The Central California Valley is a cultural oasis with major galleries, museums, an orchestra, opera and ballet company. The Fresno Philharmonic Orchestra and the Fresno International Grand Opera regularly attract world-class musicians. Numerous professional performers including three-time Tony Award winner, Audrey McDonald, began their careers with the Good Company Players, a local theatrical company.
The Valley’s diverse culture is reflected in the county’s galleries and museums which range from collections of African-American and Hispanic art to the restored home of a Confederate surgeon. The Fresno Art Museum features permanent galleries of Mexican art and French post-impressionists. Also notable is the Fresno Metropolitan Museum featuring the William Saroyan History Gallery and the Reeves Science Center.
Fresno also offers an outdoor recreational paradise. Within the city itself, there are many tree-lined walking paths and large parks. Fresno County is the only county close to three National Parks: Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon. Sierra National Forest offers high-county camping in the summer and skiing in the winter. Kaiser, John Muir and the Minarets wilderness areas offer the ultimate in popular backcountry experiences and the world-renown Sequoia, Kings Canyon and Yosemite National Parks provide unrivaled visual splendor. Fresno is also surrounded by water with lakes as close as 15 minutes away and white-water rafting available on one of its large rivers. The nationally acclaimed Blossom Trail takes visitors on a 62-mile tour throughout gorgeous blooming orchards and luscious foothill fluorescence in the most beautiful springtime weather anywhere.
Sports fans won’t be disappointed either. There are numerous team sports to enjoy in Fresno County:
Fresno State -- Western Athletic Conference – Football, baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, softball, swimming, diving, tennis, track & field, volleyball, wrestling
Fresno Grizzlies – AAA baseball farm team for the San Francisco Giants.
Fresno Falcons – Semi-professional ice hockey
Fresno Frenzy – Arena football
The Central California Valley is a vibrant area with many opportunities. It has a growing enthusiastic population that is attracting many regional and national companies. It has an advantageous climate, excellent educational facilities and a strong and expanding economy. It is a safe community. All of these things make the Central California Valley a dynamic place to live.
LIVABILITY
Sunshine – 303 days/year
Elevation – 100 ft. – 14,000
Average Rainfall – 10.95 inches
Average Snowfall – 0.10 inches
Prevailing Winds – north, 4 mph
AVERAGE TEMPERATURE
January – High 54°, Low 37°
April – High 75°, Low 48°
July – High 98°, Low 65°
October – High 80°, Low 51°
Prepared by: Fresno County Economic Development Corporation
- NUMBER1EXPERTS™ 
