Is Fresno a Good Place to Live? 🌞 | Explore What It’s Like Living in Fresno CA

People living in Fresno CA (Fresnans) love their city dearly, partially for its rich culture and diverse ethnic makeup but also because it boasts a great location and many attractions. Is Fresno a good place to live? Yes, it’s extremely popular for countless reasons, including its sophisticated community with a blossoming economy; you’ll find more than 15 notable museums, 80 public parks, and over 13,000 small businesses.

The Big Raisin is a terrific place to live and was even nicknamed “The Best Little City in the US.”  Are you ready to learn more about moving to Fresno?

Fresno California History

Fresno’s unique history dates back to when American Indians (Yokuts and Miwok people) inhabited the San Joaquin Valley. Pedros Fages was the Valley’s first European Settler, beginning his quest in 1772. By 1872, the Central Pacific Railroad was blazing through what is now called Fresno.

Fresno was officially incorporated in 1885 and has since grown into a beloved Golden State community.

What is Fresno Known For?

Fresno, California, is known for its diverse economic industries, including agriculture, transportation, and education. The city is also popular for its historical landmarks, such as the Tower Theatre and Forestiere Underground Gardens. Its notable fair, The Big Fresno Fair, brings over 600,000 visitors to FresYes, helping put this once-forgotten city back on the map!

• Question: Is Fresno a friendly city?
• Answer: Many people agree that Fresno is a friendly city with a strong sense of community.

To answer your question of “Is Fresno a good place to live?”, it’s a terrific place to live! However, you don’t have to take our word for it; we have all the information you need to know about what living in Fresno, California, entails. And if you decide it’s a place you’d like to relocate to, call our Fresno movers at (209) 551-7772.

Where Is Fresno?

Fresno is located in Fresno County in central California, within the San Joaquin Valley. It's part of the Central Valley region and is about 60 miles from the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Fresno is the county seat of Fresno County, the largest city in its region, and the fifth-largest city in the state.

If living in Fresno is not right for you, explore the other cities near Fresno, including Clovis, Merced, Madera, Kerman, and Sanger. It’s 23.1 miles from Madera to Fresno.

You can explore other notable California cities after moving to Fresno:

• Fresno to Las Vegas: 395 miles
• Fresno to LA: 220 miles
• Question: What County is Fresno, CA, in?
• Answer: Fresno County

Fresno Information

• County: Fresno County
• Fresno area: 116.00 square miles
• Fresno zip code: 93650 to 93888
• Fresno area code: 559
• Fresno elevation: 308 feet
• Fresno time zone: Pacific Time Zone (UTC-7 and -8)
• Closest airport: Fresno Yosemite International Airport is located in Fresno

Fresno Population & Demographics

The population of Fresno, CA, is 542,107, contributing to its 1,171,617 metro population. The city boasts a diverse racial and ethnic makeup; 44.3% of Fresno residents are White. 25.4% are White (non-Hispanic or Latino), and 50.5% are Hispanic or Latino; 6.6% of the population is Black or African American. 18.5% of people living in Fresno are two or more races, and 14.1% are Asian. The smallest ethnic groups in Fresno are American Indian or Alaska Native (1.3%) and Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander (0.2%.)

Fresno has a diverse population; it boasts the third-highest Hispanic or Latino population in the US! It’s estimated that 29.1% of residents are Spanish-speaking or bilingual.

Additional Fresno, CA, demographics:

• Median age: 32.4
• Sex ratio: 50 males to 30 females
• Educational Attainment: 80.6% have high school diplomas, and 25.2% have bachelor's degrees or higher
• Foreign-born population: 18.3%
• Veteran status: 4.4%

The median household income in Fresno is $63,001, which is well above the US median of $75,149. Fresno has the eight-highest median income in its county.

• Question: Is Fresno a good place to live?
• Answer: Fresno’s cultural diversity makes it a great place to live!

