Located in the beautiful San Joaquin Valley, Visalia, California is a city full of walkable streets and friendly neighborhoods, abundant natural beauty, and rich history. It has a small-town feel but is close enough to allow residents to enjoy access to the amenities of larger cities like nearby Fresno, as well. It is a city full of opportunity, and with no shortage of friendly people, including a smaller, but welcoming LGBTQ community. If you’re thinking of finding your next home in Visalia, chances are, you’ll find plenty about it to love!
A Look at Visalia's History
When it was founded in the 1800s, Visalia was a simple creekside settlement. Due to its rich soil and ideal location, however, it quickly grew into a thriving community and top agricultural producer in the area. The San Joaquin Valley, of which Visalia is part, is largely dedicated to agriculture. In fact, it supplies the majority of fresh produce consumed around the country each year. In recent years, however, the city has also diversified its economy to include many other types of industries and businesses. It grew quickly and built steadily upon its rich history. Today it remains a diverse and thriving city with plenty of opportunities and much to see and do for all who call it home.
A Few Fun Facts About Visalia
Read more fun facts about Visalia here.
Visalia’s LGBTQ Community
Visalia is a city with a thriving and diverse LGBTQ community that is supported by various resources, including:
PFLAG Tulare-Kings Counties is the city’s local chapter of the national PFLAG organization. PFLAG is the largest grassroots organization of its kind in the country and has 500 chapters with more than 200,000 members in the United States. PFLAG plays a critical role in providing advocacy, support, and resources to the LGBTQ community, and offers monthly support meetings, as well as resources, advocacy, and networking opportunities for the LGBTQ community, friends, and allies.
What's the Weather Like in Visalia?
Those who live in Visalia can expect plenty of sunshine, around 11 inches of rain on average per year, and no snow. Summers can be quite warm, with the high in July reaching an average of around 95°, while winters are generally mild, with the lows averaging around 37° in January. Spring and fall are very pleasant and mild, allowing residents plenty of opportunities to enjoy the beautiful outdoors.
Can’t-Miss Events in Visalia
Fresno Rainbow Pride is less than an hour's drive from Visalia, and it is one celebration that is well worth the trip. This event has been Fresno's biggest annual pride celebration for three decades, and it's one event each year that you'll want to be sure to put on your calendar. The event typically includes a variety of parties, parades, networking opportunities, and other events to celebrate, strengthen, and advocate for the LGBTQ community and all that it adds to the city of Fresno as a whole. You won't want to miss it!
The San Joaquin Valley has some of the richest, most fertile soil in the world, and that is evident by the bounty of amazing fruits and veggies to choose from each week at the Visalia Farmers' Market. Located on West Caldwell Avenue in Visalia, it’s a great way to support local farmers and to purchase many other excellent items for sale too, like prepared food items, health and body products, jewelry, and arts and crafts.
The Best Neighborhoods in Visalia
If you're considering moving to Visalia, you will find that the entire city is very welcoming. Unlike some cities that tend to have one specific “gayborhood,” the LGBTQ community in Visalia is sprinkled throughout the city, so there are many neighborhoods that would make wonderful places to call home. This is why it’s always advised to contact a Visalia gay realtor who knows and loves the community, and who can help you find the perfect home in the ideal neighborhood. The current median list price of homes for sale in Visalia is around $405,000.
Arts and Entertainment
Downtown Visalia’s beautiful Fox Theater has been an iconic building in the city since it was built in the 1930s. Throughout the year, the theater features performances including dramas, concerts, stand-up comedy, orchestra performances, and more.
Parks and Recreation
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park
Located to the northeast of Visalia is Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park. This stunning national gem is full of groves of Giant Sequoia trees including the most massive on earth, the "General Sherman." Some of the trees have circumferences of more than 50 feet. Visitors to the park can enjoy these natural wonders, as well as many walking paths, picnic areas, guided hikes, and other amenities.
Mooney Grove Park is a beautiful urban green space in the heart of the city. It features walking paths, relaxing picnic areas, a disc golf course, historic buildings, and even a beautiful lagoon that guests can enjoy by paddle boat.
Visalia Nightlife
The Red Lantern is well-known as being the oldest gay bar in Fresno. Although a bit of a drive away, it’s worth the trip to experience one of the area’s most iconic bars. Since 1976, it has been a popular and welcoming spot for all to grab a drink with old friends – and meet a few new ones.
For those who are looking for a relaxing place to enjoy great craft-brewed beers, gourmet food trucks, and a spacious patio, Visalia’s Barrelhouse Brewing is a must-stop spot.
Contact a Visalia Gay Realtor Today
If you're ready to make a move to Visalia, at www.gayrealestate.com, we're here to help you take the first step toward finding an agent who knows and loves the community, and who can help you find a home and a neighborhood you'll love. We're proud to have a network of excellent realtors in Visalia, and we would love to help connect you with the right one. Contact a Visalia gay realtor today for a free, no-obligation consultation!
