Orange County to the Central Valley (Springville, Porterville, Exeter). I'm ready. (Fresno: apartments, rentals)

[curious stephanie]

Please help. I was born and raised in Orange County, Ca. I've been having the strongest urge to leave the LA/OC area, although I love Southern California. I truly feel that I belong in an area such as the Central Valley near lakes, rivers, mountains, and a small town environment. One look at me and I'm sure anybody would think "oh, typical OC chick," but I'm actually quite the opposite...kind of an old soul. Sounds weird huh? Can anybody give me information on ideal areas such as Springville (because it's so beautiful!) where I could possibly relocate to? I've also had a difficult time finding apartments that'd allow me a short term lease to give the area a try first. I'm looking to rent for 1-2 months. Any help would be GREATLY, greatly appreciated.

[Charles]

Originally Posted by curious stephanie

One look at me and I'm sure anybody would think "oh, typical OC chick,"


Can anybody give me information on ideal areas such as Springville (because it's so beautiful!) where I could possibly relocate to? I've also had a difficult time finding apartments that'd allow me a short term lease to give the area a try first. I'm looking to rent for 1-2 months. Any help would be GREATLY, greatly appreciated.

How about posting a photo of yourself?

What line of work are you in?
Where do you think you will find a job?

[FresnoFacts]

As Charles points out, what will be your source of income.

Like most of California the area is dealing with the economic slowdown. There are jobs, I hear stories of companies who still look for certain types of skills. But the employers can chose to be pickier.

What job skills do you have, or do you have a source of income that is not geographic reliant?

In terms of housing, the smaller communities have less rental housing. So it takes more time to find.

Have you been checking listings in the local papers? Here is one area for you, Three Rivers which is above Exeter in the hills.
Classifieds-Rentals.htm

[curious stephanie]

Thank you Charles and FresnoFacts for taking the time to reply to my post.

Charles:
I work in the hospitality industry. I currently work at a hotel doing a bit of everything, as we had to lay off a few employees. I was hoping the hotels in the Central Valley area would hire me because I have much experience in busy city hotels dealing with large numbers of guest issues.

FresnoFacts:
I would like to give the area a try first (1-2 months), so initially I wouldn't be focused on searching for a job. My main focus is to do a bit of soul searching...develop new good habits, exercise daily, get away from all the shopping and designer stuff in OC/LA.
I've called a few apartments that are willing to do a 3 month lease, but I'm looking for 2 months. I cannot take 3 months off work. It'd put too much of a strain on the employees. I'll check out the source you provided, thanks.

ALSO, to the both of you, I've checked the demographics of these areas and find that they are made up of mostly Caucasians. I am Asian. Is there a problem with racism in these areas?

[FresnoFacts]

Overall I would say no, you shouldn't find racism a problem.

But there are people in some of the foothill areas who are there to live away from other people or the parts of society they consider undesirable to them. That is why they want to live away from other people and not in a town or city.

Personally I doubt you should be concerned but realize you may sometimes run across someone who will be racist. Most people will be fine with you.