Fresno, CA is a vibrant city located in California’s San Joaquin Valley. It is the fifth largest city in the state and has been called “the Gateway to the Sierras.” Fresno is known for its cultural diversity and large agricultural industry. There are plenty of things to do here, such as visiting Forestiere Underground Gardens or exploring Old Town Clovis. Notable events that take place in Fresno include the Big Fresno Fair, which celebrates local culture with rides, concerts, food trucks and more.
Reviewers have generally good things to say about Fresno, CA. Visitors praise its vibrant atmosphere and laid-back vibe; it's easy to find an enjoyable activity or two here. The city also offers great dining options as well as outdoor activities like hiking, camping, biking and fishing. When it comes to nightlife, there are plenty of bars and clubs that offer something for everyone. Overall, many reviewers rate their experience in Fresno highly and consider it a great destination for both locals and visitors alike.
based on 77 ReviewsGet to know Fresno with the latest comments and reviews from people who live in or have visited Fresno
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I Was Bullied And Miserable Here - 1/13/2016
I moved to Fresno back in 2005 and lived there for a year and a half before I could no longer stand it anymore.
The area initially seemed very nice and pretty and I was looking forward to living there and having that experience. However, that lasted all but three days. My car was broken into and I was robbed. Wonderful Fresno welcome.
As if that wasn't bad enough, two weeks later I got my first job there. That's when my eyes were opened as to what to expect and what I'd deal with in the area. The childcare facility that hired me turned out to be a nightmare. The first location they sent me was literally down the street from where I worked. I seriously lasted until my lunch break on my very first day when I was called upfront to the office by management. There I was greeted with hostility and interrogation. One of the girls felt threatened by the fact that I had been placed as her aide and would take over her room when she learned my experience and
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Mild Winters, But . . . . - 5/15/2015
The average winter temp in Fresno looks pretty good to a lot of people used to cold weather. However, Fresno has winter issues of its own. Ever hear of "Tule Fog"? Didn't think so. It's pretty unique to the Central Valley of California. Once there has been a decent rain in November or December, the wet ground forms a dense, heavy, low-lying fog for days or even weeks in a row. Many times I have seen two to three weeks of not seeing the sun for the fog. My personal record is 43 days of straight fog, in early 2011.
When it's foggy, the cold seeps into your bones. 40 degrees is very cold and uncomfortable for outdoor work, and sitting in a stadium watching a football game is just ridiculous. The gray, flat light is depressing and you need to get out of town to see the sun on a regular basis.
Combined with the Sahara-like summer temps, worst-in-the-nation air quality and very high pollen and allergy triggers, we'd had enough after living my life there. 50
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Climate - 4/7/2015
Summer -- Hot dry desert climate, extended periods of 90+F and 100+F. 20-30 degree cool down at night.
Fall -- Warm dry desert climate, extended periods of 80+F and 70+F. 20+degree cool down in the evening and night. Mostly pleasant after midOctober.
Winter -- Short, 50-60 high, humidity medium to high depending on amount of rain. 2015 is 5th year of drought conditions. Mostly sunny except midDecember -midJanuary. Fog can be dense in rural areas.
Spring -- May begin early with warm weather in February and March varying with 60s in day. Can reach 80s or warmer by May. Always significant cool down at night. Mostly
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Hot, dusty, dirty and expensive - 9/19/2014
I am 54 years old and have lived here all of my life. I have seen this city change for over 5 decades. I am finally seriously looking to get out for numerous reasons. The crime rate is very high if you live in any area except the very expensive north side. I have had a car stolen from from my employers parking area. The summers are extremely HOT. That is not a joke. July through Sept. the highs rarely fall below 100 degrees and the lows at night are in the high 70's to low 90's. The area is an irrigated desert and there is a drought going on. Fires in the foothills during the summertime are the norm causing air quality issues. Swamp coolers will not do the job of cooling your home so A/C is required causing your power bills to be in the neighborhood of $400-$500 for the months of July, August and September. The winters are mild but the tule fog in January and February is very bad.
The cost of housing and food here are well above the average of other cities of comparative size
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California Institute of Medical Science - 7/23/2014
California Institute of Medical Science provides students with the opportunity to achieve their highest potential as a medical professional.Our graduates leave feeling confident and prepared for the challenges that the medical work environment will bring. Our staff is comprised of highly trained individuals with years of clinical and “real world” experiences.
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Sweltering and smoggy - 1/12/2014
Having lived in Fresno, CA for close to 30 years, it is time to move on. The winters are mild and sunny but the air quality is absolutely the worst. Summers are unbearable and feel like you are living in an oven. Time to move to the beautiful Pacific Northwest
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Three Years of Life in Fresno - 11/20/2013
Moved to Fresno, CA at the end of 2010. Now, at the end of 2013, my family and I can't wait to move away. Fresno has very little to offer. Air quality is terrible, tap water is hazardous. The locals, the ones who aren't originally from somewhere else, seem to be mostly behind the times, stuck in ways that the rest of the country evolved from decades ago. I don't want to say it's all of the locals, because rarely (as in less than five per year) my family would encounter someone who kept the good traits of the 'good ol days' but somehow was able to shed the bad traits.
The air and water are terrible, but it's the people that make the city what it is. Thinking of starting a new business in Fresno, or even the entire central valley area of California? Unless it has to do with farming, think again.
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Fresno "Think Twice" - 10/23/2013
I moved to Fresno in 2000. Was so happy to move away in 2006. But the craziest circumstances brought me back here and I can't wait to get out once again. Too hot, too dirty, air quality poor, high crime,how about that fog in January, zero to do downtown. Home prices were once affordable but not anymore. Of course more affordable than the Grey Bay area or the rat race of LA. If you have to live in the Central Valley choose Visalia. Or if you don't mind a drive of 45 minutes choose Oakhurst. But just think twice about Fresno. Think Dirty
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