Anyone else feel this way? I work in hospitality and You can expect to pay around $2,131 for rent here. Household incomes average around $89,442 in Fresno. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Is this normal for Fresno?
12 upvotes
11 Replies
Kennedy T.
not my experience at all
39 upvotes
Gianna Collins
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a sales manager who relocated here from Salt Lake City about 13 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Active local events and festivals
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are pricey, gas is average.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
39 upvotes
John
following this thread
38 upvotes
Evan S.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 48, moved here 12 years ago from Atlanta. I've lived in Old Town and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Great outdoor activities nearby
3. Low crime in most neighborhoods
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Property taxes are high
3. The public transit situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for families. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Atlanta, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
34 upvotes
Ian Baker
good to know, thanks
32 upvotes
Hazel Long
We moved here with our family and the quality of life is solid. Schools in The Heights area are pretty good. Kids love it here.
26 upvotes
Elizabeth Moore
Moved here last year, no regrets.
22 upvotes
Aaliyah Scott
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 12 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is safety. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the food scene is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The East side vs the Springfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
21 upvotes
Asher Long
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 1 years and it's not perfect but it works for me. The thing nobody mentions is housing market. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the outdoor recreation is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Sunset side vs the Old Town side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
20 upvotes
proud_evan83
I've lived in The Heights for about 13 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I genuinely enjoy living here. When I first moved here from Pittsburgh, I was surprised by job market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Four distinct seasons
- The outdoor recreation scene is improving
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for retirees. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
12 upvotes
Sadie Garcia
I've lived in Meadowbrook for about 9 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from Minneapolis, I was surprised by outdoor recreation. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Strong job market in several industries
- The job market scene is decent
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for remote workers. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..