Transportation in Fresno CA

Living in Fresno, CA, means you’re well-connected to several highway systems; HWY 99 runs north-south through the Central Valley, connecting Fresno to cities like Sacramento and Bakersfield. To access Yosemite National Park (north) and the Central Coast (south), utilize HWY 41. HWY 180 runs east-west and links Fresno to Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks. Lastly, HWY 168 brings you northeast into the Sierra Nevada foothills.

FAX provides public transportation to people living in Fresno, CA, and the greater Fresno Metropolitan Area. There are 100 buses, 18 fixed routes, and paratransit services. Central Unified School District students ride FAX for free.

If you’re moving to Fresno, you may be flying in. If so, Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) serves around 2.4 million passengers annually, meaning they’re well-equipped to serve you!

Fresno Cost of Living

Is Fresno a good place to live after considering its cost of living? Something to think about when asking yourself, “Is Fresno a good place to live?” is the cost of living—can you afford to live there?

The Fresno Cost of Living Index (COLI) is 109, which is 9% higher than the average US city. However, when compared to other California cities, Fresno is a more affordable place to live. California’s COLI is 38% higher than the national average.

According to the Economic Policy Institute, a family of four can live comfortably in Fresno on a household income of $100,676.

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Fresno?

Living in Fresno, CA, means budgeting your expenses. Here’s what the MIT Living Wage Calculator says it will cost to live in FresYes. To live above poverty, one adult with no children would have to earn $22.38 an hour; two adults (one working) with one child must earn $35.98 an hour, and two adults (both working) with two children must earn $26.79 an hour.

Typical Frenso living expenses:

• Inexpensive restaurant meal: $19.00
• Gallon of milk: $3.93
• Loaf of bread: $2.65
• Pound of white rice: $2.07
• Pound of local cheese: $4.64
• Pound of chicken fillets: $4.00
• City of Fresno utilities per month: $390 (per Doxo)

Source: Numbeo

Taxes

Is Fresno a good place to live and pay taxes?

Property Tax

California has the 19th-lowest property taxes in the US. The property tax rate in Fresno County is 1.37% of the property assessed value. The county determines the home value by referring to its purchased price, which is typically lower than the market value. You can find your potential home's exact property taxes for the upcoming year by utilizing Fresno County’s property tax calculator.

Sales Tax

According to the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration, the city of Fresno has a sales tax of 8.350%.

Income Tax

California income tax rates depend on various factors. Single filers and Married/Registered Domestic Partner (RDP) Filing Separately, earning the average income (around $60,000), you would pay 8% income tax. If you’re an RDP filing jointly, Married Filing Jointly (MFJ), and Qualifying Surviving Spouse (QSS) taxpayers earning around the state average annual income, you would pay 4% income tax.

Home Prices & Rent

Fresno is one of the most affordable California cities regarding real estate. Renting here is $155 less per month than the US average.

• Question: Is Fresno cheaper than Los Angeles?
• Answer: LA has a COLI of 150, making Fresno 51% cheaper than Los Angeles.

Overall, the cost of living in Fresno, CA, is affordable and obtainable for most Americans.

Fresno Real Estate | Average Rent & Home Prices

Although the housing market is very competitive, Fresno home prices are affordable. The Fresno median home price is $400,000, whereas the US median is $412,300. The average price per square foot here is $246; homes typically sell within 24 days. The number of homes sold is 321, a 3.9% year-to-year increase.

Federal Reserve Bank says there are 1,131 Fresno homes for sale as of last month, but as the 16th hottest real estate market in the US, 39.6% of homes sell above the listing price. We

The average rent in Fresno is $1,585 for a 904-square-foot unit. The most expensive neighborhood to rent is Bella Montagna ($2,396 per month), and the most affordable area is Hazelwood ($1,284 per month.) ATTOM says renting in Fresno is more affordable than buying a home.

If you asked yourself, “Is Fresno a good place to live and purchase property?” the answer would be yes!

• Question: Why is Fresno, CA, so cheap?
• Answer: Studies show that Fresno’s low taxes are one reason for its low cost of living.

Fresno Neighborhoods | Where to Live in Fresno

You must find the right neighborhood before living in Fresno, CA, can become a possibility. Here are the best neighborhoods in Fresno, CA, and what makes them so special.

