Tall reeds growing along Tule Creek's wetlands were known as "tulares" by the American Indians who once occupied the East Porterville area. The prevalence of these reeds not only signaled a year-round water source to early settlers, but gave Tulare county its name.
The city of Porterville, California snuggles at the base of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, halved and quartered by highways 65 and 190
Tall reeds growing along Tule Creek's wetlands were known as "tulares" by the American Indians who once occupied the East Porterville area. The prevalence of these reeds not only signaled a year-round water source to early settlers, but gave Tulare county its name.
The city of Porterville, California snuggles at the base of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, halved and quartered by highways 65 and 190. Interrupting its symmetry, the city of East Porterville reaches out like an arm to touch the shores of Lake Success several miles east. East Porterville makes the transition from metropolitan city living to outdoor adventure with its rural charm, historic buildings, and proximity to the lake. Sprawling more than 3 square miles in the San Joaquin Valley, the city's 455-foot altitude provides a long season for enjoying the outdoors. The city was settled in the 1840s when pioneers heading to California stopped in the fertile valley to farm the verdant soil.
You'll find that places for rent in East Porterville are diverse in both price and style. While rental homes are available at nearly any time of year, consult a property management agent specializing in East Porterville several months before you expect to move. The agent can let you know about places for rent that are just what you are looking for and take an application in advance so you can move ahead quickly when your new home becomes available. Be prepared to pay a credit check fee, provide identification, and proof of income.
Any time of year is a good time to move to Porterville. The city has no snowfall and daytime temperatures are usually around 60 degrees on winter days. Summer weather may rise to 100, but low humidity levels keep things fairly comfortable. Wind gusts are greatest during April and May, so if you're moving high-profile furniture or artwork, you'll want to do it early in the day before the wind picks up.
East Porterville is a rural community with fewer than 200 people per square mile. You'll find three primary neighborhoods in the city, each with its distinctive flair.
East Side: The east side of the city has large multi-acre lots that with fencing for horses and other livestock. Single family homes and townhouses characterize this neighborhood, although you may find farms that have private duplexes for rent on their land. Homes tuck under mature foliage on large grassy lots while agricultural fields roll along Tule Creek and Pioneer Ditch that frame the neighborhood on the north and south.
Central City: The central part of East Porterville has homes in the 1,000- to 1,500-square-foot range tucked snugly together on city lots. While the feel of the neighborhood is distinctly residential, you'll find a few small businesses tucked here and there where you can fuel up and get a few groceries. Rental apartments and townhouses in this area are usually small, privately-owned complexes managed by their owners or a property management company.
West Side: Rental homes in East Porterville are more expensive than in the other areas of town. Spacious luxury homes with five or more bedrooms and square footage exceeding 3,000 square feet are common in this area. The neighborhood is home to the city's municipal golf course and has a country club ambiance.
Lake Success borders East Porterville on its eastern edge. Residents access the lake at Lake Success Park on Worth Drive. The park has a concrete boat ramp as well as several other dirt ramps for canoes, kayaks or personal watercraft. Enjoy a picnic in a grassy area before heading out on the water or soak up the sun on a sandy beach. The lake is stocked with trout during the summer and you'll find areas to camp along its 30-mile shoreline.
Just below the dam in East Porterville, Bartlett Park sits along the edge of Tule Creek where it exits the reservoir. The park has fishing ponds, playgrounds, a baseball diamond, volleyball courts and horseshoe pits. Near the western border of East Porterville, Murry Park's 20 acres have towering palms presiding over grassy lawns with picnic facilities and barbecues. A fishing pond, shady pavilions and restroom facilities round out its amenities.
