Fresno, CA is located almost exactly in the geographic center of California, making it the perfect location for those who enjoy weekend getaways. Fresno is the 5th largest city in California, and also the most affordable of the state’s metropolitan areas. There are 3 national parks within day-commute distance: Yosemite to the north and Kings Canyon & Sequoia National Parks to the east, in the majestic Sierra Nevada mountain range. To the west, the beautiful California coastline is about 2 ½ hours away and provides a popular vacation destination. San Francisco and Sacramento are located approximately 3 hours to the north and Los Angeles, Disneyland and Orange County are about 4 hours drive south.

The Fresno metropolitan area generally encompasses the smaller “bedroom community” of Clovis, nestled in the northeast corner; yet both towns retain their own unique identity. The population of Fresno is multi-cultural and diverse with about 500,000 in the City and another 95,000 in Clovis. Fresno County, including numerous rural and foothill communities, has a population exceeding 900,000. California State University’s Fresno campus is located on the east side of the community and is home to the “Fresno State Bulldogs” with strong local fan support in collegiate sports. There are three public school districts serving the area: Clovis Unified, Fresno Unified and Central Unified.

The fertile San Joaquin Valley is home to the largest agricultural “breadbasket” in the United States and local residents enjoy seasonal fruits and vegetables which are readily available whether you pick them from a tree or sample them at one of the many farmers markets. In addition to agriculture, Fresno ‘s largest employers include Community Regional Medical Center, The IRS, Fresno Unified School District, California State University Fresno and City and County government. Top notch medical services are available in Fresno, and the area is home to 4 major hospitals and many other specialty medical groups. The area is served by the Fresno-Yosemite International Airport and AMTRAK train systems and enjoys full convention facilities.

Fresno enjoys top name entertainment through venues at the Saroyan Theatre and the Savemart Arena and there are activities ranging from the Philharmonic Orchestra to professional Triple-A baseball. There are parks, biking trails, the Fresno Chafee Zoo, Christmas Tree Lane and Shakespeare in the Park during the summer months.

The weather is a frequent topic of conversation with questions about the summer heat or winter fog. It is typical to see about 3 weeks of hot and dry weather in the summer and; depending upon the amount of rainfall (11 inches is average), there are approximately 3 weeks of overcast or foggy weather in the winter months. Fresno enjoys four unique seasons and fabulous spring and fall weather. Snow in Fresno would be very rare, but snow-covered hills and both downhill and cross-country skiing are conveniently located in the nearby mountains and, in the summer, the lakes and rivers are frequented for boating, swimming or camping activities.

Fresno is affordable, conveniently located in Central California and a great place to call home.