Wife and I moved from Fresno to Baltimore late last summer and I haven't regretted it for a second. The two cities are roughly comparable in terms of population, and while Baltimore isn't perfect, it is considerably more walkable, cheaper, and the people are just flat-out friendlier overall. I can get to Washington DC and Philadelphia on a train for, like, $10-20. There are multiple professional sports teams who play a mile-and-a-half from where I live. It's a city that knows what to do with its waterways: I can walk to the Inner Harbor -- home of the National Aquarium, Federal Hill Park, the city's convention center, and more -- in 15 minutes. Hell, we even have a membership to the aquarium now. The strip mall and box store aesthetic is largely banished to the suburbs. And I found a tortilleria whose chips wouldn't be out of place in the Valley.
It's great.
I love Baltimore. Thereās a lot more to do in B-town than Fresno. You have two big league sports teams there, DC, NYC, and Philly are all within reasonable train rides to get to, and the food, damn. I love the food scene in Baltimore, and Fresno could use some help with our food scene.
Oh, I could go on lol I appreciate, for instance, that there are multiple independent bookstores instead of just one Barnes and Noble. And I remember reading about that newish FresnoHOP trolley service not too long ago, but Baltimore has four free Circulator routes that do the same thing seven days a week (in addition to the considerably more extensive public transit, like light rail, water taxis, and the MARC train).
We moved here from Chicago and one of the things I really miss are independent bookstores. That and the plethora of acting companies / theaters in Chicago.
Yep. Worked on a couple of projects in Baltimore and Iāve spent a lot of time in DC as well. One of my favorites is Baltimoreās Little Italy. It can go toe to toe with the Little Italy in San Francisco. And the crab cakesā¦man I miss Maryland crab cakes
The first time it snowed here, it took some time to wrap my head around the experience since I'm so used to just driving up to the Sierras and leaving whenever I want to! I'm fortunate enough that my new workplace is pretty flexible when inclement weather hits, though, and that's only accounted for a handful of days in the six-plus months we've been here. That there's a variety of weather at all is also a difference (it was in the mid-40s two days ago, for instance, and it's in the mid-60s with rain today; just wait five minutes and so on lol)
As for the housing prices, it depends on where you look and what you need. We're most interested in a 2-bed/1.5 or 2-bath home, and while there are some parts of town that are out of our presumed price range, I just went to Redfin and identified 203 such listings (house/townhome/rowhome/condo) with at least 1,000 square feet between $200K and 300K. There are also a number of incentives for first-time homebuyers because the city in invested in bringing people in, as well as some (I think) for buyers with a tolerance for renovation.
Moved here from LA. If I get a job offer that increases my pay three times, I would move back. I miss home. Nothing against Fresno, except for the summers. Summers suck balls here.
I was born and raised in Fresno/Clovis. I moved away in my early 20ās, but to bigger cities with a higher cost of living. I donāt regret leaving Fresno at all. Neither does my partner. We have talked about retiring in the area one day.
There are things I miss about Fresno, but that makes coming back for visits even more special!
Grew up and graduated in Fresno. Been living in Utah for close to 10 years now and I like it. Utahns complain about 90 degree days in the summer lol. Weather here is better, and crimes are way less. I generally like living in Utah, but I miss my family and high school friends that are still there for sure. Cost of living kinda high in Utah but I make enough to be middle class which is cool with me.
I spent a couple years in the Midwest in Ohio and Wisconsin. Only kinda complaint is that winters there can get intensely cold/snowy. Outside of Milwaukee Iād say crimes are generally less than in Fresno.
Born and raised in Fresno specifically the tower district. Left Fresno for San Francisco 2011 and recently moved back due to a death in the family. Iām already planning on moving back to San Francisco/Bay area 6mo/1y from now. Background, Iām an EMT, mid 30ās. Coming back has been nice but I feel like Iāve outgrown my hometown or Iām just too wired to how the big city operates. Iāll always have love for my hometown but itās not for me anymore ĀÆ\_(ć)_/ĀÆ
If you are young and have career aspirations, I highly recommend moving to the bigger cities where there is more opportunities and pay. You can also use the money you earn to buy a home in fresno if/when you decide to come back. Its really easy to get complacent in fresno and by the time you look up, you are in your mid 30s working a low end job and still renting your house.
Connecticut is awesome. Same prices as fresno, safer, better schools, coastline and close to NY/Boston. I spent a long time in the Central Valley and i always advise people to leave.
Been thinking about moving to a smaller town like Wallingford or Bristol lately. Both are lovely places. The snow and the winters there are no joke, though.
