Life in the Central Valley
Known for our California sunshine, our location offers residents many lifestyle benefits. With more than one million people living in Fresno and its neighboring towns, our region provides various amenities without the hectic congestion of the Bay Area or Southern California.
Housing
Situated off Highway 41 just north of Fresno, Valley Children’s Hospital is less than 30 minutes from a number of communities. Whether you prefer metropolitan or mountain living or something in between, you can find a safe, affordable and friendly neighborhood you will enjoy. There are new housing developments within just seven miles of the hospital.
Dining
The region’s multicultural population provides a rich and flavorful dining experience, from Basque, Ethiopian, Armenian, Indian, Mediterranean and Thai cuisine. Asian and Mexican restaurants are almost as popular as pizza parlors. Whether you want to enjoy a tasty tri-tip sandwich – a California staple – fine dining or a popular pub, plenty of lively establishments abound. If you prefer practicing the culinary arts at home, the area offers fresh fish markets that receive frequent shipments of fresh seafood from the Central Coast. Local meat markets feature beef from area ranchers. The San Joaquin Valley is a produce lover’s paradise, with a wide selection of fresh fruits and vegetables, dried fruit, nuts and wine – all produced locally.
Shopping
The local area offers an eclectic mix of retail shopping experiences, from attractive outdoor malls, such as Fig Garden Village and River Park, with brand-name giants and novel stores to charming Old Town Clovis and the unique Tower District.
Arts and Culture
Fresno offers ample entertainment opportunities, including several art museums, historic theaters, a renowned philharmonic orchestra, and an active academic and literary community. The area also features the entertaining Rogue Festival, the Clovis Rodeo, the popular ArtHop and the largest Hmong New Year celebration in the country. The Save Mart Center hosts a variety of outstanding performances year-round.
Sports
Sports fans can partake in assorted athletics at Fresno State. The Bulldogs’ football team regularly competes for a spot in the Top 25. The university’s baseball and softball teams both hoisted National Championship trophies within the last 20 years. Win or lose, Fresno State fans and alumni, also known as the Red Wave, are some of the most diehard in the country, which always makes taking in any Bulldog game exciting and fun. College isn’t the only game in town. Fresno is home of the Colorado Rockies, Low-A affiliate, the Fresno Grizzlies. And the Fresno Fuego soccer team has been a major player in the USL Premier Development League for more than 10 years.
Recreation
Mild winters and warm summers provide a wide range of opportunities for outdoor adventure. From bicycling and hiking trails, to golf courses and waterparks, the Valley offers just about every activity for the nature or exercise enthusiast. Nearby lakes provide boating recreation, while white water rafting expeditions offer a different kind of water sport. Neighboring downhill and cross country ski resorts provide winter fun. Downtown Fresno’s new outdoor skating rink has become a recent favorite for families. And if you want to explore out of town, our centralized location means you’ll be just a few hours from the world’s most popular vacation destinations, including Yosemite National Park, San Francisco, Monterey/Carmel, Napa Valley, Santa Barbara and Los Angeles.
Schools
Central California is a great place to raise children. Our exemplary schools deliver quality education to students with different learning styles. Recognized for academic and athletic excellence, local schools ensure a bright future for your children.