What BestPlaces Users Say about Fresno
Fresno, California is a city located in the central part of the state, with a population of over half a million people. It is known for its agricultural industry, with large productions of grapes, almonds, and pistachios. It also boasts a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, skiing, and boating. However, living in Fresno may not be as idyllic as it seems, as evident from various user reviews on BestPlaces.net. Many reviewers mention the city's high crime rates and air pollution, as well as the lack of job opportunities and cultural diversity. Despite these challenges, some users still find the city to be a great place to live, with affordable housing and a strong sense of community. Let's take a closer look at what some users have to say about living in Fresno.
1) "Fresno is a great place to raise a family. The cost of living is very affordable and there are plenty of parks and outdoor activities to enjoy. The only downside is the poor air quality, which can be a concern for those with respiratory issues." - Jessica S.
2) "I have lived in Fresno my whole life and while it may not be the most exciting city, it has a strong sense of community. The people here are friendly and welcoming. The only issue is the job market, which can be tough to find good paying jobs." - David K.
3) "I moved to Fresno for work and have been here for a few years now. I have to say, I'm not a fan. The crime rate is high and there isn't much to do here. The summers are incredibly hot as well. I'm looking forward to leaving soon." - Sarah M.
4) "I love living in Fresno! The housing prices are very affordable and there are so many great restaurants and local businesses. It's also a short drive to the beautiful Yosemite National Park. The only downside is the traffic can get pretty bad during rush hour." - Andrew F.
based on 77 ReviewsGet to know Fresno with the latest comments and reviews from people who live in or have visited Fresno
Fresno/Clovis: great for families with school-age - 10/27/2008
I've lived in Fresno now for 8 years and during that time, it's been the right choice. Spouse's job moved us to Fresno from Los Angeles, where we were primarily happy. However, the school's that my son attends here in Fresno are far superior to the ones that he would have attended in LA county. If you're considering moving here, check out the Clovis school district. You can live in north east Fresno and your child will attend CUSD--or you can live over in Clovis to the edge of Fresno and it's nice too. Please don't look for a lot of rich, historical neighborhoods in the Fresno area. There are a couple, but not like in some of the other areas of California or certainly on the east coast. Bottom line for me? If I were still in LA, I wouldn't be able to put in a full day's work, zip out to pick up my son, and get him to a little league game or soccer practice. I have a 6-mile commute which is probably the norm for this area. It allows me more "life" time vs. commute time. Good
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No Surprises - 9/3/2008
While the summers here can be very hot, 100+ at times, it isn't very humid. And while the winters can be cold, there's almost never any snow. I feel really lucky to live in the Valley. We don't really feel the effects of hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes and the such. But there is a trade off. The air can pretty bad at times, especially when there are forest fires, and the allergens can get pretty
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Don't move to Fresno - 8/28/2008
Most people hate it here. Unless you're rich and can live on the North side, don't come. The air is filthy, we are usually in the top three for car theft and there are constant gang wars. There is no civic pride and very few resources for the poor. It is a third world country in the middle of California. Methamphetamine is the biggest drug
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Definitely not the best place to raise a family... - 8/5/2008
Fresno can be okay in certain areas, but there is a lot of crime happening everywhere...it's best not to be outside after dark because there are some crazy druggies/gang members/bums walking around a lot of areas in Fresno (except for the rich areas) and always asking for change or a ride to somewhere. There's a lot of kidnappings, gang activity, and robberies in the worst parts of Fresno. Clovis (which is nearby) is definitely the better alternative for raising a family. Better schools, friendlier people, and is safer to go outside at night if you needed to without worrying who might be creeping by, considering no one really is out at night in Clovis (unless they're in old town Clovis, which is beautiful and well-kept up...they even decorate the street lights during the
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Living in Fresno, ca. - 8/2/2008
The first time I visited Fresno, Ca. it was spring. Everything was green and the sky was clear. After living here for four years and experiencing all four seasons, more of the city, the cost of living and so forth, I would recommend not coming here to live. The air quality is terrible (causing headaches, itchy eyes, congestion for the sensitive), everything turns brown (unless constantly watered) during most of the year,and the cost to live here is ridiculous. You can get so much more for your money in most other states in the country. Don't come if you don't have
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Nothing to do? Nonsense! - 7/1/2008
I've lived in Fresno about 20 years, but am a Chicago native and have lived in other large cities.
To this day, some people base their opinions of Fresno on a visit they made 30 years ago, or base it on a gas-station stop on the way to Yosemite.
Yes, there is culture here, and plenty to do! No, you won't have as many choices as you might in San Francisco, but there are many restaurants, including a lot of very good family-owned ethnic eateries. I've enjoyed music from the "superstars" of rock music, to lesser known classical musicians, and the Fresno Philharmic does a pretty good job too. There are art walks, an annual movie festival, food festivals and farmers markets (including one held year-round), community theatre groups and playhouses, a Minor League baseball team, nature walks at the San Joaquin River Parkway, agritourism and wineries (in Fresno and Madera counties). Plus, in less than 2 hours you can drive to Yosemite, Kings Canyon, or Sequoia
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How to Afford Living in California - 6/28/2008
Because Fresno is inland and does not have the as mild a climate as coastal cities, it is affordable. Located in central California, this agricultural region offers lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. It is an easy day trip to mountains, the coast, Los Angeles, and San
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Location, Location, Location - 3/23/2008
Imagine being only a short drive to so many great destinations...
- Yosemite National Park
- Sequoia National Park
- Miles & Miles of Pacific coast beaches
- Multiple Ski Resorts
- Four Large Natural Lakes
- San Francisco
- Los
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Most people in Fresno like their city - 12/15/2007
Fresno is a city of contrasts. It is unlike most metropolitan areas, in the sense that its downtown, its older communities, its sprawling suburbs, its very wealthy enclaves, and its poverty, are all within the boundaries of the city. No city in California has the diversity of Fresno. It has Armenian, Sikh, Mexican, Laotian, and many other ethnic communities. You could meet a person here named Mary Wang Gonzales, really. Fresno has excellent restaurants, and a thriving dinner theater scene that produced Audra McDonald. Most people in Fresno have very short commutes to work. Yes, it is hot and dry in the summer. This is the reason that most middle class homes have a pool in the back yard (check it out on Google Earth). Because the core city and suburbs are mostly within the city limits, the school district does not score well overall. However, many of the public schools are excellent. Fresno’s housing is affordable compared to other major California cities, and it has several
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I like my roots - 12/7/2007
I was born and raised in Fresno and moved to Southern California (Torrance) in 1995 after earning my master's degree from Fresno State. While I enjoyed living by the beach and working in Southern California, I am glad that I returned home. I have family and close friends here and established bonds that I did not form in LA. Plus, even the my commute to work is 65 miles (to Merced), it takes me just one hour (the same amount of time when I would travel half the distance in Los Angeles). The air quality is not so good, but I enjoy my neighbors and getting together with
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