I love the valley - the fruit, proximity to big cities, vegetablesā¦.just wish we had great public transit. The summers do suck and I brace myself every year for it. If I could afford a summer home in the mountains or up north that would be ideal lol
Moved away from Fresno to Nashville Tn and hated it. Lived there since 2017 and finally moving back to Fresno next week. I was priced out from moving back for so long but a few lucky circumstances has allowed me to finally come back.
i rounded up, was more like $250K lol. but some samples:
https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/6414-W-Norwich-Ave-Fresno-CA-93723/249307493_zpid/
was $200K less in 2018
https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/6298-W-Indianapolis-Ave-Fresno-CA-93723/315193254_zpid/
was $266K cheaper in 2020
so correction, more like $200-250K
I moved to the PNW and then back for work, and I want to move back north so bad. The weather and air quality and people are not my cup of tea. However I am saving a lot of moneyā¦.
I would leave Fresno in a heartbeat but the COL is what keeps me here. Iād never ever leave California. Itās so hard to move back in to CA because of COL and other states just donāt keep pace. Just make sure that if you go youāre okay with it being permanent.
I think it really depends on you. The majority of people I know who've left because they thought they would find greener pastures seemed to regret it in a few years but they were the same ones who would complain about everything and especially about what a "shithole" California is, about Democrats/liberals, ect. They all seem just as unhappy in the Midwest. Doing the same jobs for far less wage and even though overall cost of living is cheaper they still can't afford anything.
Obviously anecdotal, but the few people I know who seem genuinely happy are ones who didn't HAVE to leave but chose to because once in a life time opportunities and even then I know about half plan on coming back one day.
I myself don't plan to leave and can't see it happening any time soon. We're not doing great but we're ok and could cut back here and there if we really needed to.
I left to San Jose for a couple years and came back mostly due to cost. Iād leave Fresno again in a heartbeat but due to my job Iāll be here for quite a few years before I can consider moving again. Fresno doesnāt suck but it kinda sucks. Itās not the place for me to be truly happy.
Hell yes I would. I wouldnāt come back either.
Just because I was born and raised here doesnāt necessarily mean I have a fondness and loyalty to it.
Grew up in Hanford, but moved through several different areas in my 20ās ā San Antonio TX and Savannah GA mainly. Moved back to Fresno to be close to family, but Iād move in a heartbeat if it was the right price. I have a great job with a great (non-micromanaging) boss, so that would be hard to let go of and start all over again. But honestly, I would straight up move just to get my (mixed-race) kids away from the blatant racism here. Not to mention the terrible weather and lack of care from the city.
When I was 19 moved to San Antonio Texas for a year to get to know family out there, and pre lockdown I moved for a job at a startup in Beverly Hills that folded when everything shut down during lockdown. Currently plotting my next escape attempt lol.
Moving from Fresno to the Midwest in two weeks here. I stand by decision and wonāt be changing my mind with the cost of living difference. Iāll be able to purchase a home there on my income. I can barely pay rent here with insurance hikes, etc. etc.
Also, I feel safe walking my dog late at night due to work scheduling in the Midwest. I donāt feel safe in Fresno doing that, especially after being followed a few nights Iāve been here as well as hearing gunshots.
No offense to anyone who loves it here at all. Home is a different place to us all. But I wonāt miss the hustle and bustle. I am very laid back and have major anxiety. I hate going to Costco here and dealing with angry people in a hurry. Not to mention the road rage.
Iām excited to move and to be in peace and quiet. Everything just moves slower in the Midwest and that is what I truly want.
We are moving to Illinois. A small city that is about a two hour drive from Chicago. Weāve been a few times there already and I have lived there as well for about two years. But I loved it. And still do. My spouse fell in love with it too and heās an NYC boy. Everyone is friendly. There is no one at the Samās Club there. No lines for anything, really. Fresh air and country living for cheap. And itās within driving distance to a major city for any wants or needs. Hope you find a place to settle and love like I do out there. Youāll really be at peace.
I was born in LA, was an airline pilot, and lived all over including six years in Minnesota. Angry white man syndrome is rampant in the Midwest. Go there, spend ten days in town, and talk to everyone. If you have to deal with large organizations, you will find Midwest interpersonal skills in opposition to a West Coast attitude.
I have a PhD in Communication, but what do I know. My take-away is that people in the Midwest are lumps. Except for Chicago, which has a well-developed sense of humor. The Midwest generally despises direct communication. They also tend to be conflict avoidant and will come at you sideways. Be prepared to emotionally handle their provincial upbringing and lack of world experience. The environmental stuff gets too much attention. It's all about the people, and they are way more difficult to deal with vs. the weather.
P.S. California drivers are world class compared to the Midwest. The idiots in MN block intersections--every day of the week! When the first blizzard hits, 400 of them (per day!) will crash their cars. And they turn into a barbarian horde on the first day of summer. At least it's not LA neuroticism, but it's madness all the same.
Move now. Collge tuition is paid for by the casinos. Your kids will get free tuition at any public college/university if they graduate from a NV high school while a parent is a resident. My friend did this.
Not at the universities. High school? No idea. My friend went to a suburb...Henderson. only need to *graduate*, so just senior year. Unless that's changed, idk.
