Fresno, California

Fresno is a relatively modern metropolitan city, with a range of flat, middle-class neighborhoods and a less than stellar downtown community. It is the fifth largest city in all of California. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, is home to about 500,000 residents, the majority white and hispanic while other mixed races compose the rest of the population. Many locals enjoy the city’s family-friendly atmosphere and quiet residential streets.

With the city spanning about 112 square miles, neighborhoods are a collection of diverse residential quarters. But in recent years, there have been a stock of remodeled housing. Those who live closer to downtown enjoy quick access to the Community Regional Medical Center. You can even visit the city’s Chinatown. However, the neighborhood is by no means impressive and only encompasses six blocks of open-spaced, mixed commercial activity.

Like many run-of-the-mill commercial district’s, Fresno’s is no different. The city offers a handful of notable, medium-sized shopping areas, complete with a cluster of chain restaurants and plenty of parking. Time Square Shopping Center along West Shaw Avenue and North Marks Avenue is considered the main commercial hub. The shopping mall boasts a Target, a movie theater, a food market and a myriad of fast food restaurants. Manchester Shopping Center is the city’s second option, but many locals just come for the few large department stores (Sears, Macy’s, etc.) that sit on each end of the mall.

Public transportation is fairly reasonable option for those lacking a car. The city is served by the Fresno Area Express public transit system, a complete bus system in which traversing the greater Fresno metropolitan area. Moreover, a set of highways run through the Fresno county. Highway 99, 41,168 all run north/south while Highway 180 crosses the city east to west. For those looking for air travel, the Fresno Yosemite International Airport is located on the eastern edge of Fresno. Formerly called Fresno Air Terminal, the airport hosts a handful of major airline carriers and provides regularly scheduled commercial airline service.

Fresno has no shortage of schools. The city hosts about a dozen four-year institutions including the well-known California State University, Fresno. Fresno State is one of the leading recruiters in scholastic athletes and provides an above average state school education. High schools are even more in abundance with Clovis High School being the most notable and well liked (4 1/2-out-of-5-stars on greatschools.org).

The city’s most luxurious retreats are Sunnyside Country Club, San Joaquin Country Club and Riverside Municipal Golf Course. Each escape offers a beautiful 18-hole golf course and driving range. The city is also host to a couple dozen small parks, including a cluster of city parklands just along the southern edge.