What You Should Know About Living in Fresno

Because of its central location, the booming and vibrant city of Fresno is within easy reach of major metropolitan areas such as San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego. It’s situated in the San Joaquin Valley and is known for its amazing agricultural produce, great dining scene, and plenty of local activities to keep the whole family entertained. The city also has a vibrant cultural scene with several art galleries and museums, and residents living in Fresno, CA, can enjoy events and festivals throughout the year where they can engage with other members of the community. 

Thinking about making a move to Fresno? Here are 15 things we think you should know before you go.

Situated decently far from the major metropolises of LA and San Francisco, Fresno offers its residents a great living experience without the major hubbub.

Fresno at a Glance

• The city of Fresno covers about 115 square miles in total.
• Fresno is situated 220 miles north of Los Angeles and 190 miles southeast of San Francisco.
• Fresno’s top industries include agriculture and healthcare.
• Fresno City has a population of around 546,000.
• The median age in Fresno is 32.8.

15 Things To Know About Living in Fresno, CA

Is Fresno a good place to live? Before you consider a move to Fresno, CA, it’s important to become familiar with all the various aspects of living there. How much does it cost to live there? What are the pros and cons? What’s the job market like? These are all factors that you should be looking into before moving to a new city. So to give you the best overview on what living in Fresno, CA, is truly like, here are 15 things we think you should know.

1. The Fresno Cost of Living

With a cost of living score of 103.7, the Fresno cost of living is only 3.7 percent higher than the national index of 100 but just over 45 percent lower than California’s average of 149.9. When it comes to the specific costs of living, however, the cost of utilities in Fresno are much higher than the state and national average. 

According to MIT’s Living Wage Calculator, a family of four with two adults working would need to make around $112,000 in annual income before taxes to live comfortably in Fresno, while a single person would need to make closer to $46,500 to lead a comfortable lifestyle. A working couple without kids should make approximately $62,000 before taxes to live comfortably. 

2. Pros and Cons of Living in Fresno, CA 

Every city provides its fair share of advantages and disadvantages. Here are the main pros and cons to consider when you’re thinking of living in Fresno. 

Pro: The Best Local Produce

The central valley location of California's Fresno allows residents to enjoy plenty of fresh, local fruits and vegetables at a fair price. The city's farmers markets offer a variety of local food options, and the area's agricultural bounty supports a vibrant local cuisine scene.

Pro: Cultural Diversity

One of the biggest advantages of living in Fresno is its cultural diversity, as the city is home to many people of varying ethnic backgrounds such as Asian and Hispanic descent. This makes the city a great place to celebrate diversity of all backgrounds, and there are a variety of events in the area that are dedicated to showcasing the community's cultural diversity.

Pro: Convenient Location

The city of Fresno is situated in an area that is easy to get to from other parts of the state due to its proximity to major airports and highways. It's also just a couple of hours away from Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Con: Poor Air Quality

In Fresno, one of the biggest issues residents face is its air quality. The city is located in a valley, and it suffers from both smog and pollution, which can affect people's respiratory health and negatively affect the time limits and endurances of various outdoor activities.

Con: Traffic Congestion

As a city with a growing population, Fresno suffers from traffic issues. During rush hour, many of the city's major roads and highways become congested, causing significant delays for commuters.

Con: Not the Best Public Schools 

While students living in Fresno can attend schools in the highly ranked Clovis Unified School District, Fresno itself doesn’t have the best options when it comes to public schools compared to other communities across the state.  

By California standards, Fresno is affordable. The downside is that prices are increasing as more people flock here.

3. The Fresno Housing Market  

• Average home price in Fresno, CA: $380,500

The housing market in Fresno has started to experience a shift, with prices rising steadily over the past couple of years. Although it's still relatively affordable (by California standards), the city's robust economy is driving a flood of new residents, which is resulting in a tighter supply of homes.

One of the most common styles of architecture in the city is the Art Deco style. During the post-war period, when industrialization was taking place, the architects of this era created structures that were both modern and sleek. They utilized various materials such as aluminum, steel, and terra-cotta.

4. Renting in Fresno

• Average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Fresno, CA: $1,575

While the housing market has gotten pricier and more competitive in recent years, Fresno rent prices are still some of the cheapest in California — especially when compared to other popular metros. In L.A., for example, the average is around $2,725, and in San Fran, it’s around $3,325. 

The price you end up paying for rent will ultimately depend largely on the size and which neighborhood you end up relocating to. Lowell and Huntington are some of the Fresno neighborhoods that offer low rent prices, while other neighborhoods like Cooper River Ranch offer among the most expensive rent prices.

Tower District 

The Tower District neighborhood of Fresno is a popular spot to live for young professionals, known for its trendy local businesses and nightlife. Home to Tower Theatre, it’s easy to enjoy a concert, comedy show, or even a film screening almost any night of the week. Cool coffee shops and breweries — including Alchemist Coffee Lab and Sequoia Brewing Company — line the streets, so brews of any kind are always within arms’ reach.