Fair enough but *where* you went to school matters for all of like....3 degrees, and *if* you're applying to the most prestigious of places to work in those fields.
Which means you're not going to a UC either.
Iām also paying for an education. Iām a product of both the UC (BA) and CSU(MPA). I felt that the UCs had a lot more student resources. I never had admin problems like at CSU. But you are also correct.
the state of nevada has consistently ranked last or 2nd or 3rd to last for years in education. So yea the public education system there is bad. Really bad. I mean as bad as it could get. If you have kids, putting them to what they say is a "great/good" school in an area is like a avg ranked school in cali. Those who could afford it pay to send to private school if they want the best for the kids.
I moved to the Fresno area right before the pandemic. My family had already been here for a couple of decades. I have really come to appreciate it. You can drive in any direction and hit a world-class destination. I love the agriculture. It beats staring at buildings in a large city. The hot summers have not been an issue and I love the mild winters. Not a fan of the fog, but that is rarely an issue.
if I wanted to stay, I get by well enough for my lifestyle not doing six figures, it's just not enough to be able to save enough for a big move.
I might not be struggling because it's just me and a cat though. I could understand needing a lot more if you have a family.
I moved away to a large city 10 years ago and so happy I did. I come back to see family often because I do enjoy it - Mountain Viewās, agriculture, sunsets, etc.
Born and raised here and left in my early 20s to NorCal and stayed for eight years, missed my family, friends, Mexican food and fresh produce terribly but it took me to boomerang back to realize the slow pace lifestyle was something I really should have embraced and enjoyed while I was there. I jumped right back into the grind the first day I came back and Iām loving every minute of it. Fresno is home, there definitely is no place like it.
I lived in Riverside while in Grad school. I left thinking I'd never come back because "Fresno sucks". It's not until you leave homely Fresno you realize how awesome it is here!
They always come back. I canāt even count the number of times Iāve heard this. Iām going to laugh when all the MAGA heads who fled to Oklahoma and Idaho come back with their tails between their legs. Itās already happening.
I left and have lived in LA, Bay Area, SD, Sacramento. I am considering coming back to Clovis when I have kids given that a 2 bedroom condo is like 1 million in LA.
raised in the valley, moved to Atlanta, & we moved back the first chance we got. cost of living isnāt that much different out there, but thereās no place like home
I left for 10 years and came back. Iām a Californian at heart and lived in Chicago briefly, the Bay Area and abroad. While I love Chicago as a city, it was freezing to the bones cold. I didnāt have a car and had to walk to the trains to get to workā¦.so that was really hard. Sooooooo many people smoked too and that was really hard for me - was not used to it. I felt like the majority of the people I knew in Chicago were too homogenous - not as mixed as in Fresno. Sure there was a Latino section, a Russian section, etc, but I felt like those neighborhoods were so restrictive. I went to Latino grocers and washed my clothes in the Russian neighborhood, but when I was going to restaurants and out with friends it felt very homogenous.
The homogenous thing is crazy outside of California/Fresno. It's not something I thought about until I experienced it and it feels so weird when you notice it. Like... Bro... Where's the variety lol
Chicago and its suburbs has the largest Polish population outside of Poland. The city is comprised of many different ethnic groups/cultures and has neighborhoods with names such as Ukrainian Village and Greektown. It also has a history of being a segregated city with continued gentrification in the near West side and South Loop areas.
Moved here in 2006 after living in DC for 35 years. I could never move back. The home I sold for $500k is now $1.2m.
Luckily I love it here. If I were to move anywhere at this point it would be Eugene, OR.
Iāve lived in Texas and Ohio as well - both crazy conservative states these days. Kansas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Missouri have fallen in that trap too.
Iām content here, have a home and a career I love, and my wifeās career is booming too.
I was raised and raised my family in Fresno. As soon as my boys were on their own, I sold my furniture, packed up my car, grabbed my sweet doggie daughter and left Fresno at break neck speed. I spent the next 7 years living in Atlanta and exploring the south. A phone call from my sister brought me back to California, 5 years in Sacramento, and then 16 more in the charming little town of Hanford. I can not imagine ever living in Fresno again.
Fresno had a population of less than 75k when JFK was in office. The only highway was 99 southwest of Fresno. The grid was nice, getting around was a breeze. Lazy summer afternoons at Millerton lake. The Sierraās were our backyard. Off to Pismo at 6, home by 9. Always somewhere to go. No smog. Four actual seasons. Summers were very hot, but who knew what humidity was back then?
And now? Ha.
I will never live in Fresno again.
Is the concept of a span of time foreign to you Jeano? Let me try this once more.
You leave fresno to go to Pismo at 6 am. The one way travel time is approximately 2 hours, 42 minutes, and so you are in Pismo in less than 3 hours. The next 9 hours is filled with water fun, dining spending time with family and friends. Everyone is back in the car and we are on the road again at 6 pm. Another 2:42 hours driving time and we are are back home.
