There are many positives to living in a small town. Small towns are simpler, peaceful places. Traffic is rarely an issue, cost of living is lower and people are more likely to slow down and get to know each other. But life in a small town can sometimes be boring, too.

If you’re looking for something in between, consider buying a new home in Visalia. As the county seat of Tulare County, Visalia is an economic, cultural and government hub with a population of 124,400. It successfully combines the small town feel with big city amenities, creating a thriving community that is both sophisticated and diverse.

Here are four reasons we think you would enjoy living in Visalia.

Visalia Has Character

Visalia has a rich architectural history including many buildings dating to the mid-late 1800s. Throughout the town center are many historic brick structures, including the Bank of Italy (currently Bank of the Sierra) and the Art Deco/Beaux-Arts Visalia Town Center Post Office, both of which are registered with the National Register of Historic Places.

In addition to many other historic buildings and Victorian houses, Visalia is also home to a distinctive Fox Theatre, which was restored by a community group known as “Friends of the Fox” and currently serves as a live venue for music and stage performances.

Visalia Cares About the Environment

We all know recycling is important. Currently, the city of Visalia recycles about 1,150 tons of waste and makes roughly 2,500 tons of green waste into compost each month through residential and commercial recycling programs. To make things easier for city residents, people are provided with a split container where recyclables go on one side and other trash on the opposite side.

Visalia has a variety of other programs to encourage reusing resources including the school district’s new cafeteria waste diversion program where leftover food, lunch trays, and other green waste are made into compost. Visalia is a city which is looking for ways to preserve the environment. If that’s important to you, Visalia might be the right place to call home.

Visalia is Kid-Friendly

Anyone who has children knows keeping them entertained can be a real struggle. With family memberships available and low admission costs for single visits, Visalia’s ImagineU Interactive Children’s Museum is an opportunity for children to have fun while also learning. The museum’s interactive exhibits allow kids to pretend to be a dentist, a doctor, a firefighter or a paleontologist. They can learn about gravity, electricity, animals, and trains. Whether you have children of your own, young relatives who regularly visit or you want to become a volunteer, ImagineU is a great reason to consider establishing roots in Visalia.

Visalia Offers Easy Access to the Great Outdoors

Sequoia National Park is roughly 35 miles east of Visalia, and Kings Canyon National Park borders Sequoia to the north. Because of its proximity, Visalia is sometimes referred to as “Gateway to the Sequoias.” While visiting the national parks, you can witness the majesty of the General Sherman tree, the world’s largest tree, or enjoy hiking, biking or kayaking. In the summer, take a guided tour of Crystal Cave, a marble cave naturally decorated with stalactites and stalagmites.

There are endless reasons to consider making Visalia your home. San Joaquin Valley Homes has two communities in the city: Chelsea Place, which opened in June 2014 and San Marino, which will have its grand opening in April.

To learn more about these communities, contact us and we’ll be glad to help.



Lisa Walker

The Fresno Bee: “Homebuilding permits up in Fresno and Visalia” The Business Journal: “Economic outlook: Is Fresno’s star finally rising?”