Lompoc, CA

It's a small town with BEAUTIFUL weather and minimal traffic. There've gotten to be some problems with vandalism and such lately, but I would still consider it a safe place. It isn't really close to anything and there's nothing to do in the evenings. It isn't one of the trendy towns on the Central Coast, but that means it's less crowded and touristy, but has the same weather and beach access. If it were me, I wouldn't move there, but I would DEFINITELY take a travel assignment there.

(My dad grew up there and my grandmother still lives there.)

Hi there. I used to live in Santa Maria, Lompoc, and most of the Central Coast. Lompoc is a SMALL town surrounded by beautiful hills, right next to Vandenberg Air Force Base. Being a small town, traffic is pretty much non existant. Although it's pretty small, there is pretty much everything you need to get by (Wal-Mart, Vons, delicious restaurants, etc). I would say it's very safe, especially since so many Air Force men and women reside there. Everyone is so friendly in Lompoc, and I cant say I've seen much vandalism (but Im sure it exists, as it does everywhere). =) The weather is great, not too hot, not too cold, not very rainy, plenty of sunshine but some hazy mornings too. During the winter/late fall it can get pretty chilly at night though.

The town is close to Santa Maria (20 mins driving through beautiful rolling hills) where you can find amazing BBQ on the weekends, more selection of groceries and a slightly larger city. They have a mall there, but it's not your traditional mall....much more.....country? hehe. If you want a better selection for shopping there are adorable boutiques in San Luis Obispo (located maybe 45-1 hour away), or Santa Barbara located about 45-1 hr south. You can visit Pismo and/or Shell Beach about 30 mins away for some awesome restaurants, and scenery.

As a young person, living there can be dull. Nightlife, is pretty much non existant. But I will definitely return there to settle down one day soon (especially since my parents still live in Santa Maria haha). I really realized how lucky I was to grow up there after I left and experienced the rest of the states (NYC, LA, etc.).

Please let me know if you have any questions or need any suggestions. Always happy to boast about the central coast (hehe)

Hi,

Thanks for responding to the post. The assignment in Lompoc has closed. I'm planning on going to Bakersfield Memorial. Any input about the Bakersfield area is appreciated.