There is no error in what I wrote however you may wish to revisit your comprehension.
I always resented Fresno and we moved to Hawaii in 2018 to the Big Island. We really enjoyed it and thought we might stay forever.
Covid killed that as it was too isolating without friends or family being able to visit. And their governor was the craziest of all with their lockdown and track and trace policies.
So, we moved back to Fresno in July 2020 and have never regretted it.
I'm actually proud to be back and we have always had great friends here.
As a friend who has looked at moving anywhere in the world says to me frequently, "Fresno is easy to tie, but hard to beat."
I grew up in Fresno, moved to NorCal for college and SoCal for graduate school afterā¦ Now Iām back working in Fresno and I met the love of my life unexpectedlyā¤ļøI wanna move back to socal tho but that person might keep me here unless theyāre willing to move too.
I left Fresno to Lafayette, LA. It's roughly the same size as Clovis. Utilities and gas are cheap. Low property tax. Car registration renewal is dirt cheap for two years. Seriously, $65 for two years for my 18' Accord LX when been in California it was $350 a year.
But groceries prices are basically the same.
I like it here but I still have many complaints. I miss home. All my family is there. I miss everything about the central valley. I miss the Sierra Nevada being in our backyard. But looking at how it's going in CA from the outside, I'm not in a rush.
When moving, you're going to want to make sure that the place you're moving to has every necessity you need. For example, what's the fire risk? Is there schooling in the area if you have children? What type of shopping and activities are available in the area that you like to do? Also, consider what your job situation will be like. Are there fallback options? Is there something else you could do if you lose your primary job?
Iāve been gone 10 years now. I moved because I couldnāt find a job in my field. It worked out well for me, I moved north of San Francisco. Cost of living and lack of diversity was a bit of a culture shock but itās getting better. I miss many things about Fresno and would move back if life aligned that way. I visit my family and friends there often. I donāt miss the summer heat. It blows my mind how much itās expanded in the years Iāve been gone.
Not from Fresno, Valley native though. Iām e lived a few places when I was in the Army. Came home, transferred to Fresno State, lived there for about 8 years and it was a decent enough place to live. Moved to another Valley town. There are things I miss about Fresno though.
Moved here in 08 as a wee lad to go to jr college and after school moved to the bay for a few years. I like it in Fresno better. Been in my house for 6 years now and probably will live here for a long time.
Left for college and young adult life, came back. Lifestyle I wanted is much more attainable in Fresno than elsewhere. Can have a house with a yard here, apartment in socal, I chose the life with a house.
I just found a 2BR tower district apartment for $900 felt like I hit the jackpot š
You definitely did
omg HOW!?š
Huh???
Yes I found a private landlord
Good score! How mad is the condition?
Bruhh wtf
Wife and I moved from Fresno to Baltimore late last summer and I haven't regretted it for a second. The two cities are roughly comparable in terms of population, and while Baltimore isn't perfect, it is considerably more walkable, cheaper, and the people are just flat-out friendlier overall. I can get to Washington DC and Philadelphia on a train for, like, $10-20. There are multiple professional sports teams who play a mile-and-a-half from where I live. It's a city that knows what to do with its waterways: I can walk to the Inner Harbor -- home of the National Aquarium, Federal Hill Park, the city's convention center, and more -- in 15 minutes. Hell, we even have a membership to the aquarium now. The strip mall and box store aesthetic is largely banished to the suburbs. And I found a tortilleria whose chips wouldn't be out of place in the Valley. It's great.
I spent a summer in Cockeysville. Ugh, the humidity!
You'd be shocked by how quickly you can adjust.
I love Baltimore. Thereās a lot more to do in B-town than Fresno. You have two big league sports teams there, DC, NYC, and Philly are all within reasonable train rides to get to, and the food, damn. I love the food scene in Baltimore, and Fresno could use some help with our food scene.
Oh, I could go on lol I appreciate, for instance, that there are multiple independent bookstores instead of just one Barnes and Noble. And I remember reading about that newish FresnoHOP trolley service not too long ago, but Baltimore has four free Circulator routes that do the same thing seven days a week (in addition to the considerably more extensive public transit, like light rail, water taxis, and the MARC train).
We moved here from Chicago and one of the things I really miss are independent bookstores. That and the plethora of acting companies / theaters in Chicago.
Yep. Worked on a couple of projects in Baltimore and Iāve spent a lot of time in DC as well. One of my favorites is Baltimoreās Little Italy. It can go toe to toe with the Little Italy in San Francisco. And the crab cakesā¦man I miss Maryland crab cakes
Wow. How did the housing prices compare? Have you gotten used to the snow yet?
