📍 About FAT & Fresno
Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) is located in the heart of California’s Central Valley. Fresno is a diverse, affordable city surrounded by natural beauty, offering a low cost of living and easy access to national parks like Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon.
🏡 Where to Live
Best Neighborhoods in Fresno
- Clovis – Top-rated schools, family-friendly, safe
- Woodward Park – Suburban, near parks and shopping
- Tower District – Historic, artsy, nightlife and dining
- Old Fig Garden – Upscale, leafy, older homes
- North Fresno – Newer developments, good schools
Nearby Towns
🚗 Commute Times to FAT
- 5–15 min: Tower District, Downtown Fresno, Woodward Park
- 15–30 min: Clovis, North Fresno, Fig Garden, Sanger
- 30–45 min: Madera, Selma, Fowler
🎓 Top School Districts
- Clovis Unified School District – Top-ranked in the region
- Fresno Unified School District – Offers magnets & charters
- Central Unified School District – Growing district in west Fresno
🧳 Things to Do – Within 2 Hours, Year-Round
🌲 Outdoor Activities
- Yosemite National Park: ~90 min away
- Sequoia & Kings Canyon: ~1.5–2 hrs drive
- Woodward Park: Trails, Japanese Garden
- Shaver Lake & Huntington Lake: Mountain escapes in summer
🏛️ Indoor & Cultural
- Fresno Chaffee Zoo: Family-friendly with recent upgrades
- Fulton Street & Tower District: Nightlife, art shows, music venues
- Local Sports: Fresno State football, Grizzlies baseball
✈️ Nearby Airports
- Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT): On-site – commercial, GA, military
- Visalia Municipal Airport: ~45 min – general aviation
- Bakersfield Meadows Field (BFL): ~2 hrs south – alternate commercial option
🧭 Helpful Resources for Newcomers
🛡️ Crime & Safety + Town Websites
- Clovis: Considered very safe, family-oriented
- North Fresno: Generally safe with suburban feel
- Tower District: Urban area, varies by block
🔗 Town Websites
💰 Cost of Living
- Median home price (Fresno): ~$375,000
- Median rent (1-bedroom): ~$1,250–$1,500/month
- Gas prices: ~$4.50–$5.00/gallon
- Utilities: ~$180–$220/month for apartment
- Groceries: Slightly above national average
🌆 Neighborhood Highlights
- Tower District: Arts, music, cafes, nightlife
- River Park / Woodward Park: Upscale shopping and outdoor space
- Old Fig Garden: Quiet, established homes and large lots
☀️ Seasonal Weather
- Summer: Hot and dry, 95–110°F
- Winter: Mild, 40s–60s°F with occasional fog
- Spring: Pleasant, 60s–80s°F, blooming wildflowers
- Fall: Warm days, cool evenings
🚇 Public Transportation & Traffic
- Fresno Area Express (FAX): Bus system throughout city
- Driving: Car necessary; light traffic outside of peak hours
- Highways: Easy access to CA-41, CA-99, CA-168
🏥 Healthcare & Urgent Care
- Community Regional Medical Center – Largest in Fresno
- Saint Agnes Medical Center – North Fresno, well-rated
- Clovis Community Medical Center – Excellent suburban option
- Adventist Health / Urgent Care: Multiple locations
🫂 Social Life & Community
- Young Professionals: Breweries, coworking, downtown events
- Families: Parks, schools, libraries, kid-friendly venues
- Community Events: ArtHop, Rogue Festival, local markets
🍽️ Dining & Food Scene
- Fresno: Heirloom, Pismo’s, The Annex, Ampersand Ice Cream
- Clovis: House of JuJu, Luna Pizzeria, Blast & Brew
- Ethnic Food: Excellent Mexican, Hmong, Indian, and Thai options
🛫 ATC-Specific Tips
- Live Close: Clovis and North Fresno are ideal
- Shifts: Early, swing, and mid — plan for heat in commute
- Local Group: Some controllers gather for hiking, BBQs, and meetups
📦 Moving Tips
- Beat the heat: Move in spring or fall if possible
- Rental Market: Best listings appear mid-month
- Yard Care: Consider drought-tolerant landscaping
❓ FAQs
- Is Fresno affordable?
Yes — relatively low cost of living for California - Does it snow?
No, but mountains nearby offer winter sports - How’s the air quality?
Can be poor in summer/fall due to fires — air purifiers recommended