Nestled in between the farmland of California’s Central Valley and the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Fresno is an ideal place to call home. With National Parks and state forests just short drives away, Fresno offers residents a great home base with ample opportunities for outdoor adventure. Let’s get you acquainted with the best Fresno neighborhoods so you can pick the one that works best for you.

Tower District

If you’re looking for a place in the center of the action, the Tower District is it! This neighborhood is where Fresno residents go out for a night on the town, and it’s easy to see why. Tower Theater hosts a variety of shows from country artists to comedy sketches. You won’t have to drive to see some of the best performances in the city, and the bars, restaurants, shops, record stores, and cafes along E Olive Street make this district that much more desirable. Plus, Fresno City College is just a few blocks north, making this a fun spot for community college students to call home. Best of all, it’s just 2 miles away from downtown so you’ll have access to all the amenities in under a 10-minute drive.

Woodward Park

Outdoor enthusiasts will never get bored in this Fresno neighborhood. The crown jewel, Woodward Park, boasts plenty of things to do for residents in this hood. Start by strolling through the 300 acres of green space. On your walk, you’ll notice the park’s 3 small ponds, 7 picnic areas, and more than 5 miles of trails weaving throughout the park. In addition, the park also boasts an amphitheater that seats up to 2,500 people, a disc golf course, dog park, BMX and mountain bike course, and the beautiful Shinzen Japanese Gardens. Since this neighborhood is tucked away north of central Fresno, you’ll definitely want a car to get around.

Cultural Arts District

In between the Tower District and downtown is where you’ll find the trendy Cultural Arts District. Formerly known as the Mural District, this neighborhood is the cultural lifeblood of the city. Here, you’ll find live performance venues like the Rainbow Ballroom and Warnors Theatre. What the neighborhood is really known for, though, is its impressive collection of murals on building walls, which are reason enough to move to Fresno. Check out all the murals on the first and third Thursday of each month when the Fresno Arts Council hosts its bi-monthly ArtHop in this hood. The Historic Fresno Picture Wall is also just around the corner, as are plenty of restaurants and bars in the neighboring city center.

Clovis

Even though it’s technically its own city, Clovis is just a few minutes outside of Fresno city limits. Its quaint, yet bustling, downtown, called Old Town, features antique shops, restaurants, boutiques, and cafes. Here, the city hosts wine walks, beer crawls, antique fairs, and farmers markets throughout the year, so there’s always something to do. Check out Blast & Brew for beers and pizza, or just grab drinks and head to dinner at House of JuJu, a local favorite. You’ll need a car in Clovis, as you’re about 15-20 minutes away from Fresno’s city center.

Old Fig Garden

This charming Fresno neighborhood features some of the oldest homes in the city. The vintage houses, some dating back to the early 1900s, are surrounded by big cedar trees and plenty of greenery. You’ll find residents walking dogs, biking around, or going for walks in this beautiful neighborhood. Every year, the Fig Garden decorates “Christmas Tree Lane”, one of the longest-running events of its kind in the country. Join in on the fun and check out the lights and decorations during Christmas this year.

Fresno neighborhoods are all unique in their own way, and there’s certainly one that’s perfect for you. Find your new home or apartment in one of these neighborhoods and you’ll be well on your way to enjoying all that Fresno has to offer.

Featured image courtesy of Play Fresno.

The post Best Fresno Neighborhoods: Where to Live appeared first on The Zumper Blog.