Reedley, CA Real Estate

Just twenty-five miles southeast of Fresno, lies a city, nestled among the grapevines and agricultural crops of the fertile San Joaquin Valley. Known as the Fruit Basket of the World, the area’s agricultural strengths are many. The area leads the nation in terms of the amount of fresh fruit it ships each year; the city is home to over thirty packing sheds and cold storage units. Among them is the world’s largest— Ito Packing Plant. For fifty years, the plant has grown, packed and shipped some of the Valley’s best fruit: cherries, stone fruit, grapes, pomegranates and blueberries. The company has trademarked a number of unique varieties of fruit like the “UFO” peach and the “Honeydew” and “Mango” varieties of nectarines.

The city was named for its founder, Thomas Reed, who was responsible for making the city a center for the Valley’s growing wheat production. Following the initial growth, the city attracted a number of different groups of European and non-European immigrants in the early 1900s. As a result, the city maintains a unique cultural heritage, steeped with the tradition of many different groups. German, Japanese, Filipino, Finnish, Lebanese and Latin-American groups are actively involved in the city leadership, lending the small town a modern, cultural flair unlike other cities.

Given its close proximity to the river, the opportunity for activities abound. Locals enjoy fishing, swimming and boating on the river. Trails, Pine Flat Lake, golf courses, bowling alleys and movie theatres are all within a few minute’s drive. Locals flock to the city’s beautiful Hillcrest Farm at Christmas time to enjoy train rides, drink hot chocolate and a warm fire while they peruse Christmas trees in hopes of finding the perfect one to cut down. Listed on the register of historic places, Reedley’s Opera House’s beautiful brick presence is a testament to Reedley style.

The city’s downtown association has assured the downtown buildings and shops are maintained. Smart planning is evident in the design and quality of the core of the city’s streets. A prevalence of brick and aesthetically designed signage ensure the city retains its historical “look.”

Kings Canyon Unified School District oversees the 6,000 students in the area. Private and public school options are numerous; within the city lie twelve schools: two high schools, seven elementary and three junior high schools. Reedley College, part of the California Community College system, has maintained a presence in the city for the last seventy years. The college offers an expansive library, on-campus housing and strong academic and athletic programs.