Fresno Vs. Bakersfield. (Sacramento, Clovis, Monterey: unemployment rate, luxury, school district)

[Guitarmaan]

I'll keep it short. You have a simple choice. You're moving to Fresno or Bakersfield. Which do you choose?

I've been to Bakersfield, but not Fresno. I know the central valley gets some criticism from many, but I didn't think Bakersfield was all that bad. It had a certain old town charm to it. Yes there was smog, and an obvious oil industry going on. But it had good points too i.e. sunshine, mountains half hr drive away, 1.5hrs to LA, affordability.

But all I know about Fresno is that it's bigger than Bakersfield, and has a meth problem Is Fresno just a bigger Bakersfield? Or is the terrain different, and people different?

Please don't make comparisons between Fresno and LA etc. Obviously neither Fresno or Bakersfield are going to be in that league. I just want to know if they are similar, and whether Fresno could be a nice place to live in California?

thank you

[UserX]

Bakersfield.

[BeauCharles]

Fresno.

Easy reach of three Sierra National Parks (Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon), larger/better Cal State, larger/better community college, excellent school district in the area (Clovis), The Tower District, easy reach of the Monterey Peninsula and SLO County beaches. It does have bad air quality, but its not as bad as Bakersfield.

[bmw335xi]

Too much pollution and poverty in Fresno for me... Bakersfield is better.

[BeauCharles]

Originally Posted by bmw335xi

Too much pollution and poverty in Fresno for me... Bakersfield is better.

Slowly reread this sentence and try to grasp how those first five words could exclude Bakersfield.

[ilovegarlic]

If you're looking to raise a family, look into Clovis which is adjacent to Fresno. Great school system and lower crime. It is also a great place for outdoor enthusiasts with Yosemite nearby and other options. Fresno/Clovis's "middle of the state" location makes it convenient for someone who likes to split their time between northern and southern Cali.

If proximity to LA and or LV is important to you then Bakersfield would have the upper hand.

The Fresno area is actually the economic powerhouse of the two cities. I've been to both and can tell you that there a lot moneyed people in Fresno. Last week, I saw a guy in a Lamborghini Aventador at a four way stoplight in Clovis. First time I've ever seen a Lamborghini Aventador on the streets but I've seen all manners of luxury vehicles in Fresno/Clovis. Not so much in Bakersfield. I imagine it's agricultural money but I have no idea.

[ilovegarlic]

Originally Posted by bmw335xi

Too much pollution and poverty in Fresno for me... Bakersfield is better.

I find the opposite to be true.

[bmw335xi]

Originally Posted by ilovegarlic

I find the opposite to be true.

Poverty Rate (2007-2011 US Census)

-Bakersfield 18.2%
-Fresno 25.9%

Unemployment Rate (Dec 2012)

-Bakersfield 9.5%
-Fresno 14.0%

Home Ownership Rate (2007-2011 US Census)

-Bakersfield 59.0%
-Fresno 49.3%

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Air quality is about the same, some of the worst in the country.

[ilovegarlic]

Originally Posted by bmw335xi

Poverty Rate (2007-2011 US Census)

-Bakersfield 18.2%
-Fresno 25.9%

Unemployment Rate (Dec 2012)

-Bakersfield 9.5%
-Fresno 14.0%

Home Ownership Rate (2007-2011 US Census)

-Bakersfield 59.0%
-Fresno 49.3%

---
Air quality is about the same, some of the worst in the country.

I don't doubt the numbers but having frequented both, I find the Fresno area a much better place to live. Nothing like having an "eyes on the ground" perspective in my opinion.

[Guitarmaan]

ok I'm adding Sacramento to the choices

Is Sacramento the same as these two, or in a different league....

Would you choose to live in Sacramento over Bakersfield and Fresno?