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My husband has been told about a future job opportunity in Fresno (yes, "the armpit" of CA)....it would be a very well-paying job. We are Southern CA natives (L.A./Burbank area) but have lived the last two years in a small-ish city in FL. This job opportunity is not immediate, but they do want some sort of commitment now that we will take it when the time comes (within a year or so). The pay would be more than he was making in L.A. or here in Florida, so I am assuming we could afford a pretty nice house and some acreage in the Fresno area.
I am 42, my husband is 50. No kids. We used to enjoy the L.A. nightlife immensely, going out in Hollywood, etc, but have to admit that as we are getting older, we go out to bars and clubs less, but still do enjoy a night out from time to time, listening to live music or hanging out in a fun bar. We really enjoy eating out - probably do so 3-4 nights a week.
I am a horse-owner and an avid trail rider. I do competitive trail and endurance riding. I am hoping Fresno is horse-friendly and that I could hook up with some other horse-people to have some riding buddies.
My husband is an avid golfer. I've been told Fresno is great for golf, and that Donald Trump just bought some land there to develop a new resort..?
We are used to hot weather, so that doesn't scare us. It was 114 degress on the day we left Burbank, CA to move to FL, and here in FL, the summers are really gross, with temps in the high 90's with 90-100 percent humidity. The humidity makes such a difference. Plus, we have BUGS here. Mosquitos galore. So, again, the heat in Fresno doesn't scare me. It'll be a dry heat, with no bugs! LOL
So...my questions are as follows:
Is Fresno really THAT bad? Just hearing the name made me cringe, but you know, we were told where we live now wasn't that great, nothing to do, etc, and we like it fine and have found our favorite spots to hang out. That said, this area is known for being a cultural area, and has beautiful beaches and lots of tourists and lots of new growth springing up all around - so it has lots of restaurants, shopping etc. although it's still TINY when compared with L.A. But, my point is, we've adapted to this smaller town, and while we really miss L.A., there are things here we couldn't have there, like horse property, and I have to say, we are not miserable here like I feared we'd be. So, I don't want to freak myself out prematurely about moving to Fresno. It can't be all bad, can it?
Is there enough to do there, entertainment-wise, for a young-minded, middle-aged couple with no kids, that still like to get out once in a while and have a drink, socialize, and find some good music in the evenings?
Any fine dining to be had, or just the usual Olive Garden, TGI Fridays, and other chain restaurants?
Are there any areas that have horse property (equestrian communities with some trails to ride on) within a 30-minute drive to downtown? My husband is all for getting horse property again, but doesn't want to commute more than a half-hour into downtown. I was told to look at Clovis, Prather, Auberry, and Yosemite Lake Park. Some of those look like they might be farther than 30 minutes from downtown though...I can't tell too well from the map and I don't know what traffic is like.
Are there ever any good concerts in Fresno? We're big concert goers and we love classic and 80's or 90's rock. In L.A. that obviously wasn't an issue. Here in FL, we drive an hour up to Tampa to catch concerts...saw Aerosmith and Motley Crue in November, and Van Halen last month.
Anything like that in or near Fresno?
Any other info regarding lifestyle, places to live in or nearby, or just whatever you think we should know before commiting ourselves, I would really appreciate your input!
Fresno has always had jokes made about it, but I really want to give it a fair shake and learn as much as I can about it, since I've never been there. I have heard it has grown a lot in recent years.
Thanks,
Jen
Last edited by JLThompson; 04-12-2008 at 05:10 PM..
Impalacat, I did not mean to offend, that's why I put quotes around the term "armpit" - i have never been there, so I don't want to judge it simply by a term that has been used for years and years.
My husband has told about a future job opportunity in Fresno (yes, "the armpit" of CA)....it would be a very well-paying job. We are Southern CA natives (L.A./Burbank area) but have lived the last two years in a small-ish city in FL. This job opportunity is not immediate, but they do want some sort of commitment now that we will take it when the time comes (within a year or so). The pay would be more than he was making in L.A. or here in Florida, so I am assuming we could afford a pretty nice house and some acreage in the Fresno area.
