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Fresno and Clovis Area Review

The FRESNO / CLOVIS METROPOLITAN AREA is located in the southern half of the great Central Valley of California or the San Joaquin Valley. Fresno is the largest metropolitan area in the region with a half million in population.  The economic base of the region is agriculture.  The counties of the San Joaquin Valley produce billions of dollars each year in foodstuffs including fruits, vegetables, and dairy products. Farmer’s markets proliferate throughout the region featuring locally grown produce. The community has a family friendly environment with good schools, many churches, synagogues and mosques, a wide choice of dining, major retail outlets, and many recreational opportunities for the family.

The Area supports a vast artistic community including several museums and live entertainment including a philharmonic orchestra, an opera, Roger Rocka’s Music Hall and the Earth Arts Studio. For those who love the outdoors, Fresno offers easy access to mountain lakes, river rafting, the San Joaquin River Parkway, Roeding Park Zoo, three of the nation’s most scenic national parks, golf courses, water parks, bike trails, hunting and fishing.

Fresno has been cited by Kiplinger’s Magazine for its job growth, livability, overall affordability, and space. The Fresno/Clovis metropolitan area has been listed as one of the top 25 “supercities” in the United States today. The metropolitan area is very cosmopolitan with over 70 distinct ethnic groups in the community.

Housing costs are significantly lower than in other areas of the state. On average, Fresno’s housing costs are 65% lower than Los Angeles, 75% lower than San Jose, and 80% lower than San Diego.  Unlike other major metropolitan areas in the state, the average daily commute in Fresno is only 15 minutes on surface streets as compared to 40 minutes for Los Angeles, 40 minutes for San Jose, and 25 minutes for San Diego on overcrowded freeways.

Pleasant affordable living styles, a cosmopolitan family oriented community, accessibility to a wide range of recreational and cultural activities and good schools are the hallmarks of the Fresno/Clovis metropolitan area.

See Also

Area Realtors and Banks

Fresno Area Banks

Fresno Association of Realtors

London Properties makes available special services to new faculty (as well as current faculty and staff) who are interested in Fresno area real estate.  When you contact London, please ask for their "relocation specialist."

London Properties, Ltd.
6442 N. Maroa Avenue
Fresno CA 93704
Telephone: 559.436.4070

Blooming Fruit Trees on Fresno State Campus

Living in Fresno

California State University, Fresno is in the heart of the greater Fresno area.

We hope the information provided here helps your search for information about working at Fresno State and living in the area.  

Map of Zipcodes in the Fresno Area Link

Housing prices and current faculty by zip code  PDF

School Districts in the local area (listed by largest):

  • Fresno Unified
    • Elementary Schools  PDF
    • Middle Schools:  PDF
    • High Schools  PDF
    • Progression Map  PDF
  • Clovis Unified
    • Map and listing of Clovis Schools  PDF
  • Central Unified
    • Link to Central Unified  Link
  • University High School on the campus of Fresno State Link
    • University High School is a 9th-12th grade free public charter high school located on our campus. UHS provides an accelerated college preparatory education to approximately 480 students. Students receive a foundation in music and the liberal arts and sciences in a small high school environment while benefiting from the opportunities available on a large public university campus.

Professional Enrichment

Campus Links