Hoover - Fresno, CA

Founded by the Central Pacific Railroad Company in 1872, Fresno soon expanded into a sprawling city full of neighborhoods. The railroad brought with it an array of people from all over the world, most seeking to farm the fertile valley. Today, Fresno residents proudly celebrate diverse heritages and the communities started here by those early immigrants. Many locals are descendants of the Chinese, Scandinavian, Russian, German, Armenian and many other groups from all over the world who came to Fresno to create a better life for themselves and their families.

The Fresno Art Museum stands as a proud monument to Fresno’s devotion to fostering the arts. With an impressive variety of permanent collections and traveling exhibits, the museum is a must-see destination. Fresno is home to a number of museums and theaters as well as other cultural and historical points of interest. Most can be found in the downtown area.

Hoover has its share of eating options, from the familiar to the far out. Little Leaf Tea on Palm Avenue serves over 150 varieties of tea, available hot or cold. Soothe your body and mind with the stress-free blend, or savor a sweet pick-me-up in a cup of jasmine mango green tea. You can also order tasty food and desserts. Hit the bar side of the place for cool tea-infused cocktails. The owner and employees tend to be quite knowledgeable about what they do, so don’t be afraid to ask questions about anything from the history to the medicinal properties of a certain tea or blend.

SabaiDee Thai Lao Cuisine sits inside Hoover Plaza Shopping Center and serves up incredible Thai and Laotian food. Dig in to an order of their signature pad thai and try some of the savory homemade Laotian sausage dishes. Finish it off with one of their killer desserts — such as sweet coconut ice cream served atop fried banana slices.

For an ice-cold brew and just-right pub fare, try the Red Wave Inn. Affectionately referred to as The Wave by locals, this bar and grill has long been a popular nightspot for Fresno State students — and anyone else who wants to pull up a chair and watch the game. The food comes out consistently well-executed, and it serves everything from layered nachos to thick burgers. An extensive beer menu also marks this North Fresno nightspot.

Head deeper into downtown if you want to find a greater density of bars and clubs.

Metro buses run throughout the Fresno area and take you in and out of the city center at regular intervals throughout the day. Always check current schedules to see when buses stop running or if any changes have been made due to holidays or events.

Several cab companies operate out of Fresno and can be contacted for a ride. However, you generally can't hail a cab from the sidewalk. You can also use Uber to find local drivers.

Hoover is noted as one of Fresno’s most walkable areas, and you can reach some nice shops and dining options on foot. Most residents still choose to use their cars to take them anywhere outside the immediate neighborhood. North Fresno also offers some great biking opportunities in the form of scenic trails. The flat terrain makes Hoover ideal for a low-intensity ride to your destination, but a lack of consistent bike lanes keeps it from being rated as a highly bike-friendly area.

You can typically find free or cheap street parking in Hoover, and it’s usually ample at most shopping and dining establishments. In downtown Fresno, parking might cost you a bit more — especially during a big event — but is usually reasonable compared to many other California cities.

Hoover’s parks make wonderful places to relax under a tree or play with the family. They — and other parks in surrounding Fresno neighborhoods — are free for anyone to use, and friendly pets are welcome.

Kieth/Tice Memorial Park features 5 acres of space, with a play area for the kids and a fitness course if you’re looking for a fun physical challenge. Memorial Park also has picnic tables, barbecues, free parking and clean restrooms. Woodward Park is another great place to rest and unwind — or burn off some energy with a ball game or a run. Woodward’s on-site bird sanctuary houses several avian species, and you can also catch a live performance at the multi-use amphitheater.

The cost of living in Hoover is slightly less than the Fresno average, with the average cost for a one-bedroom apartment in Hoover at about $683 per month.

Gas prices in Hoover tend to be about the same as in central Fresno, trending about 7 percent above the national average. If you’re thirsty, you can get a decent beer at a local bar for around $5. Single rides on Fresno buses cost less than $2 and get you into the city center within minutes.

Many Hoover stores are located along E Shaw Avenue, including Fashion Fair Mall. Go to the mall for a wide variety of retail shops, from Aeropostale to Zumiez. North Fresno also has its fair share of department stores such as Wal-Mart, Target and Costco. For groceries, Fresno has many options. Familiar standbys such as Von's, Food4Less and WinCo can be reached within minutes of any Hoover location. Specialty markets, such as international grocers and natural food stores, are also in abundant supply here.

One of the last independent and locally owned grocers in the Fresno area, The Market carries name brands as well as specialty items such as organics and local goods. There's a full-service fish market on site, an in-store florist and a huge selection of wine. Visit this market for the great products, and return for the friendly neighborhood vibe.

Anyone in need of a new hairdo should head straight for Andaaz Salon & Boutique right next door to Hoover in Clovis. The stylists can transform tired hair into any style you want. Plus, you can pick up high-end hair care products to help maintain your style at home. The salon also sells women's dresses, shoes and handbags. To get your hands on local produce and handmade goods, try Vineyard Farmers Market on West and Shaw avenues. Fresh flowers, fruits, veggies and more await every Wednesday and Saturday. It's an excellent opportunity to spend some time getting to know the people who live and work in Fresno and to take advantage of the perpetual growing season.