Are you thinking of moving to Fresno, CA but wondering if it is a good idea? If so, look no further! The Dehlan Group has the best insights and experience in the Fresno real estate market to help you make an informed decision.
Fresno is the fifth most populated city in California with more than half of a million people calling it home. The city growth rate hasn’t dropped below zero since 2010, a clear indicator that Fresno is a city of choice for many people.
The big question is: is moving to Fresno, CA a good idea? And, our answer is: yes!
Below are some of the reasons why:
The city is affordable
One of the main reasons we think moving to Fresno, CA is a good idea is the city is extremely affordable compared to other large cities in the central valley of California. In Fresno, you can live comfortably at half the cost of other major cities, easily leaving your bank account in the green.
Recent data revealed that the average monthly spending for a single person in Fresno is around $900, while the average spending for a family of five is approximately $3,000, excluding housing or rent expenses. This is far lower than the California average, which currently sits at around $1,500 for a single person and $5,000 for a family of five.
According to financial experts, you should not spend more than 30% of your income on housing in order to live a comfortable life. Therefore, moving to Fresno, CA is a wise move and will help you cut your living expenses since the cost of living, including the cost of housing, is extremely affordable.
The New York Times recently named Fresno as one of the most affordable cities to live in the United States. If you make approximately $70,000 per year, you can live a very comfortable life in Fresno. Other major cities in California, such as San Francisco and Los Angeles, require you to make a minimum of $100,000 to live comfortably, and that number is steadily climbing. On average, Fresno is at least 32% cheaper than other major cities; you can purchase a decent property in Fresno cheaper than renting a place in most other California cities.
The cost of living index in Fresno is 60% lower than the state average and 7% lower than the national average. Purchasing a home in Fresno, CA is attainable, with the median home price sitting at around $375,000 in 2022, two times cheaper than the median home price in California.
Additionally, rent in Fresno is two times lower than the state average. For instance, a one-bedroom apartment in Fresno is about $1,198 per month, far lower compared to the state average of $3,000 per month.
If you are looking for a larger city in California where you will spend less and still obtain great value and comfortable quality of life, Fresno is an option you should definitely consider.
Fresno is centrally located
Fresno is centrally located within the State of California. Although Fresno isn’t located on the famous California coastline, it sits in an amazing location that allows you to visit the ocean within about a 2-hour drive. Fresno also has quick access to beautiful mountain ranges, national parks, and major cities such as Los Angeles.
Fresno is often referred to as the “Bedroom of California,” as more and more people who work in other major cities are starting to “sleep” in Fresno because of its affordable housing, low cost of living, and central location. The city has well-maintained freeways for easy travel and is less congested than that of other California cities. It also has convenient access to Greyhound and Amtrak stations and is the development hub for the new high-speed rail network developing in California, eventually making it much more accessible to other cities throughout the state.
Access to California farm-fresh produce
Fresno is a major agricultural region and is at the front and center of large-scale farming. It is often referred to as the “Food Basket of the World” since most of the produce grown in Fresno feeds people around the globe.
When living in Fresno, you can enjoy a variety of fresh foods, farmer’s markets, and farm-to-table restaurants throughout the year. The region boasts acres of fertile land where farmers grow over 350 different crops each year. Nearly 20% of all jobs in Fresno are in the agricultural sector, proving how important of a role agriculture plays to the region’s economy. Fresno is one of the best places in California, and the world, to get fresh farm produce all year long.
Fresno’s diverse economy
It is important to note that agriculture is not the only industry sustaining Fresno’s economy. Although agriculture does play a critical role in the economy of Fresno, it actually only accounts for 40% of the local economy. Other prominent sectors of the economy include real estate, healthcare, tourism, distribution centers, and more.
Recent data shows that between 2021 and 2022, over 3,000 businesses opened their doors in Fresno, creating employment opportunities for over 5,000 people. The fact that more and more companies are moving to Fresno shows that it has great potential when it comes to business.
The real estate industry has also been on an upward trajectory over the last five years as more Californians are now setting their sights on Fresno. The increase in interest of people moving to Fresno and its growing business opportunities has significantly helped the local unemployment rate. Unemployment in Fresno currently stands at 7% and has been decreasing steadily despite being hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. Experts project that the job growth in Fresno will increase by 7.8% in 2022 which is above the national average, currently standing at 6.2%.
If you are looking for a city in California that has a lot of growth potential, Fresno is a great choice for you. Fresno’s diverse economy and low cost of living make it ideal for people who want to invest in an untapped city with great growth potential.