I am 42, my husband is 50. No kids. We used to enjoy the L.A. nightlife immensely, going out in Hollywood, etc, but have to admit that as we are getting older, we go out to bars and clubs less, but still do enjoy a night out from time to time, listening to live music or hanging out in a fun bar. We really enjoy eating out - probably do so 3-4 nights a week.
I am a horse-owner and an avid trail rider. I do competitive trail and endurance riding. I am hoping Fresno is horse-friendly and that I could hook up with some other horse-people to have some riding buddies.
My husband is an avid golfer. I've been told Fresno is great for golf, and that Donald Trump just bought some land there to develop a new resort..?
We are used to hot weather, so that doesn't scare us. It was 114 degress on the day we left Burbank, CA to move to FL, and here in FL, the summers are really gross, with temps in the high 90's with 90-100 percent humidity. The humidity makes such a difference. Plus, we have BUGS here. Mosquitos galore. So, again, the heat in Fresno doesn't scare me. It'll be a dry heat, with no bugs! LOL
So...my questions are as follows:
Is Fresno really THAT bad? Just hearing the name made me cringe, but you know, we were told where we live now wasn't that great, nothing to do, etc, and we like it fine and have found our favorite spots to hang out. That said, this area is known for being a cultural area, and has beautiful beaches and lots of tourists and lots of new growth springing up all around - so it has lots of restaurants, shopping etc. although it's still TINY when compared with L.A. But, my point is, we've adapted to this smaller town, and while we really miss L.A., there are things here we couldn't have there, like horse property, and I have to say, we are not miserable here like I feared we'd be. So, I don't want to freak myself out prematurely about moving to a place like F-R-E-S-N-O. Ha ha It can't be all bad, can it?
Is there enough to do there, entertainment-wise, for a young-minded, middle-aged couple with no kids, that still like to get out once in a while and have a drink, socialize, and find some good music in the evenings?
Any fine dining to be had, or just the usual Olive Garden, TGI Fridays, and other chain restaurants?
Are there any areas that have horse property (equestrian communities with some trails to ride on) within a 30-minute drive to downtown? My husband is all for getting horse property again, but doesn't want to commute more than a half-hour into downtown. I was told to look at Clovis, Prather, Auberry, and Yosemite Lake Park. Some of those look like they might be farther than 30 minutes from downtown though...I can't tell too well from the map and I don't know what traffic is like.
Are there ever any good concerts in Fresno? We're big concert goers and we love classic and 80's or 90's rock. In L.A. that obviously wasn't an issue. Here in FL, we drive an hour up to Tampa to catch concerts...saw Aerosmith and Motley Crue in November, and Van Halen last month.
Anything like that in or near Fresno?
Any other info regarding lifestyle, places to live in or nearby, or just whatever you think we should know before commiting ourselves, I would really appreciate your input!
Fresno has always had jokes made about it, but I really want to give it a fair shake and learn as much as I can about it, since I've never been there. I have heard it has grown a lot in recent years.
Thanks,
Jen
I would rather be in Fresno than Burbank any day. Burbank is way to close to LA for my liken. If you never been to Fresno take a drive and check it out. Or see is Fresno has a web site. and I am sure Fresno is horse frendly maybe more so than Burbank.. I not sure but Fresno maybe in Kern county, If so that's a plus.
First understand that even in quotes people are tired of the "armpit" comment. The only people who use that term in my mind are people who want to put the area down. If you want to move to Fresno its time to defend it to others also.
Now to your questions
Quote:
Originally Posted by JLThompson
so I am assuming we could afford a pretty nice house and some acreage in the Fresno area.
That should be no problem. Particularly since prices have gone down.
Quote:
I am 42, my husband is 50. No kids.
My wife and I are 50 with no kids. We still get out to a few places ourselves, just not as frequently, so I can relate.
Quote:
I am a horse-owner and an avid trail rider. I do competitive trail and endurance riding. I am hoping Fresno is horse-friendly and that I could hook up with some other horse-people to have some riding buddies.