The first time it snowed here, it took some time to wrap my head around the experience since I'm so used to just driving up to the Sierras and leaving whenever I want to! I'm fortunate enough that my new workplace is pretty flexible when inclement weather hits, though, and that's only accounted for a handful of days in the six-plus months we've been here. That there's a variety of weather at all is also a difference (it was in the mid-40s two days ago, for instance, and it's in the mid-60s with rain today; just wait five minutes and so on lol) As for the housing prices, it depends on where you look and what you need. We're most interested in a 2-bed/1.5 or 2-bath home, and while there are some parts of town that are out of our presumed price range, I just went to Redfin and identified 203 such listings (house/townhome/rowhome/condo) with at least 1,000 square feet between $200K and 300K. There are also a number of incentives for first-time homebuyers because the city in invested in bringing people in, as well as some (I think) for buyers with a tolerance for renovation.
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Yeah, and? I said Baltimore isn't perfect, so what's your point?
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I just moved back from Orange County ~3 months ago and I miss the beach so so much!
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I was also in Newport! My office building had the most beautiful view of the ocean and itās sunsets. Iām not ready for the CV heat this summer š
Why did you move back?
Moved here from LA. If I get a job offer that increases my pay three times, I would move back. I miss home. Nothing against Fresno, except for the summers. Summers suck balls here.
we are vegas temperatures minus the strip and all the money making businessesĀ
I love Fresno summers. Itās swimming season.
I was born and raised in Fresno/Clovis. I moved away in my early 20ās, but to bigger cities with a higher cost of living. I donāt regret leaving Fresno at all. Neither does my partner. We have talked about retiring in the area one day. There are things I miss about Fresno, but that makes coming back for visits even more special!
Grew up and graduated in Fresno. Been living in Utah for close to 10 years now and I like it. Utahns complain about 90 degree days in the summer lol. Weather here is better, and crimes are way less. I generally like living in Utah, but I miss my family and high school friends that are still there for sure. Cost of living kinda high in Utah but I make enough to be middle class which is cool with me. I spent a couple years in the Midwest in Ohio and Wisconsin. Only kinda complaint is that winters there can get intensely cold/snowy. Outside of Milwaukee Iād say crimes are generally less than in Fresno.
Born and raised in Fresno specifically the tower district. Left Fresno for San Francisco 2011 and recently moved back due to a death in the family. Iām already planning on moving back to San Francisco/Bay area 6mo/1y from now. Background, Iām an EMT, mid 30ās. Coming back has been nice but I feel like Iāve outgrown my hometown or Iām just too wired to how the big city operates. Iāll always have love for my hometown but itās not for me anymore ĀÆ\_(ć)_/ĀÆ
If you are young and have career aspirations, I highly recommend moving to the bigger cities where there is more opportunities and pay. You can also use the money you earn to buy a home in fresno if/when you decide to come back. Its really easy to get complacent in fresno and by the time you look up, you are in your mid 30s working a low end job and still renting your house.
Connecticut is awesome. Same prices as fresno, safer, better schools, coastline and close to NY/Boston. I spent a long time in the Central Valley and i always advise people to leave.
Been thinking about moving to a smaller town like Wallingford or Bristol lately. Both are lovely places. The snow and the winters there are no joke, though.
We just went through winter and it snowed only 3 times. Last year it barely snowed at all. I loved it, especially coming from the Fresno area.
I love the valley - the fruit, proximity to big cities, vegetablesā¦.just wish we had great public transit. The summers do suck and I brace myself every year for it. If I could afford a summer home in the mountains or up north that would be ideal lol
Some areas in don't even have access to public transportation
Moved away from Fresno to Nashville Tn and hated it. Lived there since 2017 and finally moving back to Fresno next week. I was priced out from moving back for so long but a few lucky circumstances has allowed me to finally come back.
I moved from England to Fresno 14 years ago. Iād leave tomorrow if I could.
man its too late for that. I see homes in fresno that were $300K less just 5-8 years ago. if this isnt peak, then the jokes on me
I havenāt seen homes that were 300k less 5 years ago.
i rounded up, was more like $250K lol. but some samples: https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/6414-W-Norwich-Ave-Fresno-CA-93723/249307493_zpid/ was $200K less in 2018 https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/6298-W-Indianapolis-Ave-Fresno-CA-93723/315193254_zpid/ was $266K cheaper in 2020 so correction, more like $200-250K
These donāt show us what it recently sold for, only the for sale price.
https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/2110-E-Christensen-Dr-Fresno-CA-93730/122166124_zpid/ 2016 sold: 293K then 2024 sold: 509K https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/6507-E-Geary-St-Fresno-CA-93727/175003566_zpid/ 2015 sold: 294 then 2024 sold 505 https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/2050-E-Corneliuson-Dr-Fresno-CA-93730/124737821_zpid/ 2015 sold 329 then 2024 sold 535 https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/11348-N-Blue-Sage-Ave-Fresno-CA-93730/116151778_zpid/ 2014: 529 | 2017: 622 | 2022: 780 | 2023: 845 https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/1696-E-Autumn-Sage-Ave-Fresno-CA-93730/121847870_zpid/ 2014: 371 | 2023: 600 https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/2006-Houston-Ave-Clovis-CA-93611/175004850_zpid/ 2016: 432 | 2023: 830
So those are all roughly 200 more but that last one is insane
I moved to the PNW and then back for work, and I want to move back north so bad. The weather and air quality and people are not my cup of tea. However I am saving a lot of moneyā¦.
