Orosi, California, is a former home of California's golden poppy fields.
If you have ever been to Fresno, California, it's likely you were near, but missed, Orosi
Orosi, California, is a former home of California's golden poppy fields.
If you have ever been to Fresno, California, it's likely you were near, but missed, Orosi. And boy did you miss out. Tucked inside Southern California's agricultural belt at the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains is the 2.4-square-mile town that was dubbed "land of gold" by early settlers. Golden poppies once marked this spot, lending a positive omen for the little town that's land seemed able to sprout nearly anything. Today, it's the residential hub for Tulare County's agricultural workers. As many who live here will tell you, semi-rural living isn't cheap, especially in California's ag-central neighborhoods. But Orosi's proximity to services, work and play is part of what keeps people in Central California's land of gold.
So you want to move to Orosi. Sure, come on over! But just make sure you bring the proper paperwork with you. Bank statements, copies of your ID, letters of reference, rental history and a recent credit report should be good enough. Since it's northern California, the weather is pleasant almost all year long, though it may get chillier in the wintertime. So basically, you can move in anytime you want.
Located at the intersection of Highway 63 and El Monte Avenue, Orosi symbolizes the quintessential California 'burg that is so often missed on the state's tourism map. Housing ranges from small Southern California ranch homes with adjacent garages to apartment complexes near the center of town. Stores dot the main artery, Highway 63, and restaurants are plentiful.
North-Central Orosi: This is apartment central. Accommodations include apartments at the gated Alta Vista (which some would consider Orosi's version of luxury apartments) on Highway 63 and the nicely treed Sequoia View complex on Road 127. There's no shortage of restaurants here, with sit-down cuisine and fast-food options throughout the area. And while pet-friendly apartments in Orosi are scarce, dog companions can load up on treats at Cesar Canine Cuisine (yes, the real Cesar Millan store) on El Monte Way.
West Orosi: The older apartment complex of Sand Creek borders streets of well-maintained homes and is an easy drive to the town center. The area swaps the convenience of being next door to stores for the quiet of a less-traveled road.
East Orosi: You head into farmland the further east you travel from town central, although there are a few quiet neighborhoods with older homes within the first few blocks. You'll likely not find any city apartments in this area, although there could be the occasional ranch house to rent.
South Orosi: The southern tip of the town borders the town of Cutler. Short-term rentals are occasionally advertised at Villa Guadalupe Apartments on Avenue 408, which puts you near the commercial district of Cutler as well as Ledbetter Park.
Get the lay of the land
Like many rural neighborhoods, Orosi has infinite simplicity built into its layout. There's almost none of this wavy-winding cul-de-sac street stuff here. The town is laid out in squares with farmland (and the quaint sounds of crowing roosters) dominating the geography. Learning the major roads will be a breeze and will help you ensure you don't get lost in Cutler or in the middle of the citrus groves.
No snow today!
Just because you're standing at the base of the Sierra Nevada mountains doesn't mean you can expect snow. Plan on hot summers and temperate, rainy winters. Breezes often help you cool off in July, but an air conditioner would be a good "must-have" to put on your list when checking out places to rent.
