Fresno. (August: crime, house, to buy)

[TheStarLiesWest]

How about Fresno? More affordable than SF and LA? Could I afford that?

[cautiousmom]

The Central Valley as a whole is more affordable than LA or anywhere in the Bay area. You can still get a decent house in Fresno for $250K and not necessarily in a horrible area. There are problem areas in Fresno, but there are good areas as well. Fresno is located close to mountains- about an hour or so to the gates of Yosemite, and about 2.5 hours to the Central Coast. The problems that most people bring up on the forum have to do with the heat, air quality, and crime. It can get pretty hot here in the summer especially in July and August (100-108 degrees- its a dry heat). The fall and spring temps are usually in the 60s, 70s, and 80s. The winter is mild. Usually in the 50s or 60s. Very rarely it snows on the valley floor- twice in my lifetime (I'm 50). The air quality is bad. This is because so many people have moved here because it is an affordable part of Cali. More people equals more cars, etc. I remember when you could see the snow covered mountains while driving around town. Now you can barely make them out unless it has just rained or the wind has blown away the smog. There is crime here just like everywhere- you just don't do anything stupid and put yourself in a dangerous situation. I've never had anything happen to me, nor has anyone I know been the victim of a crime, and I know a lot of people. The real problem with Fresno is that we've had a bunch of politicians for years that haven't been able to come up with a workable plan to change the image and look of Fresno. As of late, the city has been evolving on its own inspite of poor governmental management. People get a poor vision of Fresno because of what they see as they travel down Highway 99, which is mostly wrecking yards, factories, and derlict buildings. All the off ramps for Fresno lead to the absolute worst area of town. To really see Fresno you need to take the Freeway 41/Yosemite exit to the Northwest part of town. That being said, downtown is beginning to show some improvement with new highrises and other public works. It is a slow process. Interestingly enough, Donald Trump is trying to work a deal to buy acreage here to build a PGA golf course along with some upscale housing. This may add to Fresno's reputation, but who knows? Anyway, I hope this answers some of your questions.