Fresno Living: In-Depth Neighborhood Guide

Welcome to Fresno

A vibrant and fast-growing city full of history, Fresno has quickly become one of California’s most popular cities to buy real estate. With a rich history dating back to the 1800s, Fresno was founded by the Central Pacific Railroad in 1872, and the Fresno community began to take shape after the California Gold Rush. Today, Fresno is home to over 500,000 people, making it the fifth-largest city in California. One of the unique aspects of Fresno's lifestyle is its proximity to various popular destinations throughout California, with Los Angeles, San Franciso, Yosemite National Park, and the Central Coast all just a few hours away.

What to Love

Housing Affordability
Proximity to Popular California Destinations
Diverse Cultures
Wide Variety of Restaurants and Shopping
Concerts and Events
Beautiful Golf Courses

Local Lifestyle

Fresno has beautiful homes, big-city entertainment options, and access to various outdoor activities. In addition to nearby National Parks, the San Joaquin River runs north of the city, allowing residents to take in breathtaking river scenery and enjoy recreational activities. Agriculture is an important aspect of the local economy, allowing Fresno’s community to have some of the freshest fruits and vegetables in the world. This also allows local restaurants to offer farm-to-table meal experiences.

Dining, Entertainment & Shopping

Fresno has several shopping centers, including Fashion Fair Mall, an indoor mall full of brand-name options, department stores such as Macy's, and specialty retailers and restaurants. Another popular shopping center is Old Fig Garden Village, an upscale outdoor mall with plenty of shaded seating and a variety of major retailers, including Pottery Barn, Williams Sonoma, and Lululemon. There is also River Park Shopping Center, an outdoor mall with a newly renovated movie theater, a children’s playground, and the host of Fresno’s local farmers market. Whether you're in the mood for a quick bite or a sit-down meal, Fresno has something for everyone. Some of the top restaurants in Fresno that you won't want to miss include Dog House Grill, a local favorite located directly across from the Save Mart Center. The tri-tip steak sandwich and lively sports bar atmosphere make this restaurant a must-try. The Annex Kitchen is an Italian restaurant with rustic dishes, wood-fired pizza, and a full-service bar hosted in an inviting open space layout. A Fresno staple is The Elbow Room Bar and Grill, serving comfort food classics to innovative steak and seafood dishes located in Fig Garden Village. For a date night, you have a lot of great options including, The Lime Lite, Pismo’s, Five, Cracked Pepper, and the brand-new Saizon.

Things to Do

Fresno hosts many fun entertainment options all year round. Stop by Fresno’s Woodward Park, a beautiful park spanning over 300 acres. The park boasts various lakeside running & bike trails, playgrounds, an amphitheater, and an authentic Japanese garden.

Craft beer lovers can enjoy the beer garden and taprooms at Tioga-Sequoia Brewing Company while learning about the Southern Sierra's preservation efforts. Anyone looking to become a member of a local country club has a few great options with Copper River Country Club, Fort Washington Golf and Country Club, and San Joaquin Country Club.

The city also hosts annual events that have been a part of the city’s history for over a century. The Big Fresno Fair opens its gates every October and offers a variety of activities. Enjoy going on rides, betting on the horse races, attending concerts, and finishing with its famous cinnamon rolls. Take a stroll down Christmas Tree Lane on North Van Ness Boulevard in Fig Garden for a two-mile stretch full of fun Christmas light displays. This holiday tradition dates back to 1920, a Fresno family favorite that’s been kept alive by residents for over 100 years.

The Save Mart Center on the campus of California State University, Fresno, hosts high-level sporting events, concerts, and entertainment options all year around. Fresno residents always something to look forward to.

Schools

Fresno is home to California State University, Fresno, and is also served by several school districts, including Fresno Unified School District, Clovis Unified School District, and Central Unified School District. Some of the notable schools from these districts include: