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What BestPlaces Users Say about Visalia
Background Information:
Visalia, California is a medium-sized city located in the San Joaquin Valley, known for its agricultural production. It has a population of approximately 136,000 people and a diverse community with a mix of suburban and rural areas. The city offers a lower cost of living compared to other cities in California and has a hot semi-arid climate, with hot summers and mild winters. With its central location, Visalia is also a popular gateway to nearby national parks and scenic destinations.
Several users have shared their experiences and opinions about living in Visalia, California on the website bestplaces.net. From positive aspects such as affordability and community spirit to negative ones like lack of diversity and high crime rates, the reviews paint a varied picture of what it's like to live in this particular place. Let's take a look at what some users have to say.
1) "I've lived in Visalia for over 20 years and I can't imagine living anywhere else. The cost of living is reasonable, and the people here are friendly and welcoming. It's also a great location to raise a family and the schools are decent." - Maria L.
2) "Visalia has a small-town feel with all the amenities of a bigger city. The downtown area is charming and there are plenty of local businesses to support. However, the lack of diversity and limited job opportunities can be a downside for some." - James T.
3) "I moved to Visalia for work and was pleasantly surprised by how affordable it is. The weather is great and I love the proximity to national parks. The only downside is the increasing crime rates, especially in certain areas." - Samantha H.
4) "I've been living in Visalia for a few years now and I have to say, it's a great place to call home. The community is tight-knit and there are always events and festivals happening. Plus, the cost of living is much lower compared to other cities in California." - Mark R.
based on 27 ReviewsGet to know Visalia with the latest comments and reviews from people who live in or have visited Visalia
An Affordable Jewel in California's Central Valley - 5/14/2020
I've lived in the city of Visalia for 3 years now. Relocated to accommodate a territory sales job.
If I were allowed, I'd go w. a 3 1/2 Star rating. If not for the air quality, this would be a solid 4 star mid-sized city.
There is a a thriving downtown that is a focal point of activity and a source of pride for the community. Lots of local artists are featured in the many downtown bars and restaurants
Seasonal Parades and Farmer's Market.
The Fox Theater is the centerpiece of downtown. A 1200 seat renovated movie theater built in 1930 brings in "name" touring musical & comedy acts. They also still show movies, I especially like their low cost "throwback" movie nights.
Many great restaurants in the downtown area, including a few fine dining choices that are as good as any large metro, IMO (Vintage Press, Southern Depot, Jack & Charlies).
Burgeoning Micro-Brewery Scene
Minor League Baseball
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Grapes of Wrath Revisited - 7/5/2018
Quite possibly the most miserable city/town I have lived in.
Why?:
* Air quality is toxic and dangerous from a combination of intensive agricultural farming and diesel based transportation coupled with a hot dry climate full of dust and allergies. The incredible concentration of large dairy farms has fouled the air even more.
* Cancer rates are higher are higher than normal as is cardio-respiratory disease due to the toxic chemicals in the air. Valley Fever is found in the soil and the hot dry climate facilitates it.
* The character of the city and its people are exploitive and bigoted. Simply read the Grapes of Wrath and imagine forward a couple of generations and you'll understand what has gone wrong here. (Btw, the book was originally banned in nearby Kern County). As in all places, there are some fine community oriented folks, but too few to change its character.
* Medical care centers are available, but the level of professionalism is low.
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Northeast, NW, SW, Downtown nicest parts - 11/16/2017
So Visalia's NE, NW, SW, and Downtown are nice areas.
The worst part of town is north of Houston between Dinuba BLVD and Ben Maddox. Here you will see lots of uncared for homes, however there are some nice streets in there.
Throughout the rest of town you have your good and your bad, but nothing terrible.
I came here for a job three years ago and live next to St. Mary's Church in downtown. I enjoy the area as an upper middle class Caucasian person. There is no traffic, and everything is literally within ten minutes. My day seems so much longer after having moved here. We have all the big box stores and hospitals as well, it is the hub of the valley despite it's smaller population. People drive rudely but it's California. It is not over policed and they do a good job of responding to real crime. I would highly recommend living here.
The diversity throughout town is mostly white and latino, with both spread throughout and
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Best move - 8/27/2017
Moved to Visalia due to job offer. Visalia is a perfect town for us. Homes are still affordable compared to Orange County and it is easier to get around. It has most of the conveniences you can find in bigger cities, i. e., big box stores, Costco, WM, Target, etc, as well as fine dining choices. Close to National Parks and people seem friendly. We'll definitely buy a property here. Happy for the
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Best town in the Valley - 4/29/2016
Visalia is wonderful. I moved here a year ago and nothing but friendly folks. Shopping and living is affordable. 100+ restaurants and bars probably within 1 square mile in downtown. Southwest and Northwest Northeast and downtown are "nice" areas. Traffic is funny, I ride my bike to work and see like 30-40 cars my whole way there, around 7:30 AM. People do drive rudely but it's California so I'm used to that. Nothing but kindness though in relationships with people. I've made friends with neighbors, and it's easy to strike up a pointless conversation with just about anyone as long as you have the outgoing personality. Police are pleasant, they respond to real crime and don't over police. Parks are beautiful and well maintained. A city wide network of bike trails exists and lots of hiking in the area. 3 hours from the beach, LA, sequoias, and bay area. Summer is horrid but it only lasts 2 months, not like the 5 month long Arizona summers. Area is diverse with not too much
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Visalia living ? - 2/13/2016
How does everyone like living in visalia ? Charming downtown and lots of stores everywhere. Any organic farms anywhere
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Visalia - 7/8/2015
Wonderful place to live with the exception of very hot summers.
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New in town - 3/31/2014
My husband and I just moved to visalia in August and I have to say we love it here. We are a military family and being able to travel anywhere in the world has allowed us to experience many different cultures. We really love it here. From coming from a big city (Virginia) to this small town, it has been a great experience so far. The people are very friendly, well mannered (mostly), fresh fruit markets, hardly any traffic and everything is just down the street. There are some drawbacks though; sometimes the air can be really stinky, there are some racist folks (which its a shame because it makes the rest of visalia look bad), some people drive bad ( they will cut you off just to brake and turn right in front of you when they could have went behind you since there is no one behind you in the first place). Over all this town its really nice. I love the bilingual community! Its great great place.
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Visalia...Love it or leave it... - 2/18/2013
I totally agree with all of you...I have lived in Visalia since 1951...I've moved away 5 times...decided that there is no place like home...some of the comments seem to have some racial undertones...and that's OK...I've grown up with that...you'll find that where ever you go...be it against white, brown, red, yellow and the green martians...or are they..? anyway. enjoy life peace be with you all...those that stay...is because they like it here...those that don't like it...PACK YOU BAGS and try and find your utopia...you won't find it...you make your own Heaven or Hell...you get to pick your destination...enjoy life...be happy don't worry..! Jesus is
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Small City Charms - 11/24/2012
We have lived in Visalia since 1970 and have seen it grow from a town of 30,000 to over 4 times that size, but it is still a small town with the small downtown in addition to malls in the outer parts of town.
An agricultural community in Tulare County, in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley in the very center of California, it is huge in dairy, citrus and nut crops. Cotton is important, but produced in greater quantity in the west valley counties.
The valley floor, from the bottom of the Grapevine south of Bakersfield, to the city of Red Bluff, is 444 miles long and 70 miles wide of flat valley, changing elevation from only 380 in Bakersfield, feet down to 12 feet above sea level in Stockton and back up to 350 feet in Red Bluff with virtually no hills the entire distance.
Surrounded by a coastal range to the west and formidable mountains to the north and east, the valley is protected from major weather phenomena. With the highest and lowest
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