Living in Fresno, California

Fresno sits in the heart of California’s Central Valley, the agricultural center of the country. It blends agricultural roots with growing urban energy and amazing access to nature. It's the fifth-largest city in California but often flies under the radar for coastal movers. What Fresno lacks in fame, it makes up for in affordability, sunshine, and proximity to some of the state’s best outdoor recreation. It’s also one of the most diverse cities in California, and that shows in its food, culture, and neighborhoods.

People move here for lower housing costs, access to jobs in healthcare, education, and agriculture, as well as a slower pace compared to the Bay Area or Southern California. You can drive to Yosemite in under 90 minutes, ski China Peak in winter, or hike the Sierra foothills after work. It’s not a polished city, but it’s real, resilient, and has more momentum than it gets credit for.

What locals will tell you about a Fresno Lifestyle is that you live here as much for what is nearby as for what is within the city limits. Fresno is smack dab in the middle of an amazing state. You are near the most magnificent national parks: Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon. You’re an hour or two from skiing and two hours from coastal beaches. Fresno is quiet, but with an urban core that is growing, but for many locals, the reasonable drive to virtually anything you could want is what makes it work.

Want to get a feel for what locals are up to? Check out Fresno’s calendar of events, which includes everything from live music and street festivals to night markets and riverfront yoga.

We always recommend staying in a VRBO if you’re visiting; it's a great way to experience the rhythm of local neighborhoods instead of the hotel bubble. And if you're planning a trip, you can find discounted travel fares through our Expedia partnership.

Fresno’s economy reflects its Central Valley location — a mix of agriculture, education, healthcare, government, and logistics, with some steady growth in tech and advanced manufacturing. It’s not a boomtown, but it’s stable and expanding, especially in sectors tied to sustainability, water, and food systems.

Major Industries:
Agriculture & Ag Tech
Fresno County is one of the most productive agricultural regions in the U.S. Grapes, almonds, citrus, and other crops dominate the economy, but tech and sustainability startups are gaining ground.
Companies: Sun-Maid, The Wonderful Company, Olam Agri, Netafim

Healthcare
One of Fresno’s largest employment sectors.
Major Employers: Community Medical Centers, Kaiser Permanente, Saint Agnes Medical Center

Education
The presence of Fresno State, and Fresno City College drives jobs in education and research. The Fresno Unified School District is also one of the largest employers in the region.

Logistics & Distribution
Fresno’s central location between LA and the Bay Area makes it a prime logistics hub for warehousing and goods movement.
Employers: Amazon Fulfillment Center, UPS, Foster Farms

Government & Civil Service
Many residents work in local or county government, courts, or public services. The City of Fresno and Fresno County are major employers.

Emerging Sectors
-Water Tech & Sustainability Startups
-Renewable energy installations
-Food systems innovation (farm-to-fork logistics)

Remote Work in Fresno
The city is becoming a solid pick for remote workers priced out of California’s big markets.
You get affordable housing, reliable internet, and access to the outdoors.
Coworking options are still limited, but the trend is growing, especially downtown and near Fresno State.