Cities Near Fresno, CA, You Need To Check Out

Fresno, California, is a city in the San Joaquin Valley known for top-notch food, cultural activities, outdoor recreation, and a booming job market. In fact, between March 2023 and March 2024, total employment increased by 12,100 jobs. Fresno is also known as the “raisin capital of the world,” and it’s surrounded by farmland that spans for miles. The local agriculture gives the city access to fresh and creative ingredients, resulting in some of the best food and produce in the country. But while people love living directly in Fresno, making the decision to live in one of the best cities near Fresno, CA, instead can provide you with additional benefits, such as a lower cost of living, more safety, and a close-knit community vibe.

Best Cities Near Fresno, CA — FAQs

Q: What cities are 30 minutes away from Fresno, CA?
A: Sanger and Clovis are both communities situated approximately 30 minutes away from Fresno, CA.

Q: What small towns are near Fresno, CA?
A: Fowler, Sunnyside, and Tarpey Village have some of the lowest populations among all the cities near Fresno, CA.

Q: What is the best place to live in Fresno?
A: According to Niche, Clovis ranks as the best city near Fresno, California, to live. 

The Best Cities Near Fresno, CA

There’s a lot to love a lot about living in Fresno, and choosing one of the best cities near Fresno to settle down in will give you your own space, while still allowing you to lead a high-quality lifestyle in close proximity to the city’s main attractions. Considering a move? Keep these top cities near Fresno, CA, in mind!

Clovis is known for its high-quality schools and vast sustainability efforts.
(Source: City of Clovis, California - Government via Facebook)

1. Clovis, CA

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,700
• Average home value: $509,000
• Great for: Families, young professionals, sustainability, shopping, live music, entertainment
• Commute to Downtown Fresno: 15-minute drive

Located in the San Joaquin Valley, the city of Clovis is ranked No. 1 by Niche on the best cities near Fresno, CA, list and is known for its high-quality schools and vast sustainability efforts. Its urban forest management plan and active transportation plan are both part of its comprehensive plan to improve the quality of life in the city.

Young professionals can mix and mingle at the central district known as Old Town, which features many unique storefronts and cobblestone streets and is full of modern dining establishments and shopping. It also hosts a yearly vintage market filled with collectibles and antiques. Besides shopping, the city's residents also enjoy some social time listening to live music at nearby local establishments, such as Old Town Saloon.

2. Sunnyside, CA

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,275
• Average home value: $1.2M
• Great for: Families, retirees, beautiful homes, golfing, outdoor recreation, dining
• Commute to Downtown Fresno: 15-minute drive

Sunnyside was one of the most prominent areas of Fresno for many decades, but it eventually fell under the influence of commercial development in the city's northern sections. Nevertheless, it still has plenty of desirable and affordable homes available for new homeowners, along with plenty of action still to enjoy directly in the community.

Sunnyside consists of various residential areas which wind between major roads and avenues, with patches of farmland and small shopping areas nearby. Most of the time, these homes are built with Mediterranean and ranch-style designs, and these are often accompanied by clay roofs and stucco facades. There are also several townhouse and condominium developments within the community, for those looking to expand their options. 

The Sunnyside Country Club, the region’s first golf club, has been a prominent part of the community since 1911. Some of the other public areas that are located nearby include the Fancher Creek Trail and the Trolley Creek Park, which are great locations for a family-friendly day trip and feature an abundance of history to explore.

Residents of Sunnyside can easily commute to Downtown Fresno in less than 15 minutes, as it is one of the best cities close to Fresno, California. However, there are still plenty of businesses that provide convenient dining and shopping options in and around Sunnyside. LA Kitchen, for example, has been a popular establishment serving up Chinese, Thao, and Laos dishes for local residents for the past couple of years.

The Kingsburg's Swedish Festival takes place every May and starts with a Saturday night parade but ends with a feast of Swedish dishes.
(Source: Kingsburg District Chamber of Commerce via Facebook)

3. Kingsburg, CA

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,675
• Average home value: $441,400
• Great for: Families, young professionals, retirees, rich history, cultural festivals, unique dining, outdoor recreation, shopping
• Commute to Downtown Fresno: 25-minute drive

Kingsburg, which is southeast of Fresno, is one of the most unique major cities near Fresno, CA, that offers Scandinavian influences, as many Swedish immigrants settled there in the late 1800s. Today, Dala horses and Swedish flags can still be seen everywhere along with various Sweden-inspired festivals held to commemorate the longstanding history of the community. 

The Kingsburg's Swedish Festival takes place every May and starts with a Saturday night parade but ends with a feast of Swedish dishes, including pea soup and pancakes. And after Thanksgiving, the locals of Kingsburg celebrate with Julgransfest, which features a Christmas tree lighting.

The majority of Kingsburg's residents live in the city's central area, which is mainly composed of Mediterranean Revival and ranch-style homes. There are also several new craftsman-style homes being built around town. Kingsburg's downtown area features several blocks of local businesses like the Roadhouse 99, which is known for its extensive whiskey collection and wings.