If you do a search you will also find a number of stables, breeders, and riding schools around Fresno. You should have no problem hooking up with others.
Quote:
My husband is an avid golfer. I've been told Fresno is great for golf, and that Donald Trump just bought some land there to develop a new resort..?
The Trump deal fell through, he wanted to city to subsidize the project too much. But there are a number of different private and public courses in the area.
Quote:
We are used to hot weather, so that doesn't scare us.
In spite of the reputation the average is only 35 days a year over 100 degrees. Heck Las Vegas and Phoenix get 3 or 4 times that many hot days.
We are getting an early heat wave this week in California. At 5:30 pm it is 89 in Fresno and 90 in Burbank.
Quote:
Is Fresno really THAT bad?
NO, just get that thought out of your mind. Is it paradise, no. But nowhere near the bad image people have.
Quote:
Is there enough to do there, entertainment-wise, for a young-minded, middle-aged couple with no kids, that still like to get out once in a while and have a drink, socialize, and find some good music in the evenings?
Any fine dining to be had, or just the usual Olive Garden, TGI Fridays, and other chain restaurants?
Are there any areas that have horse property (equestrian communities with some trails to ride on) within a 30-minute drive to downtown? My husband is all for getting horse property again, but doesn't want to commute more than a half-hour into downtown. I was told to look at Clovis, Prather, Auberry, and Yosemite Lake Park. Some of those look like they might be farther than 30 minutes from downtown though...I can't tell too well from the map and I don't know what traffic is like.
Prather, Auberry, and Yosemite Lakes would all be just over 30 minutes.
I'd take a close look at the east side of Clovis, about 20 minutes to downtown Fresno. Find a realtor and let them help. There are lots of 2 to 5 acre parcels with homes or for building.
Quote:
Are there ever any good concerts in Fresno? We're big concert goers and we love classic and 80's or 90's rock. In L.A. that obviously wasn't an issue. Here in FL, we drive an hour up to Tampa to catch concerts...saw Aerosmith and Motley Crue in November, and Van Halen last month.
Anything like that in or near Fresno?
Oh my, lots. Fresno has turned into a major tour stop, the 2 arenas in town rank among the largest ticket selling venues in the world. Everyone from opera star AndreaBocelli to Madonna to, yes, Aerosmith and Motley Crew and Van Halen have stopped here in the last few years. We saw Pablo Cruise last year at an outdoor concert.
There are also several Indian Casinos in the area that book acts.
Also Sammy Hagar is currently building a Cabo Wabo in Fresno.
On the upcoming event calendar around Fresno in just the next few months are Carrie Underwood, Brad Paisley, Kool and the Gang, Smoky Robinson, Ringo Starr and the All Starr Band, Trace Adkins, Gladys Knight, and more.
Quote:
Any other info regarding lifestyle, places to live in or nearby, or just whatever you think we should know before commiting ourselves, I would really appreciate your input!
Oh where to start to dispel the rumors.
Crime in Fresno is lower than in the City of San Francisco. Everyone would like to see it lower but the area has made great progress. Clovis has one of the lowest crime rates in the state, comparable to Mission Viejo.
You've lived in heat/humidity and also large cities, the only thing that might catch you by surprise is the air quality, it's bad!
Fresno is still a thriving horse community, a great friend of mine still owns a stable in the middle of the city, it was grandfathered in
Getting something with acreage, zoning and trails.... I'll have to check with my sister (who rides) on that who still lives there. Madera Ranchos are comes to mind, but I'm not 100% on that.
If you enjoy the big city life and all that comes with, you won't have any problem with living there. I left because I don't care for that lifestyle and I wanted to live in an area that has four realistic seasons.
I don't golf so I'm not much help on that.
Back to horses, you will still need to protect against West Nile as yepperz there are skeeters in the area. Trail riding is still somewhat active I think, however the strongest disciplines seem to still be with English, Dressage and western. I can dig deeper with that if you'd like next time I talk to my sister, feel free to send me a direct message.
