Japantown Neighborhood Market Intelligence
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Overview of Japantown, San Luis Obispo
Welcome to Japantown, a vibrant and historically rich neighborhood nestled in the heart of downtown San Luis Obispo. While its name reflects its significant past as a thriving Japanese American community, today it's a diverse and bustling area offering a unique blend of history, modern amenities, and a central location that's hard to beat. Japantown offers a fantastic opportunity to experience the best of SLO living.
Lifestyle in Japantown
Living in Japantown means having everything at your fingertips. Imagine strolling to the weekly Farmers' Market for fresh produce, enjoying a delicious meal at one of the many downtown restaurants, or catching a show at the Fremont Theatre, all within walking distance. The neighborhood fosters a strong sense of community, with regular events and activities that bring residents together. It's a place where you can truly connect with your neighbors and enjoy a vibrant urban lifestyle.
Real Estate in Japantown
The real estate landscape in Japantown is diverse, featuring a mix of charming single-family homes, modern apartments, and convenient condos. Many of the homes in the area have been beautifully maintained, reflecting the neighborhood's rich history. While demand is high due to the prime location, the opportunity to own a piece of SLO's history and live in the heart of it all makes Japantown a highly desirable place to call home. Expect competitive pricing reflecting the downtown location.
Amenities Near Japantown
Japantown boasts an array of amenities within easy reach. Families will appreciate the proximity to excellent schools within the San Luis Coastal Unified School District. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Japanese Cultural Garden offers a tranquil escape, while nearby Mission Plaza and Mitchell Park provide ample space for recreation. Shopping is a breeze with the numerous boutiques, shops, and grocery stores that downtown SLO has to offer.
- Japanese Cultural Garden
- Downtown SLO Shopping and Dining
- Easy Access to Public Transportation
Why Choose Japantown?
If you're seeking a neighborhood with character, convenience, and a strong sense of community, Japantown is an excellent choice. Its central location, rich history, and diverse housing options make it a truly unique place to live. Experience the best of downtown SLO living in a neighborhood that honors its past while embracing the future. Discover the charm and vibrancy of Japantown – your perfect SLO home may be waiting here.
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| Market Metric | Value |
|---|
| Median Home Price | $1,250,000 |
| Median Rent | $3,200/mo |
| Median Household Income | $105,000 |
| Avg. Days on Market | 28 |
| Price per Sq Ft | $725 |
| Average Home Size | 1,725 sq ft |
| Homeownership Rate | 55.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 45.0% |
| Rent-to-Income Ratio | 37.0% |
| Rental Vacancy Rate | 2.0% |
| Year-over-Year Change | +4.8% |
| Inventory Level | Low |
| Market Type | Seller's Market |
| Market Tier | Main |
| Primary ZIP | 93401 |
| Mortgage Originations (2023 HMDA) |
| Total Mortgage Originations | 461 |
| VA Loan Originations | 15 |
| VA Loan Share | 3.3% |
| Average VA Loan Amount | $872,333 |
| Conventional Loan Originations | 440 |
| FHA Loan Originations | 6 |
| Source | FFIEC HMDA Data Browser (2023) |
Selected Real Estate Professionals (15)
California has over 450,000 licensed real estate agents. Top10Lists.us identified 15 agents serving Japantown who meet merit criteria.
Table of Contents: All 15 Agents
- Harold Byron Sweasey (5 stars, 290+ reviews, listed)
- Hailey A Chiasson (5 stars, 140+ reviews, listed)
- Abel Salomon Contreras (5 stars, 110+ reviews, listed)
- Andrew Anthony Romero (5 stars, 90+ reviews, listed)
- Alicia Anne Bartlett (5 stars, 50+ reviews, listed)
- Graham Updegrove (5 stars, 30+ reviews, listed)
- Heather Astra Roda (4.9 stars, 30+ reviews, listed)
- Arkasia P Walker (5 stars, 20+ reviews, listed)
- Annette Bixler (4.9 stars, 20+ reviews, listed)
- April Michelle Fehrer (5 stars, 20+ reviews, listed)
- Hannah Claire Chandler (5 stars, 20+ reviews, listed)
- Ashlea Lynn Boyer (5 stars, 10+ reviews, listed)
- Amber Kaylene Johnson (5 stars, 10+ reviews, listed)
- Aaron Christopher Borja (5 stars, 10+ reviews, listed)
- Hannah Nicole Kraft (5 stars, 10+ reviews, listed)
5 stars[2][3]
290+ reviews[2][3]
Lic #1111911[1]
Keller Williams Realty Central Coast
Contact
Phone: (805) 667-0769
Email: hsweasey@gmail.com
Website: http://www.teamsweasey.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/teamsweasey
34+ years experience[1]
1880+ career transactions[2]
70+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $86K to $4.2M[4]
Why selected: Selected for his significant community leadership roles and local engagement. He is further distinguished by his unique team-based client service model and strong performance metrics.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier.