Copper River Ranch

The Copper River Ranch neighborhood is a stunning master-planned community. It features a variety of homes and is close to the renowned Copper River Country Club that many retirees enjoy. This community also has several miles of walking trails that connect to the Sugar Pine and Eaton regional trails. 

Cecile

This small community is located just south of downtown Fresno, giving you a taste of the city life without all the hassle. Cecile is quiet and comes with easy access to schools, including the Design Science Middle College High School, Manchester Gate, and Edison Computech. For quiet weekend retreats, Yosemite National Park is less than 70 miles north, and Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks are less than 50 miles to the east. And for golf lovers? Sunnyside Country Club is less than 10 minutes away!

6. Public Transportation Throughout the Fresno Area 

The FCRTA of Fresno County provides both regional and local public transportation, so passengers can take advantage of its services to destinations within the city and beyond. Fresno's Department of Transportation also provides a variety of bus lines and paratransit services. One of these is the FAX bus service, which operates 18 routes and offers free transfers. Its buses have bike racks and wheelchair lifts, and some of the most common routes that FAX runs include Q, Shaw, Inspiration Park, West Ave., and Hughes/McKinley.

7. Education Options in Fresno

Fresno may not be well known for top-tier public education options, but the Clovis Unified School District is rated highly by the state and considered the best school district in the Fresno area. It has over 42,000 enrolled students in grades K-12, with a student-teacher ratio of 22 to 1.

The nation's highest-ranking Christian university is Fresno Pacific University, located in Southeast Fresno. It offers a wide range of educational programs and services to help students develop their personal and professional potential. And in addition to its main campus, the university also operates regional campuses in the Valley in North Fresno, Bakersfield, Visalia, and Merced.

8. Local Sports and Recreation

Whether you're an athlete or a fan, you'll be able to enjoy the best sports experience in Fresno. The city is home to the NCAA's Fresno State Bulldogs, and you can also root for the Fresno Grizzlies at Chukchansi Park.

Besides enjoying the local professional sports scene, you'll also have the opportunity to enjoy a variety of other sports activities in the area, such as white water rafting in the Kings River, kayaking in the San Joaquin River, and cross-country skiing at Hume Lake.

In addition to national parks, you can also take a break from your busy schedule and enjoy a variety of local trails throughout Fresno County like the San Joaquin River Parkway.

Fresno’s weather can be very hot during the summer, and the nearby Sierra Nevada mountains can make it pretty windy.

9. Fresno’s Weather

The climate in Fresno is characterized by moderate winters and hot summers. During the summer season, the city experiences temperatures of around 90 degrees Fahrenheit. On the other hand, during the winter season, it experiences temperatures of around 40 degrees Fahrenheit that will sometimes reach into the 50s.

The city of Fresno is known for its powerful winds during the summer and spring seasons due to its position close to the Sierra Nevada Mountains. On average, it receives only 8 to 14 inches of rain a year, while the average for the U.S. is 38 inches. The city also experiences over 270 sunny days a year!

12. Local Produce and Dining in Fresno

The Fresno County Fruit Trail allows you to sample different fruits while meeting the farmers who produce them. You can also visit multiple farmers markets in the area, including the Old Town Clovis Farmers Market, where you can purchase local food products.

Restaurants in Fresno County are known for their fresh produce, and they serve up some of the best dishes in the area. Local favorites include Sal's Mexican Restaurant and Señor Aji's Peruvian Kitchen. And during the FoodieLicious event — held every month at River Park Shopping Center — you can try food trucks from various cuisines in Fresno. 

13. Fresno’s Diverse and Vibrant Culture

With the Sierra Nevada mountains and Kings Canyon park nearby, the great outdoors is always a quick drive away

14. Outdoor Opportunities Around Fresno

In Fresno County, you'll find numerous parks and trails that are ideal for exploring the area's natural beauty. You'll also have easy access to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. 

When it comes to local parks, Woodward Park is a popular regional park with 300 acres of recreation areas, playgrounds, and ponds that's also known for its Shinzen Friendship Garden. Another area that's great for families is Roeding Park, which features picnic areas and a variety of attractions, such as the Fresno Chaffee Zoo.

15. Local Attractions To Keep You Entertained 

When it comes to things to do in Fresno, CA, one of the most popular local attractions in the city is the Forestiere Underground Gardens, which are filled with ancient Roman architecture and feature various rooms and passageways that resemble catacombs.

The Fresno Art Museum is the top artistic attraction, with a wide variety of contemporary and modern art, while Island Waterpark Fresno is great for cooling off in the summer heat.

PODS has the knowhow to help you move to your next home in Fresno

Move to Fresno, CA, With PODS

Sealing the deal on your new home in Fresno might be easy, but the challenge usually comes with moving. When you choose a portable moving container from PODS, you can load all of your belongings right there in your driveway on your own time. When you're ready to get moving, the container will be taken to your new home or it can be stored in a secure PODS Storage Center until you're ready. Simple as that!