Fresno, CA

After years of sparse inhabitation as an agricultural area, Fresno’s development into the thriving city is it today began with the arrival of the railroad in the 1870s. Farming and livestock remained integral to the region’s economy as Fresno steadily grew throughout the 20th century, attracting large groups of immigrants from around the world and building the city into the vast multicultural community it is today.

Fresno has a wide selection of restaurants in every price range and cuisine. You have a great selection of ethnic restaurants with menu options from sushi to taquitos to burgers. The city has every type of big chain eateries, pizza huts, burger joints, pancake houses, Mexican, Asian, Indian and good old fashioned American diners. You will find Jack in the Box, McDonalds, Arby’s and Subway. If you are looking for a different dining experience, then Max’s Bistro or Sakura Chaya will be sure to satisfy your appetite. If you really like Chinese food, Fresno has many great options including Hunan Chinese Buffet, Dai Bai Dang’s, or B&K Asian. Locals love the Italian restaurants, Oggi Cosi Si Mangia and Campagnia Restaurant. If boutique breweries are your thing, Fresno has Sequoia Brewing Company, Full Circle Brewing and Tioga Sequoia Brewing.

While driving is the most common way to get around Fresno, the community has been recognized for being among the most walkable cities of its size in America. Fresno Area Express (commonly known as FAX) runs extensive bus routes throughout the city as well.

Three airports serve Fresno, with the biggest being Fresno Yosemite International Airport on the east side of town. Several major highways connect Fresno with the outside world, particularly Route 99, Route 168, and Route 41. Amtrak rail service provides more options for residents to utilize in their travels.

Reading Park is a popular option for animal lovers, being home to the Fresno Chaffee Zoo as well as a large dog park. Farther north, Woodward Park offers a large, varied landscape with trails, a BMX terrain park, a popular amphitheater, and a disc golf course; plus, the Shinzen Japanese Garden is perfect for a contemplative stroll through exquisite landscaping, and the Island Waterpark is a great place for kids to cool off in the hot summer months. And of course, the city is only a few miles from the sprawling and gorgeous Yosemite National Park.

The median rent in Fresno is $832, which is far below the California average of $1205. The average for single-bedroom apartment sis under $800 per month, and it’s not uncommon to find units for under $600. This makes Fresno an affordable place where just about anyone can find an apartment.

Fresno has the best of a big city and charm of a rural western town, and you will find everything from discount chains, big box retailers, boutiques and specialty stores. In addition to Target, Walmart, Costco, Sam’s Club, Kmart and more, The Fashion Fair Mall has JC Penny and Macys as well as Abercrombie and Fitch, Aeropostale, Claire’s, Ecko, Footlocker, Forever 21, Guess and Fredericks of Hollywood. The mall has specialty stores for apparel, accessories, bath and beauty, electronics, shoes, jewelry, fabric and athletic apparel. With its proximity to the Sierras, outdoor gear shops include REI and Tactical and Practical.

Shizen Japanese Gardens, Chukchansi Park, Courthouse Park, Warnors Theatre, Fresno State campus, Chinatown, Fresno Chaffee Zoo, Rotary Playland, downtown mural district