McLane - Fresno, CA

Fresno, which means “ash tree” in Spanish, has been ethnically diverse since its founding in 1872 by the Central Pacific Railroad Company. Some of the city's earliest residents include Chinese railroad workers and German, Scandinavian, Russian and Japanese farmers. In the early 20th century, the Latino population grew with local agricultural production. Annual sales in the industry today exceed $3 billion. The Fresno Art Museum actively works to inspire and educate diverse regional audiences through its permanent collection, rotating exhibits and public programs for both adults and children.

Celebrating the splendor of Victorian architecture, the Meux Home Museum captures the essence of that era through its lovingly restored, middle-class house with costumed docents.

The annual Fresno Film Festival at the historic Tower Theatre strives to cultivate a deeper understanding of cinema and the world by showcasing global, independent and experimental film, as well as filmmaker appearances and Q&As.

Downtown and in the Tower District, Fresno’s dining and nightlife options range from greasy spoon to gourmet. The city’s diverse population brings diverse appetites, from Armenian to Mesquite. Enjoy a piping hot tamale, a flavorful lamb kebab and a Thai iced tea at three different locations in one evening for a truly American experience.

The Lime Lite Restaurant and Lounge serves farm-fresh, new American cuisine with top-notch service and a classic, old school ambiance. Locals love the slow-roasted prime rib served with a baked potato, seasonal vegetables and house au jus, as well as the honey-dipped fried chicken and truffle mash potatoes. Unwind at the restaurant’s Wine Not Wednesday with a glass or two at 20 percent off.

For something a little more exotic, head to Churrasco Grill on Gateway Boulevard, southwest of the airport, for the best Mediterranean food in town. The restaurant’s flavorful and inexpensive gyros, sandwiches and kebabs have been pleasing locals for two generations with generous portions, a casual atmosphere and friendly service. For a quick and tasty meal, try a kebab bowl with chicken, steak, pork or gyros and veggies over rice pilaf, or one of the specialty salads, such as the fattoush—a bread salad made with toasted pita, mixed greens, cucumber, tomato and mint.

Pad Thai Restaurant on Shaw Avenue in nearby Clovis serves delectable Southeast Asian dishes with fast and friendly service in a clean, contemporary environment. Start your meal off with fresh spring rolls—rice noodles, shrimp, carrot, cucumber and cilantro wrapped in rice paper and served with peanut sauce. Then, savor a plate of pad kee mao with chili, garlic, bell pepper and mushrooms. Save room for dessert—a plate of sweet sticky rice and fresh mango.

For the perfect low-key night of beers and board games away from the local college crowd, try the Spokeasy Public House. The bar’s friendly and knowledgeable bartenders eagerly make recommendations without losing any of their mellow charm. Grab a craft beer on tap, enjoy the bike-themed décor and zone out from a long week at work with an old school arcade game. Nothing gobbles away your worries like Pac-Man.

Red Wave Inn combines some of the best things in life all under one roof: Mexican bar food, karaoke night, big beers and pool tables. Locals looking for a relaxed night out love the Red Wave Inn’s micheladas (Mexican beer with lime juice and sauces), cheap tacos covered in shredded cheese and shareable nacho plates to fight over with friends. Bring out your inner Beyonce or Bon Jovi on karaoke night, which takes place on Wednesdays. Sing your heart out, or just watch strangers embarrass themselves.

Fresno’s epicenter for culture and entertainment, the Tower Theatre for the Performing Arts features live music, musical theater, film screenings and comedy nights in a stunning, art deco building with sculptured aluminum fittings and backlit, etched glass panels. Past acts include Roy Orbison and Ladysmith Black Mambazo. After the show, grab a drink at Vene Vidi Vici for wine or the Sequoia Brewing Company for beer.

The Fresno Area Express provides public transit through buses serving the greater Fresno metropolitan area.

With plenty of access to wide, flat roads, McLane residents can choose to bike or walk, but they most often drive to work and run errands.

Residents who don’t want to drive can get around using one of the area’s several cab companies or Uber.

With miles of farmland and suburban streets, McLane residents have plenty of street parking available. Drivers enjoy McLane’s proximity to the 41, 168 and 180 Freeways and Highway 99.

With so many large open spaces and almost 300 days of sun, McLane residents play or relax outdoors in one of Fresno’s many well-maintained public parks.

Adjacent to the San Joaquin River, Woodward Park’s 300 acres include an outdoor amphitheater, a fenced dog park, children’s playgrounds, a Japanese garden, picnic areas, ponds and 5 miles of trails for running or just taking a stroll. Entry costs $5 per vehicle.

Trolley Creek Park charmingly features replicas of the Meux Home Museum, a 1920s trolley car and the Fresno Water Tower in a 3-acre, kid-friendly environment with two playgrounds.

Fido needs fun, too, so let him burn off some energy at the Dr. James W. Thornton Dog Park with a dog-only swimming pool, small and large dog areas and an agility course for your competitive pooch. Entry costs $5 per day.

With a median one-bedroom rental rate of $599, the cost of living in McLane runs 4.5 percent lower than the Fresno average. A bus ride downtown costs $1.25. A typical price for beer at a local pub runs around $4 to $5. Locals pay 9 percent above than the national average cost for gas.

With ample access to chain stores at Fashion Fair Mall, locals love shopping for deals at thrift and vintage stores throughout the city.

Repeat Performance on Van Ness Avenue features next-to-new contemporary clothing for women, men and children, as well as accessories, home décor, furniture and electronics in an old pharmacy building. Score tremendous deals on designer items such as Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Prada handbags at this roomy, organized store with helpful, enthusiastic staff.

For the kid in you, Heroes Comics and Cards provides everything a collector or enthusiast could want or need, from protective sleeves to prized back issues, autographs and cards. Locals rave about the outstanding and knowledgeable customer service and amazing selection of books at this local gem.

Chain supermarkets abound in Fresno, but locals also rely on small, ethnic grocery stores for fantastic deals on meats and produce. With fresh, handmade tortillas and some of the best tacos in town, El Mercado Super on Belmont Avenue provides inexpensive produce, excellent carne asada and Mexican staples in a welcoming environment. Asia Supermarket on Tulare Avenue serves incredible Laotian dishes, such as papaya salad and pork larb. Get your 100-pound bag of jasmine rice here.

Farmers markets abound with organic fruits and vegetables and locally made foods. The Vineyard Farmer’s Market on Tuesdays and Saturdays carries some of the finest quality, seasonal produce in town, along with fresh eggs, dried fruit, jams and jellies. Spread the Burroughs Family Farm almond butter on top of a slice of your favorite, fresh-baked bread, and say goodbye to peanut forever.