Fresno, near the geographical center of California, boasts more than 300 days of sunshine each year. Within a one to two hour drive of Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon, Fresno residents have plenty of opportunities to explore an abundance of outdoor recreational activities. And with plenty of performing arts and music venues, as well as historic theaters, museums and annual events, apartment renters in Fresno will appreciate the fun options available for every type of interest and personality.

Established in 1856 after the California Gold Rush, Fresno was named after the abundance of ash trees along the San Joaquin River (Fresno is the Spanish word for ‘ash trees’). Today Fresno, the fifth largest city in California, has a thriving population of 509,000.

Sports enthusiasts will appreciate that plenty of Fresno apartments for rent are within walking distance to many of the arenas, stadiums, bike tracks and skate parts scattered throughout the city. Fresno-based sports organizations include the softball team Fresno Grizzlies. the soccer team Fresno Fuego, and the ice hockey team Fresno Monsters.

Apartment renters interested in Fresno’s arts and music scene will want to check out Fresno’s premiere community theatre group Repertory Theatre, as well as the Fresno Philharmonic .

In addition, Fresno residents will appreciate the city’s plentiful number of festive annual events, including the Fresno Film Festival, the Big Fresno Fair. and the annual Cinco de Mayo celebration at Fulton Mall.

In terms of public transportation, the city of Fresno is served by Fresno Area Express (FAX). Many apartment renters in this area drive as well. Fresno Apartments and Cost of Living

For apartment renters in Fresno looking at higher education opportunities, California State University, Fresno - also known as Fresno State - is located in the north part of the city in the Hoover neighborhood. Students who choose off-campus apartments in Fresno will find that the median rental rates here are 20.7 percent less than the city average and 45.2 percent less than the average in California. The overall cost of living in Hoover is also 4 percent less than the Fresno average. Due to the high number of college students who live in the area, it is best to look for Fresno apartments before August to get a great deal and find your perfect rental.

For Fresno residents looking for work, some of the top industries include healthcare, education, and produce growing and shipping, with top employers including Aetna. California State University, Fresno and Valhalla Sales and Marketing, among others.