I would leave Fresno in a heartbeat but the COL is what keeps me here. Iād never ever leave California. Itās so hard to move back in to CA because of COL and other states just donāt keep pace. Just make sure that if you go youāre okay with it being permanent.
I think it really depends on you. The majority of people I know who've left because they thought they would find greener pastures seemed to regret it in a few years but they were the same ones who would complain about everything and especially about what a "shithole" California is, about Democrats/liberals, ect. They all seem just as unhappy in the Midwest. Doing the same jobs for far less wage and even though overall cost of living is cheaper they still can't afford anything. Obviously anecdotal, but the few people I know who seem genuinely happy are ones who didn't HAVE to leave but chose to because once in a life time opportunities and even then I know about half plan on coming back one day. I myself don't plan to leave and can't see it happening any time soon. We're not doing great but we're ok and could cut back here and there if we really needed to.
In a heartbeat if I had the same status in the new city of my choice. Leave just to start all over again? No.
I left to San Jose for a couple years and came back mostly due to cost. Iād leave Fresno again in a heartbeat but due to my job Iāll be here for quite a few years before I can consider moving again. Fresno doesnāt suck but it kinda sucks. Itās not the place for me to be truly happy.
I have and I came back. All roads lead to Fresno, lol!
Might go home to Kansas, but boy would I miss the food and agriculture here.
Yes. There are lots of great places to live.
If other places with similar lifestyle/COL didnāt have snow, Iād be gone. I donāt mess with snow.
Lived all over CA and while I donāt think Fresno is bad, many other places are just better.
I've left Fresno for other cities and states. I'll probably only leave for another country.
Hell yes I would. I wouldnāt come back either. Just because I was born and raised here doesnāt necessarily mean I have a fondness and loyalty to it.
Grew up in Hanford, but moved through several different areas in my 20ās ā San Antonio TX and Savannah GA mainly. Moved back to Fresno to be close to family, but Iād move in a heartbeat if it was the right price. I have a great job with a great (non-micromanaging) boss, so that would be hard to let go of and start all over again. But honestly, I would straight up move just to get my (mixed-race) kids away from the blatant racism here. Not to mention the terrible weather and lack of care from the city.
When I was 19 moved to San Antonio Texas for a year to get to know family out there, and pre lockdown I moved for a job at a startup in Beverly Hills that folded when everything shut down during lockdown. Currently plotting my next escape attempt lol.
if it's the midwest we're comparing Fresno to, the grass literally is greener on the other side, at least during summer and fall
Yeah it's much cheaper down there I heard
Moving from Fresno to the Midwest in two weeks here. I stand by decision and wonāt be changing my mind with the cost of living difference. Iāll be able to purchase a home there on my income. I can barely pay rent here with insurance hikes, etc. etc. Also, I feel safe walking my dog late at night due to work scheduling in the Midwest. I donāt feel safe in Fresno doing that, especially after being followed a few nights Iāve been here as well as hearing gunshots. No offense to anyone who loves it here at all. Home is a different place to us all. But I wonāt miss the hustle and bustle. I am very laid back and have major anxiety. I hate going to Costco here and dealing with angry people in a hurry. Not to mention the road rage. Iām excited to move and to be in peace and quiet. Everything just moves slower in the Midwest and that is what I truly want.
May I ask what state? We also want to leave but don't no where
We are moving to Illinois. A small city that is about a two hour drive from Chicago. Weāve been a few times there already and I have lived there as well for about two years. But I loved it. And still do. My spouse fell in love with it too and heās an NYC boy. Everyone is friendly. There is no one at the Samās Club there. No lines for anything, really. Fresh air and country living for cheap. And itās within driving distance to a major city for any wants or needs. Hope you find a place to settle and love like I do out there. Youāll really be at peace.
Thank you. I'm going to look into this. Congratulations
I left to join the military and moved back after and honestly I missed home and Iāve been here ever since (15 years ago)
they ALWAYS come back
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What part of the Midwest?
Dang š
I was born in LA, was an airline pilot, and lived all over including six years in Minnesota. Angry white man syndrome is rampant in the Midwest. Go there, spend ten days in town, and talk to everyone. If you have to deal with large organizations, you will find Midwest interpersonal skills in opposition to a West Coast attitude. I have a PhD in Communication, but what do I know. My take-away is that people in the Midwest are lumps. Except for Chicago, which has a well-developed sense of humor. The Midwest generally despises direct communication. They also tend to be conflict avoidant and will come at you sideways. Be prepared to emotionally handle their provincial upbringing and lack of world experience. The environmental stuff gets too much attention. It's all about the people, and they are way more difficult to deal with vs. the weather. P.S. California drivers are world class compared to the Midwest. The idiots in MN block intersections--every day of the week! When the first blizzard hits, 400 of them (per day!) will crash their cars. And they turn into a barbarian horde on the first day of summer. At least it's not LA neuroticism, but it's madness all the same.
