Moving Guide to Fresno

Situated in the Central Valley, the heartland of California, Fresno is an affordable, culturally-rich, and historical place to live. It’s surrounded by the Sierra Mountains to its east, offering residents easy getaways to National Parks and Forests. On its west, Fresno is bordered by miles of farmland and, thanks to hardworking farmers, locals are lucky enough to have access incredibly fresh produce. Think this sounds like the perfect place to call home? Here’s everything you need to know before living in Fresno.

Cost of living in Fresno

Here are some facts and figures about the average cost of living to keep in mind before moving to Fresno.

• Rent: The median rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is $1525, as of August 2022. These rates make Fresno a fairly affordable place to live in the U.S.
• Transportation: Monthly transit passes will cost about $48. 
• Taxes: sales tax in Fresno is 7.98%.

Utilities

• Utilities: The average cost of utilities for a 915-square-foot apartment is around $258. For more information on gas, electricity, water, and other utilities, here are the service providers for the area:
  • Gas and electricity: Pacific Gas and Electric
  • Water, sewage, trash, recycling: Fresno Public Utilities
• Internet: Internet services range from $50-$100. A few providers in the Fresno area are:
  • Frontier FiOs
  • Xfinity
  • AT&T

Weather

Fresno is nestled in the Central Valley, which means a few things in terms of weather. First, summers can be blisteringly hot, with dry heat and temperatures into the 100s with no ocean breeze in sight. Fall and spring are pleasant, and winters are chilly but produce no snow. Expect winter temperatures in the high 30s to low 40s, on average. Another thing to note about Fresno is its notorious tule fog. This thick, dense fog is common in late fall to early spring, and it’s important to know how to navigate through it properly when driving.

Fresno neighborhoods

Some popular neighborhoods to consider in Fresno include the following.

• Woodward Park: Its namesake is the main attraction in Woodward Park, as the park itself sprawls for some 300 acres and features a bird sanctuary, multi-use amphitheater, picnic areas, BMX track, and walking trails. This largely residential neighborhood north of downtown is home to the Shinzen Friendship Garden, also located inside Woodward Park.
• Tower District: If you’re a night owl, this is your neighborhood. The Tower District is where Fresno goes out on the town. Most of the action is found along E Olive Street, where Tower Theater, nightclubs, and restaurants abound. Grab dinner and drinks in this upbeat and lively neighborhood.
• Cultural Arts District (formerly the Mural District): This triangular neighborhood next door to downtown is known for its many performance venues, theaters, and historically-influenced murals. In fact, the Cultural Arts District is home to some of the best street art in America.
• California State University, Fresno: While it doesn’t have a defined neighborhood, the area surrounding Fresno State is a community full of college students and ample amenities. Along Shaw Ave., the southern edge of the campus, is where you’ll find restaurants and a few college bars. Head up N Chestnut Ave. and you’ll find Campus Pointe at Fresno State, a shopping center with dining options, coffee shops, and a movie theater.

Things to do in Fresno

Start by checking out the Fresno Grizzlies, the city’s minor league baseball team and Washington Nationals’ Triple-A affiliate. Their home field is downtown, so from there you can hop around. See a play at the historic Saroyan Theater located inside the Fresno Convention and Entertainment Center, check out the storied, Forestiere Underground Gardens, and feed giraffes at Fresno Chaffee Zoo. Within a three-hour drive, you’ll also have access to Kings Canyon National Park, Sierra National Park and Forest, and Yosemite National Park.

Transportation

Let’s cut to the chase: You’re going to want a car in Fresno. Although the Fresno County Rural Transit Agency operates a few bus lines throughout Fresno and its surrounding areas, this is the type of city where you’re going to want your own set of wheels. Plus, since you’ll be so close to Kings Canyon, Yosemite, and the Sierras, a car will definitely come in handy.

Fresno is located directly off of CA-Highway 99, 200 miles north of Los Angeles and about 185 miles southeast of San Francisco. If you’re flying from out of state, catch a flight into Fresno Yosemite International Airport. From there, calling a Lyft or taxi is your best bet.

Tips for moving to Fresno

• Do: Cheer on the Fresno State Bulldogs! Locals are die-hard fans of Fresno State’s collegiate teams, and soon enough you’ll want to become one, too.
• Don’t: Miss the Fresno ArtHop, which takes place every 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month in the Cultural Arts District. Be sure to check out this cultural, community-driven event.
• Do: Check out all of the craft breweries in the Fresno area. In the past few years, the city has seen a recent surge in breweries; don’t miss 559 Beer, House of Pendragon, and Tioga Sequoia Brewing.
• Don’t: Spend too much time in the big box grocery stores. Fresno has some of the freshest produce in the world, so head to the Vineyard Farmer’s Market and buy your fruits, veggies, and nuts straight from the farmers who grow them.

This Central Valley city takes pride in its agricultural roots, community-based events, and so much more. Grab yourself a new apartment and become a local, but don’t forget to get some Bulldog apparel before living in Fresno!

Featured image courtesy of Play Fresno.