1. You’ve Never Had Really Good Prunes Or Raisins Till You’ve Had ‘Em Here
It’s the Raisin Capital Of The World, and it’s certainly earned that honor. Sun-Maid Raisin got it’s start here, and Fresno proves that prunes are NOT just an old person food. With all the sun, dried fruit is kind of a no-brainer.
2. The Fresno State Bulldogs Are More Important Than Having Intact Eardrums
This isn’t just a college sports team, it’s a way of life. There have been times when stores shut down for big Bulldogs vs. Spartans matches, or when Boise State was in town, all to watch a simple football game. Nowadays, the city still bleeds red and blue, and the tailgating is stellar as always, if not very loud.
3. The Rest Of The Bay Pays What In Rent?
Oh, what’s that San Francisco? Your median rent prices just hit $3,000? We’re sorry, we couldn’t hear you over how awesome our $1,000 three bedroom townhouse is.
4. 70 Degrees Is Cold
It does sometimes get pretty darn cold in the winters here, but to be honest, once it hits 70, everything below that is kind of a blur. A cold, thick jacket and fuzzy boots kind of blur. You’re just so used to that warm (or sweltering and dry) weather that anything else is frigid by comparison.
5. The Mexican Food Is Excelente, With Or Without Salsa
Homemade tortillas at Zamora Carnitas Mexican Restaurant, gigantic chimichangas at Castillo’s Mexican Food, and of course the shrimp everything at Don Pepe’s Taqueria. And sure, you can probably put extra salsa on all of that if you really want to.
6. Out-Of-Towners Have No Idea How Fog Works
So, it’s foggy...again, and you’re driving behind someone who seems to think that monsters are about to leap out of your cloudy surroundings and devour them. Suddenly you notice their Nevada licence plate. It all makes sense now! Locals here know how to drive in the fog, no sweat. But out of towners? You’d think they were driving under water.
7. People Hate On Fresno...A Lot
This city just can’t seem to catch a break. It’s been the brunt of jokes by famous comedians, is slandered by just about every other city in the state, and locals are judged pretty harshly for living there. Along with Stockton, San Bernardino, and Bakersfield, Fresno is kind of California’s verbal punching bag.
8. And Sure, Things Can Get A Little...Sleepy
We’re not going to say Fresno is boring or anything...okay, so it’s a little boring sometimes. The fact is, the nightlife isn’t exactly booming around here, but that just means you have to know where to look to find good times on a weekday. They’re there, trust me. Try the Spokeasy Public House or The Red Lantern.
9. But While The Nightlife Might Not Be Great, The Arts Scene Is Fantastic
Now, I know you’re probably doubting this one, but hear us out. This place has something for every type of culture-lover. The Fresno Grand Opera and Fresno Philharmonic bring a little sophistication to this place, even if many locals forget they exist. And for yearly events, you can check out the Rogue Festival or the Woodward Shakespeare Festival.
10. And The Only Meat You Really Need Is Tri-Tip
Some locals might be surprised to hear that tri-tip isn’t exactly an everywhere kind of food. In fact, it mostly just shows up in California, and some of the best can be had in Fresno. And be sure to let visitors know what kind of meat they’re eating, because some won’t know if it’s cow, pork, or something else.
11. The Farmers Here Stick To Their Roots
You may think of California as being completely into technology and engineering. Not so with Fresno. There are still plenty of farms around, considering this place was pretty much founded on agriculture, including Simonian Farms which is great for people of all ages. And let’s not even get started on the farmers markets here, holy cow!
12. Hmong Culture Is Fascinating And Worth Learning About
The Hmong are an Asian ethnic group originating in the mountains of China, Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand. And Fresno has the highest number of them, almost five percent of the population, out of anywhere in the California. Here, they have their own radio stations, music festival, and even a Hmong New Year’s festival that’ll knock your socks off. Seriously, take the time to learn about their history and culture, it’s incredible.
13. You’re Never Really Too Old For Rotary Storyland & Playland
Okay, yes, it’s definitely targeted to the youngsters, but you know your inner child still loves that place no matter how old you get. Even if it’s just for nostalgia purposes.
14. If You Don’t Go To The Fair Every Year, You’ll Feel Incomplete
The Big Fresno Fair cannot be missed. Period. If you’re in the area, you just have to stop by once or twice, or stay for days, and enjoy the festivities. All your friends are going to be there anyway, so why not? If nothing else, the classic cinnamon rolls are reason enough to go.
15. “That Light Was Totally Orange, Officer!” Is Basically The City Motto
Fresno locals tend to use traffic signals as...well, guidelines more than actual laws. Red lights in particular. Just be careful when buzzing through that intersection, there are cops around you know!
16. 99 Seems Pretty Endless Sometimes
Starting from 99 (California Route 99), you can get to Los Angeles, Sacramento, just about anywhere if you start out there. The problem is 99 itself is pretty boring, and it seems to stretch on forever. If you can avoid using it to get places, you will.
17. Nothing Around Here Is Permanent
Everything changes, that’s a given, but things seem to change so fast around here that it’ll make your head spin. Parking lots where fields used to be, new shops replacing old ones, and so many new face all the time. On the bright side, that means there’s always something new to discover in town, right?
18. You’ll Have To Resist The Urge To Eat BBQ For Every Meal
When you’re not eating Mexican food, there are a few places here that’ll call your name whenever you pass. You’ll see Dog House Grill’s barbeque sauce-slathered sandwiches in your dreams, and even the slight scent of seasoned meat will remind you of Mike’s Grill.
19. Fresno’s Always Teaching The World Some New Moves
In the 70’s “Boogaloo” Sam Solomon created a new style of dance, known today as “popping” as well as several other methods of being awesome on the dance floor. Today, though not everyone knows the name, his legacy flows through the city, and locals definitely still have the moves to prove it.
20. Being So Close To Yosemite Is Insanely Tantalizing
It really doesn’t matter if you normally like to hike or camp, because Yosemite can easily convince you that nature is a thing of wonder to immerse yourself in. Once you’ve gone, you look forward to going back. So, when you realize that Fresno is less than two hours from that magical place, it’s hard to get Half Dome and Bridalveil Falls out of your head.
21. “City Lights” Have A Whole New Meaning Here
Okay, so it gets traffic-jammed and crowded every year. But Christmas Tree Lane is simply not to be missed. Each December, a ton of Van Ness Blvd. houses deck themselves out in splendor, and cars filled with families drive past to see the displays. There’s a certain level of old-timey community feeling there, only made stronger by the Christmas spirit.
22. Making Fun Of Your Hometown Doesn’t Mean You Hate It
We mentioned that people tend to hate on this city, often for no reason. Locals do it too. “There’s nothing to do,” “the pollution is awful,” “these streets are confusing,” are probably things you’ve said at some point. But in all honestly, Fresno locals love their home. And they’ll be quick to defend Fresno if provoked, so take the whining with a grain of salt.
What’s something you learned living in Fresno? Tell us in the comments below!
