The Cultural Arts District - Fresno, CA

This inspiring area has a rich history of Native American settlers as well as early Americans yearning for prosperity from the California Gold Rush. The Central Pacific Railroad Company developed Fresno County, naming it for the Ash trees that line the scenic San Joaquin River.

Working against desert-like conditions, settles developed tracts of land early on with irrigation canals. They planted beautiful drought-resistant trees such as eucalyptus and palms, which continue to line the canals.

The Fresno Area Hispanic Foundation, Arte Americas, Warnors Theatre, and the African American Museum all serve as major cultural staples within walking distance.

When in the mood for haute cuisine, stop by Peeve's Public House for New American eats. With fresh ingredients from local farmers markets, expect the menu to change a little every day. A year-round staple, its locally-sourced deviled eggs topped with sweetened jalapeños or the Rancher's Beef braised in wine make for excellent selections. Peeve's Public House makes itself the perfect stop for those who want their menu to tell them where their food was farmed and how it was grown.

You can enjoy the area's art and culture by taking a walking tour of the dozens of public sculptures throughout the district. However, before beginning, stop by Tako BBQ to grab a bite. The fusion food truck serves unique dishes that combine Korean, Mexican, and American street food. Make sure to sample its special kimchi quesadilla and gogi burger.

With dozens of bars within walking distance, the district provides an active nightlife. Enjoy live jazz music and sing karaoke at Tokyo Garden, or sample a night of dancing at Club Brazil. If boisterous evenings suit your style, stop by Warnors Theatre for a comedy jam, concert, or indie film screening.

Situated in the center of Sequoia Kings Canyon Highway, Yosemite Highway, and the Golden State Highway, the Cultural Arts District makes travel easy for drivers. The gorgeous drive introduces you to Central California's arid environment with its views of citrus groves and acres of olive trees.

Once in the neighborhood, easily get around on foot thanks to wide sidewalks that line each street. To reach other parts of Fresno, ride the Fresno Area Express bus that serves 16 area routes. With the district so close to downtown Fresno, it is easy to hail a cab, which may work out less expensive than parking your car for the day.

Feel completely safe while enjoying the warm weather on your bicycle. Major roads feature two-way bicycle lanes, while the neighborhood's wide roads allow cyclists and drivers to share them comfortably.

Locals take advantage of easy travel to other parts of California by walking a few blocks to Fresno's Amtrak station. The rail service connects to Los Angeles, San Francisco and other large cities.

While beautiful palms line the streets, only a limited number of parks lie within the Cultural Arts District. Van Ness Avenue houses a small park perfect for picnics. Patrons visit this area to bring their fury friends or to enjoy sunbathing in the grass.

Just a short drive away, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park provides visitors with breathtaking views of the Sierra Mountains and the magnificent giants of the forest. With a $20 weekly vehicle pass, residents can escape the pressures of the city to enjoy the sound of woodpeckers or even a glimpse of California's famous black bears.

The Cultural Arts District participates in many of Fresno's annual events, which include the Christmas Parade and the Cinco de Mayo festival.

While the cost of living runs slightly higher than the national average, the Cultural Arts District accommodates Californian's budgets by running 20 percent less than the state's average. Residents expect to pay about $1,000 a month for a one-bedroom apartment in the Cultural Arts District.

Bus fare costs an extremely reasonable $1.25 per ride to the city center. Expect to pay about $4 for a beer at a local pub. Local drivers find that gas prices run higher than the national average by about 2.5 percent.

Whether searching for antique furniture or a fashionable new painting, the Cultural Arts District fulfills all of your shopping desires.

Located within walking distance to the neighborhood, the Fulton Mall provides residents with an assortment of unique shops. If you want to look like a local, go no further than El Rodeo, El Bronco, or 3 Hermanos, all of which sell cowboy boots and southwestern-style attire.

Residents find the freshest fruits and vegetables at any of the dozens of corner produce stands that dot the neighborhood. When in need of kitchen staples, go outside of the neighborhood and stop by WinCo Foods for great prices on bulk items and dry goods. Whole Foods Market and Trader Joe's make for common local options, providing residents with specialty items such as organic foods and vegan options.