Tower District - Historic Fresno Neighborhoods

Tower District is a popular neighborhood in Fresno, California, near the city’s downtown area. It’s popular for its lively nightlife, various bars & restaurants, and walkability. Most of the homes boast a cozy historic feel, as they were constructed in the 1930s. The Tower Theatre for the Performing Arts is the neighborhood's most popular attraction, which many residents take advantage of.

Woodward Park - One of the Most Affluent Fresno California Neighborhoods

Woodward is one of the best neighborhoods in Fresno, CA, thanks to its positioning along the San Joaquin River and its proximity to Woodward Park. The properties boast large yards with native California plants, attracting a variety of friendly wildlife to keep you company.

The area is affluent, and most homes are priced above the city’s average price. You will pay around $510,000 for a home in Woodward Park.

Bullard - Ideal Neighborhood in Fresno for Renters

Bullard is home to countless rental options, ideal for those who still need to get ready to purchase a home. It’s one of Fresno’s largest neighborhoods, with a population of 100,730. It’s somewhat affordable, with an average rent of $1,539 and a median home price of $449,500.

Living in Fresno CA, is perfect if you reside in Bullard, as West Shaw Avenue features a variety of great shopping and dining spots, including Target and Pink Pantherz Espresso.

Roosevelt - Family-Oriented Neighborhood Featuring Good Schools

Roosevelt, a neighborhood of great size (128,345 population) and affordability (average rent $1,344), is also home to some of the best schools in Fresno. Jefferson Elementary School, Burroughs Elementary School, and Lane Elementary Schools will be blocks from almost all homes in Roosevelt, Fresno.

Fresno offers great neighborhoods to fit anyone's needs.

Fresno Weather & Fresno Climate

Is Fresno California a good place to live despite its warm, dry summer?

Fresno, California, has a Hot Mediterranean Climate (Cfa Köppen climate classification). Its summers are hot, and the winters are hot, wet, and overcast. Temperatures vary here from 39 degrees Fahrenheit to 99, with the hot season beginning on June 5th and the cold season starting on November 19th. December, January, and February are Fresno’s rainiest months, with an average of 2.7 inches of rainfall; the average annual rainfall in Fresno is 12.6 inches.

Fresno doesn’t typically experience snow, but it has fallen in the past. For example, on February 22nd, 2023, people living in Fresno were greeted with a light blanket of snow—no more than one inch.

The best time to visit depends on your plans. If you want to beat the heat and enjoy cool-tempered hikes, the fall and winter are your best bet. However, according to WeatherSpark, anytime between early May and early October is the best time to visit Fresno.   

Restaurant in Fresno | Places to Eat in Fresno CA

Is Fresno a good place to live and eat? The Big Raisin has some of the best tacos in Central California! You can find tasty options at one of the restaurants in Fresno listed below or at one of the 75 monthly food truck festivals the city of Fresno, California, hosts.

Pismo's Coastal Grill - One of the Tastiest Fresno Restaurants

Pismo’s is the place to go for seafood in Fresno. With tuna flown in from Hawaii and Hallibat coming over from Alaska, you can expect the freshest of fresh when dining here. Although the eatery serves thousands of people weekly and has been reviewed nearly 3,500 times, it still boasts a 4.5-star rating—talk about being one of the best restaurants in Fresno, CA. 

7937 N Blackstone Ave, Fresno, CA 93711, (559) 439-9463

Campagnia Bistro - One of the Top Restaurants in Fresno

Campagnia is a laid-back bistro with delicious dining options such as oven-fired pizza with toppings galore, authentic Italian pasta (penne Napoli with pancetta), and carefully curated sandwiches. While it's considered an up-scale establishment, the ambiance is comfortable and casual.

1185 E , hamplain Dr, Fresno, CA 93720, (559) 433-3300

Cosmopolitan | Tavern & Italian Grill - Top Restaurants in Downtown Fresno

If you’re looking for one of the best restaurants in Fresno near its downtown area, Cosmopolitan is a must-try. From its swanky vibes, robust menu, and top-tier cocktails, you’ll be blown away by this FresYes gem. Reviewers adore their cheesesteak, French dip, and pastarmi on rye!

