Recommended Foothill Communities East of Fresno (Clovis, Yosemite Lakes: foreclosures, house, neighborhood)

[inthehills]

We are moving to Fresno with 3 school age children. We want to live in the foothills on an acreage where we can have horses. Can anyone give me pros and cons of the various foothill communities? For instance, Yosemite Lakes Park, Coarsegold, O Neal, Auberry, Tollhouse, Squaw Valley, Borroughs Valley, Wonder Valley, etc? We are especially interested in getting out of the smog as much as possible, a community accepting of a multi-racial family, and a good school system, then secondarily with natural beauty and access to horseback riding trails . Does anyone know why there are so many foreclosures in Yosemite Lakes Park? I appreciate any insights.

[Adriatica]

I can't comment on the school districts (a number of people I know who live in these communities homeschool, actually). Most people who move to the foothill communities have a "to each his own" mentality, so I don't think a multiracial family would have much trouble.

All of the places you listed have access to nature and horse trails.

I'll split them up by location:

Yosemite Lakes Park, Coarsegold, and to some extent O'Neals are different from the others you listed in that they are closer to Oakhurst, which has many amenities and is a small city in its own right (has its own small hospital, a number of shops and restaurants, etc.). You also have access to Fresno, of course, but some people like being close to Oakhurst for its amenities. You'd be located on the way between Fresno and Yosemite right off of Highway 41.

Auberry, Tollhouse, and Borroughs Valley are on the 168 corridor. Shaver Lake and Prather have some amenities. You'd have close access to Clovis, which is a nice community. Actually the Clovis Unified school district is very good--some rural properties might be in this distrcit. Just depends on where you're looking.

Squaw Valley and Wonder Valley are on the 180 corridor, between Fresno and Kings Canyon National Park. These places have the least amenities nearby of the ones you listed. Decent access to southeast Fresno.

This might not be much help, sorry. Are you commuting to a job in Fresno or in Clovis? You should be able to research the schools a bit on the internet. Have you visited these areas?

[momojojo]

I agree with Adriatica, but I'd stay away from Squaw Valley, Dunlap area. YSL is nice and they have an online forum you can go on and see what they're saying. Whereever you go, make sure you check out the water situation, some areas are spotty. The economy might be affecting the foreclosure situation up there. Good luck. It's a beautiful area.

[rkb0305]

Originally Posted by momojojo

I agree with Adriatica, but I'd stay away from Squaw Valley, Dunlap area. YSL is nice and they have an online forum you can go on and see what they're saying. Whereever you go, make sure you check out the water situation, some areas are spotty. The economy might be affecting the foreclosure situation up there. Good luck. It's a beautiful area.

I agree. These would be last on my list, too. I'd probably go toward Oakhurst first. I don't know how high you have to get to escape the valley air. I'm not sure any of those on your list are high enough.

[Charles]

Originally Posted by inthehills

We are moving to Fresno with 3 school age children. We want to live in the foothills on an acreage where we can have horses.

I appreciate any insights.

You and yours may be the exceptions but living on large lots may be nice for you as adults - but your kids won't dig on it. First of all, the "neighborhood kid" density will be low since the homes will be spread out. Your kids want to play with other kids, play ball in the street, spontaneously hang out and goof off. With young kids, you'd hesitate to let them travel by themselves 1/3 mile or so to the nearest house. Kids are sort of isolated. Play dates sort work but they are a big hassle.

Finally, the typical guy who owns large lots (your neighbors) is retired, has no kids, and only leaves his house to go to church, go to the doctor, or eat at Bob Evans.

Your kids will want this:





But you'll be stuck with this:

"There's no one to play with here. Gee mom, why can't you find me a play date?"

(image not protected by copyright)


"....and another thing, the next time your kids kick their ball into my yard, I'm calling the cops."

[inthehills]

Thanks for all the information, it's very helpful. For those who suggested staying away from the Squaw Valley/Dunlap area, are there reasons besides the lack of nearby amenities? We'll be heading down next week again for more scouting. Thanks again.

[snobrdchic]

I'd be very interested to hear what you think of the area "Hills". My husband may be relocated to Fresno, so we're looking at the surrounding communities. I have never even visited Fresno, so I'm completely clueless. But we've been thinking of relocating for quite some time. Like you, we have two school age children and are hoping to be able to find something with an acre or two to allow for a horse. I agree with Charles though about living to far away from the city. While I don't care for the city too much, growing up in too small a town can be really boring for kids. My dad lived in Big Bear and...well...idle hands are the devils playthings. Clovis is sounding excellent, though.