Firstly why Fresno, California?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Fresno
• State: California
• Population: 543,910 people
• Fresno’s quick summary would be The heart of the Central Valley, famous for its agricultural output and proximity to Yosemite National Park.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 30,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 31,000 annually
• Net Migration: -1000 less people annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 9,000
• Number of Homeless people: 3,000

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it offers a central location in California with a diverse economy appealing to various residents

Perk #1: Fresno Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 33%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 54%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is Hispanic
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
• The median income is (and growing)  $58,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Fresno is $59,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $1000 in positive cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Fresno’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 120 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $3,299
• Property Tax %: 1.1%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,300
• Rent for an average house: $2,000
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Woodward Park
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Fresno, Clovis, Selma, Reedley, and probably could include Fig-Garden
• Avg. Age of Homes in Fresno: 64 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 2.1%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Fresno’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Fresno are  Agriculture, Healthcare, and Education
• Fresno Job Scene: moderate job market with agriculture and healthcare industries
• The General Tech Scene: developing tech scene concentrated in agritech and education technology , ,
• Fresno Resident’s pay $1,200 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Fresno: 7.85%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 190 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 28

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Fresno

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $130 on average per person
• Freeway Access: State Route 99 is critical for transportation through Fresno
• Commute Time: 29 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: evening bottlenecks on Blackstone Avenue
• Transportation Score: 43 out of 100 described as Some Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Fresno: 350,000
• Cars registered per Person: 0.6
• No. of Car Washes: 10 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Fresno: dmv.ca.gov
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 60 of 100
• Local Airport: Fresno Yosemite International

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Fresno’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Wildfires
• General Weather in Fresno is best described as experiences hot summers with temperatures exceeding 100°F and mild winters with occasional rainfall
• Winter Weather in Fresno i’d describe as cool and dry
• Spring Weather in Fresno can be described as warm and dry
• Summer’s in Fresno are mostly hot and dry
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Fresno is usually warm and dry
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 51 days in summer
• Days in a row in Fresno below Freezing: 0
• Average Annual Rainfall: 11 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually moderate air quality frequently affected by ozone levels
• Fresno Winter Air poor air quality during winter inversions due to pollution from vehicles and agriculture

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Fresno Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Fresno 15
• While the number of trade schools inside Fresnos’s city limits are 4
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Fresno County Public Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Fresno Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 9 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Fresno only Doctors is about 480
• Local Hospitals here is  24
• Full-time Fresno only Police Officers is about 700
• Crime Rate Index: 55/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Fresno’s Monthly utility bill average is $150
• Fresno’s Monthly Gym Membership: $45
• Fresno’s Water Quality Score: 65

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Fresno

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 10 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: diverse city with a blend of agricultural history and urban life
• You might enjoy live performances at the Saroyan Theatre
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Fresno  offers a diverse nightlife with clubs bars and events that reflect the city’s rich cultural background

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Fresno

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Has a diverse restaurant scene with a focus on Mexican and Asian cuisines
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 150 scattered around Fresno
• The Popular Sports Team is Fresno State Bulldogs
• Top Level Political Climate in Fresno can be described as politically diverse with a significant focus on agricultural issues
• Fresno’s Longer standing religious establishment is Woodward Park Baptist Church

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Fresno Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Fresno has 70 Parks?
• Woodward Park is Fresno’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Fresno Farmers Market normally open Saturday 8am-12pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, biking, and fishing

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Fresno Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Fresno can be described as urban pace with agricultural backdrop and cultural diversity
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Fresno visiting museums exploring community events sports activities
• The Cities people commute to from Fresno are Clovis 6 miles away Madera 23 miles away Visalia 34 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Fresno or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: evening bottlenecks on Blackstone Avenue. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Fresno’s Wildfires risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Woodward Park is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Fresno are Clovis 6 miles away Madera 23 miles away Visalia 34 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 55 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Fresno has 0 days in a row below freezing and 51 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Fresno people have an average (positive or negative) $1000 in positive cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   3,000 homeless people living in Fresno. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general politically diverse with a significant focus on agricultural issues could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Fresno.

Retiree & Senior Life in Fresno

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can might be eligible for homestead exemptions lowering their tax burden
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is The Village at Riverbend
• Fresno Senior Center provides programs for seniors including arts and exercise classes

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Fresno, California?

If Fresno, California ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Fresno, California, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!