Reviews & Comments
Visalia, CA
An Affordable Jewel in California's Central Valley -
5/14/2020I'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 Club.
Ethnicity is about 50 / 50 Latino and Caucasian.
Vibe is small town friendly.
Outdoor Activities: A little light on neighborhood parks but you can get out of the city into the Sierra Nevada foothills in 20 mins and the entrance of Sequoia Nat'l Park in 40. World Class.
Bear in mind - This town is not coastal, the nearest beach is Pismo, 2.5 hours
Nearby Really Big Metro Areas: L.A. and San Francisco Bay Area are both an equidistant 3.5 hour drive away. Sacramento is about 3.
.
Housing - I am stunned that this city is as affordable as it is. Not just by CA standards but virtually any comparable sized metro. You can still buy a really nice 3BD / 2BA place for $250K. Many with swimming pools. Cosmetic fixers around $200k abound. Rents can be found starting around $700+ mo
Many, many houses were built mid-century and much of the residential parts of town feel suburban.
Employment - Manufacturing jobs growing. Some people commute to the larger nearby Fresno Metro area (40 mins) and other surrounding towns.
Health Care: There is a large hospital in town (Kaweah Delta) as well as many practitioners.
Transportation: Public Transportation exists, there are bike paths...but as in most CA cities, you'll really need a car. Traffic is amazingly light comparative to so many other CA areas.
There is a small commercial airport in town. Nearest Int'l airport is Fresno, about 40 mins away.
Shopping: There is a shopping mall and most of the usual big box stores and chain restaurants on a large commercial street (Mooney Blvd.) Downtown features primarily small businesses. Many neighborhood strip-malls which add to the overall suburban feel.
Food Shopping: Some of the best fruits, vegetables, meats and dairy are readily available here as this is ground zero for agriculture and ranching.
Education: Can't speak to this. There is a Junior College in town that feeds into Fresno State.
Children Activities: I do not use personally but there is a water park, discovery park and sports complex that seem very popular with families.
There is a large Casino (Tachi Palace) about 30 mins out of town, if that's your thing.
Crime: Seems to be concentrated in a specific area of town. "Beware Oval Park". I live in the SW and it feels like Mayberry. I can't remember the last time I even saw a marked police car on our street. I feel safe walking around my neighborhood at all hours.
Climate: It gets very hot with multiple days reaching 100+ in the summer... and is surprisingly humid. Spring and Fall most pleasant months. Winter is mild with a little rain. It does not snow here.
Air Quality: It's really bad. Top 5 in the Country kind of bad. This is by far and away the biggest drawback to the area. Farm Pollution and Smog trapped by the nearby mountain range can make for miserably polluted air quality, especially in the summer.
In Summary: If you can get past the air quality and summer heat, this really is a very nice place to live as well one of the last affordable areas of California.
Author's Note: Obviously, this review is my subjective opinion based on personal experience...but I believe I have been fair in pointing out both Pros and Cons.
I've noticed that 1/2 the people who have read this review have "disagreed", which is fine. My feelings are not hurt, but If you are in disagreement - Would you please consider leaving a comment as to why? I am sincerely curious as to what / which aspect you feel I have misrepresented.