Fresno, CA

Fresno is a city located in the San Joaquin Valley in central California, United States. It is the fifth-largest city in California, with an estimated population of over 530,000 people as of 2021.

Fresno is also home to several notable attractions, including the Fresno Chaffee Zoo, the Forestiere Underground Gardens, the Fresno Art Museum, and the Tower District, a popular entertainment district with many restaurants, bars, and shops.

The cost of living in Fresno, California is generally lower than in many other major California cities, such as San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego. Housing costs, in particular, are more affordable in Fresno compared to other cities in the state.

Fresno’s cost of living based on a US average of 100 is 103.3 slightly high than the national average. The median home value in Fresno was $352,861 as of March 2023. The city has a relatively median household income of $41,455, which is less than the national median household income.

City highlights

The city of Fresno was founded in 1872 as a railway station of the Central Pacific Railroad and was named after the Spanish word for ’ash tree’ due to the abundance of such trees in the area. Fresno is known as the agricultural capital of California and is home to a thriving agricultural industry that includes crops such as almonds, grapes, and citrus fruits.

Geographic location

Fresno is located in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley, which is a large, flat agricultural region in central California. The city sits at an elevation of approximately 330 feet above sea level and covers an area of around 114 square miles.

Fresno is susceptible to drought due to its location in a semi-arid region. The city has experienced several severe droughts in recent years, which have had a significant impact on the local agricultural industry.

Climate

The climate in Fresno is classified as a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. The average high temperature in the summer months is around 96°F, while the average low temperature in the winter months is around 38°F.

Demography

According to the United States Census, the population was 530,000 in 2020. The city has a mix of diverse ethnic and racial groups, like Hispanic or Latino at 52%, White at 28%, Asian at 14%, and Black or African American at 0.3%.

Cost of Living

According to data, the cost-of-living index in Fresno is 103.3, which is slightly high than the national average of 100. In the same way, The median home value in Fresno is around $352,861 as of March 2023, which is less than the median home value in California and the United States as a whole.

The rent of an apartment with one bedroom can cost around $1,060 monthly. the cost of living in Fresno is around 5% lower than the national average. This is due in part to lower housing costs, as well as lower costs for groceries, healthcare, and transportation.

Transportation

The city is served by Fresno Yosemite International Airport, major highways, including Interstate 5, State Route 99, and State Route 41, public transportation system called Fresno Area Express (FAX), private ride services like Uber, biking, and walking.

Fresno has a walk score of 49 out of 100. the city is somewhat walkable and some errands can be accomplished on foot, but many errands still require a car.

Schools

Fresno is home to several highly rated schools including 214 public and 122 private with a total amount of 336 schools. Whether public, private, or charter, these schools offer a strong academic curriculum and a variety of enrichment programs to help students succeed.

What is the city like?

Fresno is a mid-sized city located in the heart of California’s Central Valley. It is a diverse city, with a large Hispanic and Latino population and residents from many different cultural backgrounds. This diversity is reflected in the city’s restaurants, festivals, and cultural events.

Fresno also has a thriving arts and culture scene, with several museums, galleries, and theaters located throughout the city. The Fresno Art Museum, the Fresno Philharmonic, and the Saroyan Theatre are just a few examples of the cultural offerings in the city.