Favorable weather in Fresno, CA
Fresno enjoys all four seasons and generally has great weather all year around. The region receives sunshine almost 300 days a year and experiences very mild winters. If you are the type of person who loves to relax in the sunshine or spend time doing recreational outdoor activities, Fresno is a great fit.
The climate in Fresno is dry and doesn’t experience much humidity like other coastal cities in California. Even during the summer months, when the temperature sometimes soars over 100F, the weather in Fresno is usually more bearable in comparison to other California cities, like San Francisco and Los Angeles. If you desire a climate that enjoys warm weather most of the year, you can’t go wrong with Fresno.
Fresno’s low crime rate
A less thought of reason on why moving to Fresno is a great idea is the city’s fairly low crime rate. Fresno is relatively safe compared to most major cities in California. The crime rate in Fresno has been decreasing since 2019, an indicator that the city is becoming safer annually. Fresno is currently the fourth safest city in California trailing Danville, Rancho Santa Margarita, and Moorpark. The decrease in crime in Fresno is mostly due to improved security, low unemployment rates, and proactive efforts by the local government to crack down on crime.
For example, the crime rate recorded in 2021 was 643.45 per 100,000 people, which is much lower compared to other major cities such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego. The rate of crime in the metropolitan Fresno area is 5% compared to the 15% national average, confirming that Fresno is a safe city to live in.
Diverse and friendly residents
Fresno is a large city with a small-town vibe, making it one of the major cities in California with the friendliest people.
People in Fresno are generally very friendly and welcoming. Fresnans have a long history and culture of togetherness and are always ready to lend a helping hand when someone needs it. The spirit of togetherness has been attributed as one of the main reasons why the city is safer than most.
Fresno is home to a mixture of people from various cultures and walks of life. The diversity of people living in Fresno is a major strength; people embrace and support each other regardless of their race, background or lifestyle. The uniqueness of heritage and backgrounds of people living in Fresno has even garnered some attention, ranking Fresno among the most diverse cities in the United States.
If you are looking for a culturally open and progressive city with humble roots, Fresno is a perfect option.
Entertainment and recreational options
There are plenty of entertainment and recreational options in the Fresno region. The city is filled with community events, festivals, concerts, farmer’s markets, family-friendly events, and much more. Not to mention, Fresno has easy access to various National Parks and outdoor activities, making it a city with something for everyone!
Fresno is home to the Fresno Art Museum, African American Cultural Museum, Fresno County Historical Museum, The Fresno Chaffee Zoo and so much more. For those outdoor enthusiasts, you can spend your free time visiting national parks like Kings Canyon, Yosemite, and Sequoia. There are also several walking trails, bike trails, and running trails for residents to enjoy.
Fresno has great family-friendly entertainment and a vibrant nightlife. If you combine all of these with Fresno’s generally sunny weather, you are guaranteed to lead an enjoyable lifestyle with your friends and family in Fresno.
Commuting is easy in Fresno
Fresno is a convenient and accessible city. Despite being a major city in California, the city enjoys relatively low traffic, and getting anywhere in the city quickly is usually not a problem.
The average time that people take to get to work in Fresno is approximately 20 minutes. If you have ever worked or lived in other major cities in California, you know how hectic traffic jams can be. In some cities, you can be stuck in traffic for more than 2 hours.
You do not have to worry as much about the dreaded California “rush hour” when living in Fresno. The city has low-level traffic and a wide network of well-maintained roads, making it a convenient and less stressful city to live in.
Fresno is a great place to raise a family
If you want to start a family or you are looking for a safe place to raise a family, Fresno is a great choice. It is one of the best cities to raise a family in California.
Besides the low cost of living and low crime rate, Fresno is an extremely family-friendly city. Most Fresno neighborhoods are geared towards families. Many houses are bigger and on larger lots with plenty of safe spaces for children to play, something not easily available in other major cities in California.
A majority of people in Fresno are friendly, which makes it even easier to raise a family. There are also plenty of fun family-friendly activities to do in Fresno, including biking, hiking, visiting parks, and much more. Fresno is also home to many award-winning schools, ensuring your kids will get the best education when living in Fresno, CA.
Moving to Fresno is a good idea
Many people are making the decision to move to Fresno, CA. The reasons listed above are just some of the many things that make Fresno a great place to live.
If you are considering Fresno, CA for your next home purchase, we encourage you to reach out to The Dehlan Group to tour Fresno’s best neighborhoods and find your next home. There are still many affordable options for people looking to relocate to Fresno and our skilled agents can help you seamlessly make the transition. Fresno is an amazing place to call home and we look forward to seeing you here!