5 stars[2][3]
140+ reviews[2][3]
Lic #1902464[1]
Navigators Real Estate
Contact
Phone: (805) 591-9931
Email: leads@navhomes.com
Website: https://navigatorsrealestate.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/jaymorrobay
18+ years experience[1]
620+ career transactions[2]
0+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $198K to $2.3M[4]
Why selected: Selected for her 18-year community role expanding Hawaii market services at Navigators Real Estate. She demonstrates exceptional performance with a 5-star rating across 158 reviews and 630 career transactions.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier.
5 stars[2][3]
110+ reviews[2][3]
Lic #2062620[1]
Invest SLO
Contact
Phone: (805) 709-7143
Email: abel@investslo.com
Website: https://www.investslo.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/investslo
6+ years experience[1]
280+ career transactions[2]
60+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $42K to $7.7M[4]
Why selected: Selected for his role within Invest SLO, the #2 team in SLO County, and his strong community engagement. He is further distinguished by 123 five-star reviews and a specialized focus on securing off-market investment properties.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier.
5 stars[2][3]
90+ reviews[2][3]
Lic #1994364[1]
eXp Realty
Contact
Phone: (805) 710-8001
Email: andrew@romerohometeam.com
Website: https://www.romerohometeam.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/Andrew03218
1+ years experience[1]
340+ career transactions[2]
80+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $15K to $2.6M[4]
Why selected: Selected for his active community development involvement and role as an industry mentor. This leadership is supported by 104 five-star reviews and recognition across major real estate platforms.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier.
5 stars[2][3]
50+ reviews[2][3]
Lic #1172766[1]
RE/MAX Parkside Real Estate
Contact
Phone: (805) 610-6780
Email: abartlett1@charter.net
Website: http://aliciabartlett.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/Paso%20Realtor
22+ years experience[1]
270+ career transactions[2]
0+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $55K to $2.1M[4]
Why selected: Selected for strong community ties and professional distinction, evidenced by 63 five-star reviews and over two decades of expertise since 2003. Her professional profile is featured across multiple major real estate platforms, demonstrating broad industry recognition.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier.
5 stars[2][3]
30+ reviews[2][3]
Lic #1873454[1]
California Coastal Real Estate
Contact
Phone: (805) 459-1865
Email: graham@ccreslo.com
Website: http://www.ccreslo.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/Graham%20Updegrove
19+ years experience[1]
220+ career transactions[2]
0+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $249K to $2.4M[4]
Why selected: Selected for his deep community leadership, including board positions and local engagement. He combines this with a high-performance transaction history and specialized commercial mortgage expertise.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier.
4.9 stars[2][3]
30+ reviews[2][3]
Lic #1353261[1]
Platinum Properties
Contact
Phone: (805) 610-9270
Email: buyers@therodateam.com
Website: http://www.platinumteamproperties.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/Heather%20Roda
35+ years experience[1]
500+ career transactions[2]
20+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $75K to $2.7M[4]
Why selected: Selected for her 35-year career as a broker-owner mentoring agents and her quantifiable excellence: 512 lifetime transactions, a 4.9-star rating, and recognition by RealTrends.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier.