And Kingsburg has several parks and recreation facilities that are ideal for year-round enjoyment. One of these is Memorial Park, which is located near Kingsburg High School. It features a playground, a bandstand, picnic tables, and horseshoe pits. The city's historical park is also situated just on the other side of the school.

4. Fowler, CA

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,200
• Average home value: $441,900
• Great for: Families, young professionals, agriculture, public transportation, outdoor recreation, local events
• Commute to Downtown Fresno: 15-minute drive

Despite the growing number of towns in the San Joaquin Valley, Fowler is one of the towns near Fresno that has remained dedicated to maintaining a small-town feel. This town is located south of Fresno and is surrounded by farms that produce fruits and vegetables, featuring spots like the Blossom Trail, which runs through private orchards.

Fowler has stops on two of the FCRTA bus routes — Southeast and Kingsburg-Reedley. Both routes have two stops each at Seventh and Merced and at the Adventist Health/Valley Children’s healthcare facilities.

For outdoor recreation, families, young professionals, and retirees can enjoy staying active and reaping everything the town has to offer. Residents can explore several parks, including one of the town's most popular parks called Panzak Park that features a playground, tennis courts, and a pavilion. It is also home to Wednesday Nights at the Park, which features local food trucks and live music each week. Another park to the west is Donny Wright Park, which features a dog park ideal for your four-legged friends to stay active year-round! 

Residents of Fowler can also easily get engaged with the community and meet their fellow neighbors at various community events. Some of these include the Christmas on Merced Street event, which features pony rides and appearances by Santa Claus. The town also hosts a fireworks display on the Fourth of July.

Reedley hosts events throughout the year, and one of the most popular among residents is the annual Reedley Fiesta, which is a celebration of the town's history and culture.
(Source: Reedley Downtown via Facebook)

5. Reedley, CA

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,600
• Average home value: $370,800
• Great for: Families, young professionals, retirees, small-town charm, outdoor recreation, local events, dining
• Commute to Downtown Fresno: 35-minute drive

The small town of Reedley is located in California's Central Valley and is one of the towns near Fresno that offers a combination of big-city amenities and small-town charm. This area is a great base for exploring the state's many wonders, as it’s located very close to the Sierra Nevada Mountains where Yosemite National Park is located.

In addition to being close to the national park, Reedley also has plenty of outdoor activities to choose from, such as swimming, fishing, and kayaking. The Kings River provides this area with numerous opportunities on the water, like fishing, boating, and swimming, and the town's sports park features fields for various types of sports, as well as a skate park.

The welcoming atmosphere of Reedley is one of its most endearing characteristics, and the community is proud to boast a tight-knit feel. The community hosts events throughout the year, and one of the most popular ones among residents is the annual Reedley Fiesta, which is a celebration of the town's history and culture. The Reedley College Farmers Market also helps connect residents with local producers.

And besides farmers markets, there are plenty of restaurants in Reedley that feature high-quality produce and cater to different people's needs and moods. For instance, you can enjoy a variety of pasta dishes at Valentino's Italian Restaurant or some top-notch Mexican cuisine options at El Monte.

6. Tarpey Village, CA

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,425
• Average home value: $379,000
• Great for: Families, peaceful atmosphere, family-friendly activities nearby, proximity to the airport for commuters
• Commute to Downtown Fresno: 15-minute drive

The community of Tarpey Village is one of the best cities near Fresno, CA, for families and is situated in the foothills of California's Sierra Nevada Mountains. It is known for its peaceful environment, close-knit community, and beautiful scenery. The school system in Tarpey Village is served by the highly regarded Clovis Unified School District and provides a good education for children. And despite its rural setting, this community is connected to major cities with its proximity to public transportation and highways.

Tarpey is located close to several of Fresno’s best attractions, as well, including Blackbeard’s Family Entertainment for all sorts of family fun consisting of activities such as go-karts, batting cages, water slides, laser tag, and interactive miniature golf. The Fresno Discovery Center and Fresno Yosemite International Airport are also conveniently close to Tarpey Village. 

Visalia is well known for its vibrant community spirit, along with plenty of local job opportunities to help further your career.

7. Visalia, CA

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,650
• Average home value: $385,000
• Great for: Families, young professionals, retirees, job opportunities, local events, outdoor recreation
• Commute to Downtown Fresno: 45-minute drive

Visalia is a city near Fresno, California, located in the San Joaquin Valley's heart, and residents have lots of reasons why they are proud to call this community home. Visalia is well known for its vibrant community spirit, along with plenty of local job opportunities to help further your career.

Some of the major employers in the area include the College of the Sequoias and the Kaweah Delta Medical Center. The city's agriculture industry is also thriving, and residents can find jobs in fields such as food processing and farming.

The people of Visalia have all sorts of activities and events that they can enjoy throughout the year, as well. One of these is the weekly farmers market, which allows residents to buy local food and other products. The city also hosts cultural festivals, including the Great Western Fan Festival and the Visalia Craft Beer Festival.

And Visalia has plenty of green spaces and parks, such as the Kaweah Oaks Preserve and the 100-acre Mooney Grove Park. You can also enjoy hiking and birdwatching on the Mineral King Loop Trail and the Lakes Trail.