As I said, I think you'll do fine and you're always just a couple hours drive if you feel like going to the "city" (San Francisco).
My husband and I are moving to Fresno from Michigan next month. Yes, a huge change! We too, are kidless now (woohoo!) I'm 40 and my husband is 50 and we have our 3 dogs. We have done some research on the area, looking forward to Woodward park and visiting Yosemite. FRESNOFACTS, thanks for the links to resturants! We had also heard about the concerts, looking forward to that. But what about micro breweries in the area? We will be in the Clovis area, haven't gotten official word on our rental yet. Thanks!
Thanks FresnoFacts and Cleosmom, for your input and info! I am now feeling pretty optomistic about moving there in the future. All of the info you two gave me really helped! Thanks for all the links, FresnoFacts!
Cleosmom, yes, if you get around to asking your sister about horse-keeping areas, trails, etc, that would be really great! I'm still wondering if it's possible to have horse property with a few trails nearby, but still be within a half hour from downtown, where my husband's job would be.
I'll keep checking back on the board or feel free to send a private message too!
You've lived in heat/humidity and also large cities, the only thing that might catch you by surprise is the air quality, it's bad!
Actually if they used to live in Burbank then the air quality problems around Fresno will not be a surprise.
Quote:
Originally Posted by cleosmom
Madera Ranchos are comes to mind, but I'm not 100% on that.
Madera Ranchos across the river does have quite a few ranchettes with horses. My problem with that area is that there is mainly Highway 41 to get across the river into Fresno. An accident can back up traffic for several hours and the alternates are spread out.
The Ranchos are also a drier looking area then I like but that is personal preference.
Quote:
Originally Posted by cleosmom
Trail riding is still somewhat active I think, however the strongest disciplines seem to still be with English, Dressage and western.
Dressage does remind me of another area to consider for homes. Head east of Fresno on Highway 180 and there are a number of horse ranches in the area where it crosses the Kings River, it is considered the Sanger area. That would be right at a 30 minute drive to Downtown Fresno.
There are not many dedicated horse trails in the immediate area but you will see "evidence" of people riding along the rural roads.
Quote:
Originally Posted by kelley4422
FRESNOFACTS, thanks for the links to resturants! We had also heard about the concerts, looking forward to that. But what about micro breweries in the area? We will be in the Clovis area, haven't gotten official word on our rental yet. Thanks!
A few micro breweries. Sequoia Brewing has 2 locations, one in the Tower District the other in North Fresno. I have a friend who plays in a band at Sequoia about once a month. Sequoia Brewing
There is also Full Circle Brewing in the Old Chinatown area near Downtown Fresno. They also do meads and a mean Agave wine. index
And BJs, which is a chain brewery/restaurant BJ's Restaurants
There is also Sudz in the City which is an annual event bringing in microbreweries from around the state for tasting. This year it is on May 24. Tickets are usually about $30 which gets you a supply of tasting tickets.
And there are microbreweries in some of the surrounding towns like Hanford, Visalia, etc.
Quote:
Originally Posted by JLThompson
Thanks FresnoFacts and Cleosmom, for your input and info! I am now feeling pretty optomistic about moving there in the future. All of the info you two gave me really helped! Thanks for all the links, FresnoFacts!
My pleasure, I hope it helps. Good luck and if you have more questions just ask.
by 2010, 500,000 ppl will live there. not much in good city infrustructure. they have gang issues and traffic issues. and smog issues. and crime issues. but it's better than alot of cities in southern california and it's better than bakersfield. not much upscale shopping either.
and the city is trying to fix there problems.
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We are Southern CA natives (L.A./Burbank area) but have lived the last two years in a small-ish city in FL. This job opportunity is not immediate, but they do want some sort of commitment now that we will take it when the time comes (within a year or so). The pay would be more than he was making in L.A. or here in Florida, so I am assuming we could afford a pretty nice house and some acreage in the Fresno area.
micro breweries in Fresno?