625 O St, Fresno, CA 93706, (559) 266-8662

Things to Do in Fresno

Fresno is a fun city; there are over 80 parks in the city limits, 15 museums, thousands of restaurants, and even more stores, coffee shops, and cafes. Whether you’re exploring options for you and your significant other, furry friend, or kiddos, we have an extensive list of the top things to do in Fresno California, below.

Fresno Attractions - Top Things to Do Fresno

• Fresno Chaffee Zoo—This 39-acre zoo hosts over 190 species, making it one of the top Fresno attractions. This is great for kiddos and adults; just bring your mutual love for animals!

• Forestiere Underground Gardens - Historical landmark showcasing a network of underground tunnels dating back to the early 1900s.
• Fresno County Blossom Trail - See California Poppy, Field Mustard, and Baby Blue Eyes in full bloom at the Fresno County Blossom Trail. It’s also a great place for a photoshoot or wildlife viewing.
• FAC Water Tower - Visit a historical tower that has been turned into a landmark and gift shop. This is one of the most unique and fun things to do in Fresno. 
• Fresno Discovery Center - Are you looking for things to do in Fresno with kids? The Fresno Discovery Center is your saving grace! Kids can interact with hands-on exhibits and explore the outdoor pond and garden.
• Shinzen Friendship Garden Inc. - Shinzin is certainly one of the best things to do in Fresno, partially because it's beautiful and serene but mostly because of its historical relevance; it’s been around for nearly 50 years.

• Blackbeard's Family Entertainment - This outdoor amusement park is the Ideal Fresno Family activity. It offers mini golf, an arcade, a racetrack, a ropes course, and so much more.

Is Fresno a good place to live with young kids? There are tons of attractions in Fresno that are family-friendly and ideal for growing families.

Fresno Entertainment & Arts

• M Street Arts Complex - View the breathtaking artwork and abstract displays at this Fresno art and top Fresno entertainment option.
• Fresno Convention & Entertainment Center - Attend concerts, shows, and recitals at the Fresno Convention & Entertainment Center.
• Historic Crest Theatre - Not sure what to do in Fresno? Consider viewing a short film at the historic Crest Theatre.
• Regal Manchester - the most notable movie theatre in Fresno is Regal Manchester. This theatre is ideal for catching current films. It’s one of the many things to do in Fresno for couples.

Museums in Fresno CA

• Fresno Art Museum - Ancient and current Mexican and American contemporary art, sculptures, and visual media.

• Meux Home Museum - Explore a unique Victorian mansion with its original wallpaper, furniture, and appliances. The guided tours cover the entire grounds, including the scenic garden.
• Downing Planetarium - Located at California State University, there is the notable Downing Planetarium, where you can explore the extraterrestrial and how it functions.
• Veterans Memorial Museum Inc. - Fresno museum that showcases veteran artifacts and memorials. Each display is paired with educational commentary for a wholesome and beneficial experience.

Fresno Parks & Outdoors

• Woodward Park - Walk for miles at Woodward Park and expansive Fresno park located on the north of the city. There are paved paths, an expansive Japanese garden, a playground, and dog park.
• Oso de Oro Park - Commonly referred to as the Three Layer Park, Oso de Oro Park has three elevations, each boasting their own picnic areas, walking paths, playgrounds, and BBQ pits. This is one of the top outdoor activities in Fresno.
• Roeding Park - Spanning 90 acres, Roeding Park is one of Fresno's most beloved parks. We’d have to agree that it’s one of the top free things to do in Fresno! There is a pond, lake, playground, picnic area, walking paths, and plenty of wildlife viewing opportunities.
• Figarden Loop Park - Recreational activities are abundant when living in Fresno, CA. Your kiddos can splash around in the expansive splash pad Figarden Loop Park provides. Or you could enjoy its various walking paths. There are picnic tables, a baseball field, and barbeques.