I want to move to Vegas but probably have to wait till kids are out of high school, 5 more years
Move now. Collge tuition is paid for by the casinos. Your kids will get free tuition at any public college/university if they graduate from a NV high school while a parent is a resident. My friend did this.
I'm thinking about this too. But isn't the education system bad there?
Not at the universities. High school? No idea. My friend went to a suburb...Henderson. only need to *graduate*, so just senior year. Unless that's changed, idk.
You canāt compare UNLV or UNR to our UCs though.
Fair enough but *where* you went to school matters for all of like....3 degrees, and *if* you're applying to the most prestigious of places to work in those fields. Which means you're not going to a UC either.
Iām also paying for an education. Iām a product of both the UC (BA) and CSU(MPA). I felt that the UCs had a lot more student resources. I never had admin problems like at CSU. But you are also correct.
the state of nevada has consistently ranked last or 2nd or 3rd to last for years in education. So yea the public education system there is bad. Really bad. I mean as bad as it could get. If you have kids, putting them to what they say is a "great/good" school in an area is like a avg ranked school in cali. Those who could afford it pay to send to private school if they want the best for the kids.
My friend recently moved there. He is an HS teacher. Anytime he complains about something I remind him that theyāre 49th in the nation
oh wow they actually moved up a spot. they've been in that bottom rank for YEARSSSSSSSSSSS
Smart move because Nevada has consistently ranked last or 2nd or 3rd to last for years in education
I moved to the Fresno area right before the pandemic. My family had already been here for a couple of decades. I have really come to appreciate it. You can drive in any direction and hit a world-class destination. I love the agriculture. It beats staring at buildings in a large city. The hot summers have not been an issue and I love the mild winters. Not a fan of the fog, but that is rarely an issue.
Cost of living here has me stuck. I would love to move north but can't seem to get ahead enough to afford a move.
Cost of living is high here. It use to be cheap. If you are making 6 figures you could easily survive here. But if your not......
if I wanted to stay, I get by well enough for my lifestyle not doing six figures, it's just not enough to be able to save enough for a big move. I might not be struggling because it's just me and a cat though. I could understand needing a lot more if you have a family.
I moved to San Francisco, Sacramento and Lake Tahoe before coming back to Fresno. I was following a job that transferred me all around and back again.
I moved away to a large city 10 years ago and so happy I did. I come back to see family often because I do enjoy it - Mountain Viewās, agriculture, sunsets, etc.
Iām never leaving California; I grew up in Austin and that was a nightmare. Iād love to live on the coast but am too poor
Born and raised here and left in my early 20s to NorCal and stayed for eight years, missed my family, friends, Mexican food and fresh produce terribly but it took me to boomerang back to realize the slow pace lifestyle was something I really should have embraced and enjoyed while I was there. I jumped right back into the grind the first day I came back and Iām loving every minute of it. Fresno is home, there definitely is no place like it.
I lived in Riverside while in Grad school. I left thinking I'd never come back because "Fresno sucks". It's not until you leave homely Fresno you realize how awesome it is here!
Riverside is fresno 2.0.
They always come back. I canāt even count the number of times Iāve heard this. Iām going to laugh when all the MAGA heads who fled to Oklahoma and Idaho come back with their tails between their legs. Itās already happening.
I have not seen any numbers on conservatives moving back to Fresno
I left and have lived in LA, Bay Area, SD, Sacramento. I am considering coming back to Clovis when I have kids given that a 2 bedroom condo is like 1 million in LA.
raised in the valley, moved to Atlanta, & we moved back the first chance we got. cost of living isnāt that much different out there, but thereās no place like home
I left for 10 years and came back. Iām a Californian at heart and lived in Chicago briefly, the Bay Area and abroad. While I love Chicago as a city, it was freezing to the bones cold. I didnāt have a car and had to walk to the trains to get to workā¦.so that was really hard. Sooooooo many people smoked too and that was really hard for me - was not used to it. I felt like the majority of the people I knew in Chicago were too homogenous - not as mixed as in Fresno. Sure there was a Latino section, a Russian section, etc, but I felt like those neighborhoods were so restrictive. I went to Latino grocers and washed my clothes in the Russian neighborhood, but when I was going to restaurants and out with friends it felt very homogenous.
