Sierra Sky Park - Fresno, CA

Founded in 1872 by the Central Pacific Railroad Company, Fresno and its surrounding neighborhoods including Sierra Sky Park consisted of dry prairie land. An irrigation system was put into place, which added to the growth of eucalyptus and other trees. By 1903, 48 colonies existed on the land, which created farms. Number one in the nation for agriculture, the area sells more than $3 billion dollars worth of agricultural goods annually. A diverse population resides here due to the farming opportunities attracting people from many backgrounds to the area.

Locals frequent the Fresno Art Museum where exhibits change throughout the year. The museum accommodates group and school visits as well as education for kids and adults, and admission costs $5 for non-members.

Praised for the authentic Mexican cuisine, Casa de Tamales makes everything fresh. Visitors recommend the green tomatillo and savory sweet corn tamales, but customers agree that you cannot go wrong with any option on the menu. Bursting with heavenly flavors, the tamales can be complemented by rice, beans or guacamole. The restaurant even has vegetarian and vegan menu items. Vegans and vegetarians prefer the spinach and artichoke tamales compared to the other options. Top off your meal with one of the desserts such as the carrot cake or triple chocolate cake. The establishment even caters events.

For an inexpensive yet quality ethnic option, locals love Pete's Teriyaki House on West Shaw Avenue. At this Japanese restaurant, the fried chicken special seems to be a customer favorite. It comes with fried, juicy chicken, tempura vegetables and steamed rice. Serving plentiful portions, the restaurant makes one-of-a-kind chicken, beef and pork teriyaki plates as well. Considered a neighborhood gem, Pete's Teriyaki House has tasty food at low prices.

Dai Bai Dang, the neighborhood's central restaurant location, serves Chinese and Asian-infused cuisine. Located on River Park Shopping Center, Dai Bai Dang serves the best pot stickers and kung pao in town. The shrimp pad thai, a big hit with customers, comes with rice noodles, shrimp, mushrooms, serrano chiles and bean sprouts. The restaurant serves alcoholic beverages including beer, wine and signature house cocktails. Surrounded by soothing Asian decor, customers get a quality experience for a reasonable price.

Fresno Area Express (FAX), the public transportation system for Fresno and surrounding areas, including the Sierra Sky Park neighborhood, works to improve the quality of life for people. With implemented green technologies, FAX consists of some alternative forms of transportation that use solar panels and a natural gas fueling station. With many fixed routes, the most common destinations include surrounding schools, government offices and shopping centers. The fare runs $1.25 for adults and $0.60 for seniors. Kids six years and under ride free. Monthly passes can be acquired.

It's fairly easy to hail a cab in either downtown Fresno or at Sierra Sky Park airport. Otherwise, calling a cab company to arrange a pickup would be most effective. If preferred, Uber and Lyft do accommodate the Sierra Sky Park neighborhood. Highly secured and safe, the neighborhood is walkable. The area accommodates bikers in an effort to go green. With over 15 biking trails, the streets are also biker friendly.

Parking structures can be found along North Valeria Street and Van Ness Avenue. Over 200 parking meters stand along East McKinley Avenue and Tulare Street, and meters cost $0.75 per hour and are free on weekends. Major highways, including I-5, I-80 and I-580, are easily accessible.

Woodward Park, one of the area's regional parks, houses 300 beautiful green acres, a bird sanctuary, picnic shelters with seating, a fenced dog area, an authentic Japanese garden and a playground for kids. With five multipurpose trails, this park is ideal for walkers, runners and bikers. The park stays open all year, but check the website for seasonal hours. Admission costs $5 per car or $3 per car if a senior is present. Aesthetically pleasing, the Japanese garden often hosts weddings. Sheltered picnic tables may be reserved for a fee, and reservations are required.

Popular for its basketball courts, Chandler Park on S Crystal accommodates a sporty crowd. In addition, Chandler Park houses barbecue grills, a playground and a picnic area. Every year the city of Fresno builds an ice rink for public use, and people from the Sierra Sky Park neighborhood participate in this seasonal perk. Creating a winter wonderland in California may seem tough, but the city does it perfectly.

The cost of living in the Sierra Sky Park neighborhood runs 9.7 percent greater than the Fresno average and 17 percent greater than the national average. To travel to the city center via public transportation, it costs about $1.25 per individual. The cost of renting a one-bedroom apartment runs around $840 per month.

The average price for a beer at a local pub ranges from $2 to $5 depending on the type of beer. Most local bars and restaurants host excellent happy hours. For example, Swiggs has daily specials, which include draft beers for as low as $1. Gas prices run 8.6 percent higher than the national average.

Sierra Vista Mall on Shaw Avenue houses over 50 stores including Kohl's and Target. Stop for a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants including Red Robin and Baja Fresh. Finish off your day at the mall's movie theater. The establishment even has an outdoor concert area for live entertainment.

A neighborhood gem, Little Black Dress Boutique is the most popular shop for prom, bridesmaid and formal gowns. With a casual atmosphere, the boutique's owner makes having a fun experience a priority. Open every day except Tuesdays, the boutique sells fashionable dresses at reasonable prices.

For basic grocery needs, locals go to The Market on N. West Avenue. From fresh meats and produce to home essentials, locals can find what they need here. For an ethnic shopping experience, locals like Asia Supermarket, a grocer that carries authentic Asian foods and spices. The local farmers market takes place on West Shaw Avenue every Wednesday from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and every Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.