Shopping in Fresno CA

• Marketplace at El Paseo - Outdoor Fresno shopping mall offering over 40 shopping and dining options. Notable stores are Bath & Body Works, Vans, Victoria's Secret, and Old Navy. Afterward, you can eat at Five Guys, Jamba Juice, or Robertito’s Taco Shop.
• Arbor Faire - Shopping is one of the best things to do in Fresno, CA. At Arbor Faire, you will find beloved shopping options like Boot Barn, Smart & Find, Home Depot, and Dicks Sporting Goods at this shopping mall in Fresno.
• Fashion Fair - Spanning 963,000 square feet, Fashion Fair is one of the largest Indoor/outdoor shopping malls in Fresno, CA. There are over 140 stores and various dining options to explore. The most popular food options are Aroma’s Restaurant, Dog House Grill, and Max’s Bistro & Bar.

Map Things to Do in Fresno CA

Explore more things to do in Fresno with this handy map of all Fresno attractions listed above!

Aside from the various attractions and activities, Fresno also hosts food truck festivals, farmers markets, and other fun community events.

Sports

Is Fresno a good place to live if you’re a sports fanatic? It depends on what you enjoy watching! You can catch collegiate football, basketball, soccer, and volleyball games at Fresno University. Most outdoor sporting events in Fresno are hosted at Save Mart Center’s multi-purpose arena.

The city hosts a few club teams in varying sports, including Fresno Grizzlies (baseball), Fresno Monsters (ice hockey), and Fuego FC (soccer).

Fresno Crime Rate - Is Fresno Safe?

According to the FBI, the crime rate in Fresno, CA, is 4,314 per 100,000 people, which is 51.7% higher than California (2,843 per 100,000 people) and 85.6% higher than the US (2,324 per 100k people.)

• Fresno violent crime rate per 100,000 people: 865
• California violent crime rate per 100,000 people: 500
• US violent crime rate per 100,000 people: 370

Fresno experiences 73.2% more violent crime than its state and 133.9% more than the county.

• Fresno property crime rate per 100,000 people: 3,449
• California property crime rate per 100,000 people: 2,343
• US property crime rate per 100,000 people: 1,954

The city of Fresno sees 47.2% more property crime than its state and 76.5% more than the US.

• Fresno homicide rate per 100,000 people: 11
• California homicide rate per 100,000 people: 5.7
• US homicide rate per 100k people: 6.3

There are 93% more murders in Fresno when compared to its state and 73.3% when compared to the US. Central Valley News reported Fresno’s homicide rate decreased by 50% from 2022 to 2023.

Is Fresno a good place to live when considering its crime rates?  Fresno is considered one of the safest cities in California. Here’s how its crime rate goes up against other US cities.

• Despite being slightly more populated, Fresno experiences only 5.8% more crime than Sacramento.
• Atlanta is smaller yet experiences 6.2% more crime than Freno.
• Fresno’s crime rate is 75.6% lower than Memphis, Tennesses’

Like any large city, Fresno has some areas with less crime and others with more. The Fresno Police Department has 825 sworn police officers ready to protect the people living in Fresno, California.

Economy Overview & Jobs Fresno

Is Fresno a good place to live and expand your career? One of the main benefits of living in Fresno is its robust job market and economy; its total Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2022 was 55,426.932. Fresno has the largest economy in its region and has continued to grow while other communities suffered from California’s strict COVID-19 lockdown laws. FresYes is ranked #2 on the list of best-recovered cities.

Fresno County’s job market is expected to increase by 12.3% (432,200 new jobs and hundreds of new businesses) by the end of 2024, meaning there will be plenty of Fresno jobs to consider. The city’s leading industries are agriculture (grape, almond, cotton, peach, and nectarine production), healthcare (9 hospitals in the Fresno metro area), information technology (500 info tech companies), manufacturing, green industries, fintech, retail trade, and educational services. 41,407 people living in Fresno work in the education sector.

Major Fresno employers include Community Health System, Fresno County (jobs), AT&T, Children's Hospital Central California, and Community Medical Centers. The city of Fresno jobs, Fresno Unified jobs, and Fresno State University jobs should all be considered, experience permitting.

