I need some information on Fresno, California. Cali GCers, please help!

[CutiePie2000]

Dear California GCers,

What can you tell me about Fresno?
I am trying to get information on behalf of my 40 year old sister (no, she is not in a sorority) who has been offered a nursing contract in Fresno for the summer.

If she accepts it, what is it like there? It is pretty? Is there stuff to do? Is it dangerous or pretty safe? Would she enjoy herself?

Essentially, I am looking for an overall 'impression' (like what are some tourist things she could see and do in her time off?)
Any information that you can provide would be appreciated. Thank you!!

[PrincessHeather]

I'm from Modesto which is 2 hours north of Fresno.

I don't know exactly what you want to know.
Can you be more specific?
I really don't know that much about Fresno. I have only been there a couple times. (for sports and to visit some of my sisters that live down there. oh BTW, There is a DG chapter at fresno state. Maybe they can help)

[bethany1982]

I don't live in Fresno, but I do have family there and have been there several times. What do you want to know?

[chideltjen]

i have some family that lives down there and have visited nearby.

Fresno is kinda small... rural is the first thing that comes to mind. Farming maybe. I haven't been there in a long time so things probably have changed.

[PrincessHeather]

ok I think I can give the basics

weather in the summer: its hot if you aren't used to a Central Valley Summer. The temp ranges from mid 90's to the mid 100's.

There is some stuff to do. One of the main roads that I come in on is called Shaw Rd. There is a lot of resturants and shops to go to.

I know they are bigger than Modesto but I don't know the exact number. (we have 203,000 people if that gives you any idea)

I know most of the city is nice and safe, but I have heard there is a ghetto side. (I know you are thinking, every city has one but sometimes Fresno is associated as being ghetto)

Every time I've been there I've felt safe, and I haven't seen anything.

Overall I saw its a good city. I hope that helps

I don't know if I'm the right person to tell you about Fresno, considering the last time I was there (in 1999), me and the other Hawaii people there for the WAC tournament were pelted with cans, bottles, and other miscellaneous items after the basketball game.

The year before, some fraternity brothers did the same thing to the football team.

I don't mean to offend anyone from Fresno, but you can't blame me for feeling that way.

[AlphaSigOU]

Only been to Fresno once... and that's just passin' thru. Just another urban sprawl in the middle of the San Joaquin valley.

And if you are averse to being called or implied that you are a 'person of size' you will not like the airport code for Fresno -- it's FAT (Fresno Air Terminal). (Seriously, it is FAT!)

You're about halfway down the great central valley of California , about 4 hours from Sacramento and 4 hours from Los Angeles going down ol' Highway 99.

[AYE FEE]

CutiePie2000

Well, I guess I can be your authority on Fresno, seeing as I was born and lived there for 18 years (whats more, my mom works in the medical community!)

I can give you the basics, and if you want more info, go right on ahead and contact me.

PrincessHeather was right about the weather, it can get damn hot there in the summers (up to 115 or 120!). In the winter, tempatures drop to the high 20s/low 30s.

The population within city limits is probably up to about 500,000 but if you count the surrounding areas, it's up to about 850,000. Fresno often has this reputation of being a small, rural, farming town but this is not true at all. Agriculture is still predominant in the area, but parts of Fresno are like any other city. Particularly in North Fresno (where I lived), where there is an abundance of restaurants, shopping, and other things to do (plus, you can get a great view of the Sierra Mountains)

As any city, there is a certain part of town that is pretty rough, but there are plenty of places that are well kept, clean & safe. I'm not sure what was going on when other GC'ers visited and had bottles thrown at them, but Fresno State is located there and the students do get a little rowdy when it comes to their athletics (but it is limited to that).

For California, the price of living is very good. Whereas in the Bay Area you can expect the median price of a house to be about $350,000, you can get something of comparable quality in Fresno for less than $200,000.

In addition, Fresno's location in California is pretty good. It's about 3 1/2 hours from LA and 2 1/2 from San Francisco. 2 hours to the beach, 1 1/2 hours to the mountains (1 hr to Yosemite!)

It's a great place to raise a family, I have often thought about returning there to do just that (even after having lived in Southern CA, on the beach, and now in the SF Bay Area). I spent 18 years wanting to get out, but now when I go back I see it wasn't such a horrible place and always have a great time when I am there.

Out of curiousity, which hospital had offered her a job??


Hope this helps!!!

[docetboy]

fresno = california = nice weather = happiness

That's all I know

[AYE FEE]

Originally posted by docetboy
fresno = california = nice weather = happiness

That's all I know

When it's not August

[docetboy]

well, nothing is good in august!

[AYE FEE]

However, I live for August nights.... nothing like hanging out in your back yard with a cold drink in shorts and a tank top... at 10pm!

[docetboy]

your right. only thing to make that better is to have me with you!

[CutiePie2000]

AYE FEE and everyone, thank you SO MUCH for your kind information! I have been busy copy and pasting it and emailing it to my sister.

AYE FEE, when I find out the hospital, I will let you know!

THANK YOU!!!

[AYE FEE]

Glad I could help CutiePie2000, I always welcome the chance to defend Fresno!