis Obispo, California, you will see predominantly four neighborhoods that border California Polytechnic State University, Cal Poly, in the northern region of the city.

Neighborhoods around Cal Poly

These are:

  • The Alta Vista neighborhood
  • The Monterey Heights neighborhood
  • The Foothill neighborhood
  • The Santa Rosa neighborhood

Alta Vista Neighborhood

Alta Vista Neighborhood is our neighborhood. Foothill Boulevard, Hathway Avenue, and Slack Avenues are the northern boundary. California Boulevard is to the west, and Highway 101 to the south. The eastern boundary is Grand Avenue, which runs north-south and is the main boulevard that enters Cal Poly University.

Monterey Heights Neighborhood

Monterey Heights Neighborhood is considered the area east of Grand Avenue. The northern boundary butts up against Cal Poly, and the southern boundary is along Highway 101. The neighborhood’s eastern boundary ends at green space or undeveloped land separating the city and the hilly terrain of Cuesta Grade. Cuesta Grade or “The Grade” are local names given to Cuesta Pass where Highway 101 snakes its way up through a mountain formation that rises swiftly from sea level to 1500 feet.


Both neighborhoods are near the foothills and are characterized by well-established residential areas, mature trees, hilly terrain, and rolling streets. Many older, beautiful homes give them a charming, cozy feel, and the residents enjoy stunning city views and the surrounding landscape. They are also conveniently close to Cal Poly, which significantly influences the way of life in these neighborhoods.

Neighborhood North of Foothill

The Neighborhood North of Foothill is the area west of Highway 1, which defines the western edge of the Cal Poly campus and the area north of Foothill Boulevard. This neighborhood stretches west from Highway 1 to Bishops Peak, a well-known landmark in San Luis Obispo.

Santa Rosa Neighborhood

The Santa Rosa Neighborhood describes the neighborhood around Santa Rosa Park. Highway 1 defines the western boundary. The southern boundary butts up against downtown San Luis Obispo.