Located in sunny central California, in the center of the San Joaquin Valley, Fresno is the fifth-largest city in the state. It is a city with a rich history, plenty of opportunity, and many things to see, do and enjoy. It is both a center of technology and industry, and a paradise for nature lovers, due to its proximity to natural treasures like Yosemite National Park, the Sierra National Forest, and more. Without question, Fresno is a city with much to offer and much to enjoy for those who call it home.
A Look at Fresno’s History
Fresno initially got its start in 1872 as a station for the Central Pacific Railroad, and was named for the ash trees that Spanish explorers found in the area when they first discovered it. Although it initially began to grow as a result of the railroad, it later became an important center for agriculture and remains so to this day. The city produced over 250 crops worth approximately $3 billion each year, including grapes, cotton, tomatoes, cattle, and turkeys, among others. It's also known as a distribution and manufacturing center, with many diverse industries and employment opportunities available for all. Moreover, as Fresno has grown, it has always welcomed and celebrated diversity and difference – it is a city that is welcoming to all nationalities, orientations and cultures. It’s truly a melting pot in the best sense of the word, and it would be a wonderful place to call home.
A Few Fun Facts About Fresno
Read more fun facts about Fresno here.
The LGBTQ Community in Fresno
Fresno has a vibrant and growing LGBTQ community which is well-loved and supported by a variety of resources and community centers, including:
The Fresno Spectrum Center is a community and resource center which is dedicated to connecting Fresno’s LGBTQ community to local resources, and to providing a safe space for meetings, activities, and other events intended to unite, strengthen, and celebrate Fresno’s LGBTQ community.
The Fresno LGBTQ+ Resource Center is a branch of the Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission which is dedicated to its mission of providing supportive services to enhance the health and well-being of individuals of all ages in the LGBTQ community in Fresno.
What’s the Weather Like in Fresno?
Those who live in Fresno can expect plenty of sunshine, a small amount of rain, mild temperatures year-round, and virtually no snow. On average, Fresno residents will experience 271 sunny days per year, which is significantly more than the United States average of 205 days per year. Summers can be quite warm, with the high in July reaching an average of around 98°, while winters are generally mild, with the lows averaging around 38° in January. Spring and fall are very pleasant and mild, allowing residents plenty of opportunities to enjoy the beautiful outdoors.
The Best Events in Fresno
Fresno Rainbow Pride has been Fresno’s biggest annual pride celebration for three decades, and it’s one event each year that you’ll want to be sure to put on your calendar. The event typically includes a variety of parties, parades, and networking opportunities, and other events to celebrate, strengthen, and advocate for the LGBTQ community and all that it adds to the city of Fresno as a whole. You won’t want to miss it!
The Rogue Festival is an annual independent arts fringe festival that is a unique and special Fresno tradition. The festival’s mission is to celebrate independent performers and artists by providing them with the opportunity to showcase their art in a friendly, affordable, and creative setting.
The Best Neighborhoods in Fresno
Fresno has several neighborhoods that would be wonderful to live in. In this diverse and vibrant city, there are plenty of good places to call home. One neighborhood that is particularly popular with the LGBTQ community, however, is the Tower District. The Tower District is centered around Fresno’s iconic Art Deco Tower Theater, which is included on the National List of Historic Places. The neighborhood is known for its unique architecture, walkable streets full of shops, theatres, and restaurants, and its artsy, eclectic community. Fresno’s annual pride parade also takes place here each year. The median list price of homes in the Tower District is approximately $260,000.
Arts and Entertainment
The Fresno Art Museum contains an expansive and inspiring collection of art from around the world in a wide variety of different genres. Visitors can enjoy contemporary art, modern art, sculpture, Mexican-American art, and more.
Fresno Reel Pride LGBTQ Film Festival
The Fresno Real Pride LGBTQ Film Festival is an annual film festival dedicated to celebrating and bringing awareness to the LGBTQ community. The festival accomplishes that goal by bringing an excellent selection of cinema and entertainment home to the Central Valley. It's one event you'll definitely want to put on your calendar each year!
Parks and Recreation
Forestiere Underground Gardens
The Forestiere Underground Gardens is a California State Historic Landmark, and a truly unique part of Fresno that everyone can enjoy. The gardens are a series of underground structures built by Baldasare Forestiere, an immigrant from Sicily, over a period of 40 years from 1906 to his death in 1946. Visiting these one-of-a-kind gardens a perfect way to spend a beautiful Fresno day.
The Fresno Rainbow Bowling League initially began in 2007 as a way of keeping recreational activities going in the fall and winter, when it was too cold for Fresno’s popular outdoor queer volleyball games. Many years later, the Rainbow Bowling League is still going strong, and it’s a great way to have fun and meet new friends. Regardless of skill level, all are welcome!
Fresno Nightlife
The Red Lantern is well-known as being the oldest gay bar in Fresno. Since 1976, it has been a popular and welcoming spot for all to grab a drink with old friends – and meet a few new ones.
Club Legends is a dance club and bar known for its talented DJs, loud music, lively dance floor, and strong drinks. It’s a guaranteed good-time stop on your night out!
Contact a Fresno Realtor Today
If you’re ready to make a move to Fresno, we think that you’ll find plenty about it to love. To help your real estate process go as smoothly as possible, and to ensure you’ll find the perfect home for your family in a neighborhood that you’ll love, you will need the help of a realtor who knows and loves the community. We’re here to help you do exactly that. Contact a Fresno gay realtor today for a free, no-obligation consultation!