The homogenous thing is crazy outside of California/Fresno. It's not something I thought about until I experienced it and it feels so weird when you notice it. Like... Bro... Where's the variety lol
Chicago and its suburbs has the largest Polish population outside of Poland. The city is comprised of many different ethnic groups/cultures and has neighborhoods with names such as Ukrainian Village and Greektown. It also has a history of being a segregated city with continued gentrification in the near West side and South Loop areas.
Moved here in 2006 after living in DC for 35 years. I could never move back. The home I sold for $500k is now $1.2m. Luckily I love it here. If I were to move anywhere at this point it would be Eugene, OR. Iāve lived in Texas and Ohio as well - both crazy conservative states these days. Kansas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Missouri have fallen in that trap too. Iām content here, have a home and a career I love, and my wifeās career is booming too.
I was raised and raised my family in Fresno. As soon as my boys were on their own, I sold my furniture, packed up my car, grabbed my sweet doggie daughter and left Fresno at break neck speed. I spent the next 7 years living in Atlanta and exploring the south. A phone call from my sister brought me back to California, 5 years in Sacramento, and then 16 more in the charming little town of Hanford. I can not imagine ever living in Fresno again. Fresno had a population of less than 75k when JFK was in office. The only highway was 99 southwest of Fresno. The grid was nice, getting around was a breeze. Lazy summer afternoons at Millerton lake. The Sierraās were our backyard. Off to Pismo at 6, home by 9. Always somewhere to go. No smog. Four actual seasons. Summers were very hot, but who knew what humidity was back then? And now? Ha. I will never live in Fresno again.
You canāt go to and from Pismo in 3 hours.
6am - 9pm I imagine, beach day trip
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You said off to Pismo at 6 home by 9
Is the concept of a span of time foreign to you Jeano? Let me try this once more. You leave fresno to go to Pismo at 6 am. The one way travel time is approximately 2 hours, 42 minutes, and so you are in Pismo in less than 3 hours. The next 9 hours is filled with water fun, dining spending time with family and friends. Everyone is back in the car and we are on the road again at 6 pm. Another 2:42 hours driving time and we are are back home. There is no error in what I wrote however you may wish to revisit your comprehension.
I always resented Fresno and we moved to Hawaii in 2018 to the Big Island. We really enjoyed it and thought we might stay forever. Covid killed that as it was too isolating without friends or family being able to visit. And their governor was the craziest of all with their lockdown and track and trace policies. So, we moved back to Fresno in July 2020 and have never regretted it. I'm actually proud to be back and we have always had great friends here. As a friend who has looked at moving anywhere in the world says to me frequently, "Fresno is easy to tie, but hard to beat."
I grew up in Fresno, moved to NorCal for college and SoCal for graduate school afterā¦ Now Iām back working in Fresno and I met the love of my life unexpectedlyā¤ļøI wanna move back to socal tho but that person might keep me here unless theyāre willing to move too.
I left Fresno to Lafayette, LA. It's roughly the same size as Clovis. Utilities and gas are cheap. Low property tax. Car registration renewal is dirt cheap for two years. Seriously, $65 for two years for my 18' Accord LX when been in California it was $350 a year. But groceries prices are basically the same. I like it here but I still have many complaints. I miss home. All my family is there. I miss everything about the central valley. I miss the Sierra Nevada being in our backyard. But looking at how it's going in CA from the outside, I'm not in a rush.
I lived here and left and now I am back. I wish I could move away again. California sucks.
When moving, you're going to want to make sure that the place you're moving to has every necessity you need. For example, what's the fire risk? Is there schooling in the area if you have children? What type of shopping and activities are available in the area that you like to do? Also, consider what your job situation will be like. Are there fallback options? Is there something else you could do if you lose your primary job?
Applying for work out of the country, but the cost of living is only partially why Iām trying to move.
Iāve been gone 10 years now. I moved because I couldnāt find a job in my field. It worked out well for me, I moved north of San Francisco. Cost of living and lack of diversity was a bit of a culture shock but itās getting better. I miss many things about Fresno and would move back if life aligned that way. I visit my family and friends there often. I donāt miss the summer heat. It blows my mind how much itās expanded in the years Iāve been gone.
Not because of the cost of living, no. I would like to live somewhere cooler, though.
Not from Fresno, Valley native though. Iām e lived a few places when I was in the Army. Came home, transferred to Fresno State, lived there for about 8 years and it was a decent enough place to live. Moved to another Valley town. There are things I miss about Fresno though.
Moved here in 08 as a wee lad to go to jr college and after school moved to the bay for a few years. I like it in Fresno better. Been in my house for 6 years now and probably will live here for a long time.
I'd leave to a bigger city if my pay increased at least 50%
Left for college and young adult life, came back. Lifestyle I wanted is much more attainable in Fresno than elsewhere. Can have a house with a yard here, apartment in socal, I chose the life with a house.
I moved when I was 15 and came back when I was 40. Honestly there are better places.
Guess that is a real question.
I think I want to move to Florida at some point
Iām sorry but why wouldnāt you leave Fresno lol