Throughout the San Joaquin Valley, residents are quickly realizing an unanticipated benefit of buying their first home at a price only the Central Valley affords: the potential of owning a second home at one of the many recreational areas in the Fresno area. Whether it’s a sunny, shaded lot complete with a riverside home in the lowlands of the valley, a lakefront cabin just outside of town, or a rustic two-man cabin nestled among the pine trees at 8,000 feet; the area offers it all.
Kings River
Just outside Kingsburg, less than thirty minutes from either Visalia or Fresno, the Kings River flows. Hundreds of water enthusiasts flock to the river to enjoy boating, water skiing, and “floating” every summer; icy water and family BBQ’s take the edge of the Valley’s penetrating heat. Some of the nicest neighborhoods in the valley are located along the river’s edge, many of them complete with tennis courts, boat docks, outdoor kitchens and private beaches. More modest options are available: small, but cozy, cottages run alongside the river at the quaint Kings River Resort.
Shaver Area
The small mountain community of Shaver, while only an hour’s drive from Fresno, has the solitude of a mountain refuge. While the area offers the basic necessities, (e.g. a small grocery store, a few quaint restaurants and stores), the dense forest surroundings ensure relaxation. Winters bring several feet of snow, but access available year-round. Cabins range from expansive to cozy; fractional ownership opportunities have made the market much more affordable. Nearby Huntington Lake’s beautiful scenery is also a popular location for vacation homes. The lake sees a smaller amount of tourists, notwithstanding its amazing locale. For those who prefer a more rustic setting, none of the beautiful cabins around Courtright Reservoir have electricity due to the 8,000 ft. elevation. Despite that, it remains a popular location because of its remote location. Old-fashioned cabins ensure families have quality time without any of the distractions of modern technology.
Bass Lake & Yosemite
Bass Lake is within forty-five minutes of Fresno. The expansive lake is dotted with vacation homes, usually lake front cabins boasting large windows and private boat docks. Small eateries, and the upscale Ducey’s Restaurant provide a number of dining options. The mountainous, but urban, Oakhurst offers all the usual fare of dining, entertainment, and shopping options. A strong local tourist base and a well organized rental program allow owners to make the most of their investment; the local real estate company compiles a brochure of privately owned rental cabins to be mass distributed each year. Just to the west, Yosemite National Park, offers a myriad of vacation home options. Rustic log cabins are among the most popular style built; the profound Yosemite scenery serves as an amazing backdrop to even the most humble of vacation homes.
