Bullard - Fresno, CA

Despite its initial foundation amidst barren landscape in 1872, the fast-growing city of Fresno has attracted a intricate mosaic of people and cultures throughout the years. To learn more about the city's diverse past, visit one of the ethnically specific museums situated just outside Bullard's neighborhood borders on the other side of Highway 41.

Check out the rotating exhibits at the Armenian Heritage Museum, including nationally famous Armenian art exhibitions and regular orchestral concerts. Nearby, the first ever Hmong Cultural Heritage Center presents a wide array of cultural arts and free activities celebrating the Hmong-American experience.

The Fresno Arts Council expertly drives the city's arts scene with popular Art Hop events. On the first Thursday of the month, crowds flock to venues throughout downtown Fresno to meet with local artists and enjoy their work. Bullard and the rest of the metro host Art Hop on the third Thursday of every month.

Satisfy a wide range of cravings at the restaurants scattered evenly throughout Bullard. Warm up with the traditional meat pies at the Berrock Shop. Pair the chicken pot pie with the potato or broccoli salad. Expect to order and pay at the counter at this German-style deli.

Savor delightful flavors and huge portions at Diana's Classic Armenian Cuisine. Try the lulu kebab or the tender kubideh with grilled tomatoes and basmati rice. Top off your meal with authentic Persian ice cream.

Fill up with a generous portion of expertly crisped tempura vegetable and fried chicken when you order the crispy chicken special at Pete's Teriyaki House. On an adventurous night, branch out and try the tasty fried squid plate.

At night, shoot some pool, have a drink, and sing karaoke at the Brig, a cheerful bar in south Bullard. Or, for a quieter evening out, catch a movie and get low-priced, unlimited popcorn at the United Artists Broadway Faire 10.

Board the Fresno Area Express to travel around Bullard and the rest of the metro. With 16 fixed bus routes and a fleet of over 100 buses, FAX provides clean, efficient public transport to the area at an affordable price. Hop on Route 26 to take a 20-minute ride to the center of downtown via Palm Avenue.

In addition to traditional taxi services, Uber also services the city of Fresno. Register with Uber to order and pay for taxis from your smartphone, and avoid the uncertainty of waiting to hail a cab.

Strap on your helmet and pump up your bicycle tires, as many of Bullard's main roads have designated biking lanes, including Bullard Avenue, Barstow Avenue and North West Avenue. Although some errands require a car, residents of Bullard also enjoy several relatively walkable areas, such as the intersection of North Palm Avenue and West Bullard Avenue.

Located between Highway 99 and Highway 41, Bullard also benefits from its proximity to major roadways. Pay 75 cents an hour to park your car in one of 2,000 metered spaces in the downtown Fresno area.

Although many of Fresno's larger regional parks charge a vehicle entrance fee, Bullard harbors one of the city's best and largest free parks.

Take the whole family along for a refreshing day at Oso de Oro Lake Park. Let the kids wear themselves out playing in the stream that runs through the play area, or wander the maze of walking trails laced through the park. Enjoy the outdoor local sculptures that line the paths. Toss a little bread to the ducks in the pond, shoot some basketball with a few buddies, or just bring a family picnic and a Frisbee to throw in the well-maintained grassy area.

Nearby, swing your tennis racket and check out the skate bowl at Lions Park. Let your dog run free and perhaps even swim in the pond at the well-kept Basin Dog Park. A few miles away, check out a regular outdoor concert series and unique shows in the amphitheater at Fresno's acclaimed Woodward Park.

Pay a little extra to enjoy a pretty home, good schools and lots of local amenities in Bullard. The neighborhood's cost of living measures 27 percent higher than Fresno's average cost of living. Expect to pay an average of $754 to rent a one-bedroom residence in Bullard.

Buy a bus ticket to city center for $1.50, and pay about $4 for a beer at a local pub. Neighborhood gas prices run 9 percent higher than the national average.

Support the thriving local economy when you explore the independent stores clustered near the intersection of North Palm Avenue and West Bullard Avenue. Find stimulating and engaging books for the young people in your life at Petunia's Place. Browse the accessible selection of literature, and allow the friendly, knowledgeable staff to give helpful recommendations. Pick up a new racket, or get advice on your tennis elbow at The Stringer, a well-priced sports store with a primary emphasis on all things tennis-related. Nearby, paint some color into your life with a lovely custom flower arrangement from Rainbow Flowers. Those interested in vaping should check out the flavors and all-new accessories in the cheerfully local and extremely popular Elite Vapor Shop. Try the upscale juices for free before you buy them, and get expert answers to all your questions from Gianni and his staff.

Save Mart Supermarkets and Gourmet Shopping Network service the neighborhood, along with several ethnic grocery stores like the Armenian Hye Market. Throughout the year, the Vineyard Farmers Market also takes place in Bullard on Wednesday's and Saturdays. This popular market draws visitors from all over Fresno and the surrounding areas.