So, to answer your question, “Is Fresno a good place to live and work?”-- Yes, Fresno is a terrific place to grow your career. People living in Fresno, California, even earn competitive salaries. The average hourly rate in Fresno is $20.95, and the average annual salary is $74,000.

• Question: What is the poverty rate in Fresno, CA?
• Answer: 20.6% of people living in Fresno, CA, are impoverished; the US average is 11.1%.

Healthcare

The city has a notable senior population; 11% of Fresno’s population is 65 years or older and it was ranked the fourth-best California city to retire in. One aspect that makes senior living in Fresno so great is its advanced healthcare facilities.

Fresno is home to various notable hospitals and healthcare facilities. St. Agnes Medical Center is ranked #1 in Fresno; according to U.S. News, St. Agnes is high-performing in 8 procedures and conditions. Adventist Medical Center-Reedley, Clovis Community Medical Center, and Community Reginal Medical Center are all viable options. Clovis Community is high-performing in 5 procedures and conditions, and Community Regional is high-performing in two.

Fresno Schools

Is Fresno a good place to live and go to school? The city of Fresno, California, has the resources to provide its residents with a quality education.

The city of Fresno is served primarily by Fresno Unified School District, but some K-12 students living in Fresno, California, do attend schools in Clovis Unified School District, Central Unified School District, Washington Union Unified School District, Orange Center Elementary School District, Sanger Unified School District, and West Park Elementary School District.

There are 389 schools in Fresno—164 preschools, 193 elementary schools, 21 charter public schools, and 201 private schools. There are 83 high schools in Fresno, CA,  with Design Science Early College High School and University High School being the two highest-rated (4 and 3.4 stars by GreatSchools.) Clovis North High School is rated #781 among all US high schools. Fresno High School is ranked #26 in its metro area.

The city has a student-to-teacher ratio of 20:1, and 99.8% of teachers are certified; 83.7% have three or more years of experience.

Colleges

Is Fresno a good place for a college student to live? Well, it has a relatively affordable cost of living and various educational institutes. The city hosts Fresno City College, California State University, Fresno, and Fresno Pacific University North.

Additional Resources & Events

There are 35 Fresno County public libraries in the city of Fresno, CA. These libraries offer access to thousands of books, e-books, and online resources. There are tutors to assist with homework for children and adults and various community and cultural events daily. Some libraries even host bilingual storytimes for Hispanic-speaking households.

Fresno Utilities & DMV Change of Address

Moving to Fresno requires updating your license and vehicle registration with your new address and setting up your Fresno utilities.

• Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) provides your gas and electricity; you can set up this service over the phone or via email.
• You can set up your Fresno water service with California Water Service (Cal-Water).
• Look to Fresno Solid Waste Management Division to provide your garbage pick-up services.

Anywhere you relocate to will require you to go to your local DMV to update your address; you can also submit a change of address form online.

Questions to Ask Before Moving to Fresno

What Is the Reputation of Fresno, CA?

Although the city has a reputation for less-than-satisfactory air quality, Fresno is most reputable for its affordability, strong job market, deep agriculture roots, a strong sense of community, and various attractions and festivals.

Is Moving to Fresno a Good Idea?

Moving to Fresno is a great idea; the community is tight-knit, the job opportunities are endless, and there are plenty of things to do.

What Are the Living in Fresno Pros & Cons?

The pros of living in Fresno are the diverse culture, top-rated schools, many festivals, farm-to table-cuisine, and overall affordability. Cons of living in Fresno may include its poor air quality in the summers months (due to pollution) and traffic due to its growing population.

Should I Move to Fresno With Grace Moving?

Is Fresno a good place to live? The pros and cons of living in Fresno, CA, should be considered before moving, but we’re almost certain you’ll find that the good outweighs the not-so-good. The city is family-friendly, has plenty of economic opportunities, and has breathtaking natural beauty. Different cultures make living in Fresno enjoyable; Fresno was even ranked among the top 150 US cities to call home.

If you’re ready to take the leap, call our Fresno movers at (209) 551-7772 for a free estimate.