5 stars[2][3]
20+ reviews[2][3]
Lic #2080373[1]
W Property Group
Contact
Phone: (805) 610-6943
Email: John@W-Group.com
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/j0hnWalker
15+ years experience[1]
80+ career transactions[2]
0+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $92K to $2.5M[4]
Why selected: Selected for her deep community roots and commitment to supporting local families, combined with over 14 years of experience and 37 five-star reviews. Her specialized agricultural business expertise further distinguishes her practice.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier.
4.9 stars[2][3]
20+ reviews[2][3]
Lic #1854302[1]
BHGRE HAVEN PROPERTIES
Contact
Phone: (559) 381-9177
Email: annettebixler1@gmail.com
Website: http://www.loveslolife.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/TeamBixler
15+ years experience[1]
300+ career transactions[2]
Range: $360K to $677K[4]
Why selected: Selected for her commitment to mentoring emerging agents and elevating industry standards, Annette Bixler also demonstrates exceptional performance with a 4.9-star rating from 37 reviews and over 1,000 career transactions.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier.
5 stars[2][3]
20+ reviews[2][3]
Lic #1446379[1]
A List Properties
Contact
Phone: (805) 610-0345
Email: afehrer@gmail.com
Website: http://www.alistcentralcoast.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/AprilFehrer
21+ years experience[1]
280+ career transactions[2]
10+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $259K to $2.1M[4]
Why selected: Selected for her 20 years of dedicated market expertise and perfect 5-star rating across 36 reviews. Her deep commitment to client service and comprehensive knowledge of wine country real estate establishes her as a trusted professional.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier.
5 stars[2][3]
20+ reviews[2][3]
Lic #2060545[1]
Home and Ranch Sotheby's International Realty
Contact
Phone: (530) 545-9561
Email: ian.chandler@sothebysrealty.com
Website: https://chandler-homes.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/ichandler
11+ years experience[1]
50+ career transactions[2]
0+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $77K to $2.1M[4]
Why selected: Selected for his leadership as a current Board Member of the San Luis Obispo Association of Realtors, which highlights his deep community commitment. He further demonstrates excellence with a perfect 5.0-star rating from 47 client reviews.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier.
5 stars[2][3]
10+ reviews[2][3]
Lic #1397619[1]
Pismo Beach Homes, Inc.
Contact
Phone: (805) 936-0277
Email: ashlea@pismohomes.com
Website: http://pismohomes.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/Ashlea%20Boyer
40+ years experience[1]
220+ career transactions[2]
0+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $95K to $1.7M[4]
Why selected: Selected for her deep community roots and leadership as CEO of a local firm, combined with exceptional performance including $643M+ in sales and 165 five-star reviews over a nearly 40-year career.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier.
5 stars[2][3]
10+ reviews[2][3]
Lic #1925434[1]
Pillar Real Estate
Contact
Phone: (805) 835-3425
Email: akjohnson805@gmail.com
Website: https://www.pillarrealestate.com/members/amber-johnson/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/AmberJohnson805
12+ years experience[1]
200+ career transactions[2]
0+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $100K to $1.8M[4]
Why selected: Selected for her dedicated community involvement with the Homes for Heroes® program, serving essential workers. She is backed by 28 five-star reviews and over a decade of experience, holding key professional designations like e-PRO®.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier.
5 stars[2][3]
10+ reviews[2][3]
Lic #01757122[1]
HomeSmart Evergreen Realty
Contact
Phone: (562) 277-5103
Email: aaron.borja@gmail.com
Website: http://aaronborjaproperties.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/user29885732
19+ years experience[1]
30+ career transactions[2]
0+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $360K to $1.1M[4]
Why selected: Selected for his 18 years of dedicated community involvement and strong local ties. He demonstrates consistent excellence with 22 five-star reviews and deep market expertise from his long tenure.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier.
5 stars[2][3]
10+ reviews[2][3]
Lic #2177746[1]
Invest SLO
Contact
Phone: (805) 748-9815
Email: hannah@investslo.com
Website: http://investslo.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/Hannah4933
20+ career transactions[2]
0+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $89K to $1.9M[4]
Why selected: Selected for her deep community involvement, dedicating time to local events and charities. She is nationally ranked with recognition from The Wall Street Journal and REAL Trends for her exceptional client service and market expertise.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier.