Located in the center of Fresno, Old Fig Garden is home to the annual Christmas Tree Lane display, one of the country's longest-running outdoor holiday exhibitions, which attracts more than 100,000 visitors each year.
Old Fig Garden sounds like the name of a botanical landmark or even a trendy restaurant, but in fact it's a residential community that's home to roughly 5,365 residents
Located in the center of Fresno, Old Fig Garden is home to the annual Christmas Tree Lane display, one of the country's longest-running outdoor holiday exhibitions, which attracts more than 100,000 visitors each year.
Old Fig Garden sounds like the name of a botanical landmark or even a trendy restaurant, but in fact it's a residential community that's home to roughly 5,365 residents. A highly desirable neighborhood in the major California Central Valley city of Fresno, Old Fig Garden manages to stand out on its own with annual events such as the spring tour of gardens, which provides conclusive evidence that the locals do a lot more than just mow their lawns. In Old Fig Garden, there's no such thing as too much civic pride.
Old Fig Garden is located smack dab in the center of Fresno, so when you're ready to make your move to a new apt for rent, you'll find that it's easily accessible by car or moving van (or even motorcycle if you're not much into possessions).
Looking for Rental Property
Once you get here, it's time to hit the streets and look for rental signs -- or you can check with an online apartments locator, where you'll find a selection of apartment complexes, as well as privately-owned rental homes, apartments and condo rentals advertised. Statistics show that the residency rate of the entire Fresno area (including Old Fig Garden) tends to be higher during the summer months, so fall, winter and spring are the best times to find housing for rent.
What You'll Need
Be sure to have all your ID cards (such as driver's license or state ID), as well as a letter or pay stub to prove that you're employed. If you're not yet an employee but you're about to be hired, have your supervisor write a letter explaining the situation. Also, be prepared for a credit check, and have your first month's rent and a deposit ready to pay up-front.
Many of the homes here are mid-to-late 20th century, but they're beautifully maintained with modern conveniences added. You might even find some historic mid-century homes. Here are some areas to check out:
West Buckingham Way: This bike-friendly area has a mix of ranch style and contemporary homes. It's conveniently close to Target and Towne Square Shopping Center.
North Del Mar Avenue: Also bike and pedestrian friendly, this pretty residential section usually has a number of ranch-style homes for sale or rent, and is close to retailers such as Big Lots, Sam's Club and Lowe's.
Apartment Complexes in Old Fig Garden
Parks at Fig Garden: The Parks at Fig Garden offers spacious one- and two-bedroom apartments, as well as two- and three-bedroom townhouses. It has amenities such as a swimming pool, fitness center clubhouse and even a mini golf course, and is close to retailers such as Fashion Outlet, El Ranchito Bakery and Vons, as well as the Fresno Chaffee Zoo.
Swift Avenue: This area is home to Swift Court Apartments, which boasts walk-in closets, loaded kitchens, huge units and park-like, landscaped community. It's also just minutes from Walgreens and Landmark Plaza, and close to Lions Den Skatepark.
Practical Stuff
If you hate cold weather, you'll love it here. January highs are in the upper 30s, and July highs around 93. Plus, there's no snow, which seals the deal for a lot of people planning to move here. As for getting around, thanks to the Fresno Area Express bus you can save wear and tear on your car - but it's not a very walkable or transit-heavy community. So keep the car anyway.
What the Locals Do
Getting fit is part of the California culture here, and two popular spots are the Fig Garden Golf Course and the Fig Garden Swim and Racquet Club.
Old Fig Garden is most famous for its annual Christmas Tree Lane display (Van Ness Boulevard), which features millions of Christmas lights adorning more than 300 trees. There's also Springfest, which offers food, art and fun for all ages.
Eating and Drinking
For something completely different, do as the locals do and sample the kebab and pilaf platters at AJ's Armenian Cuisine . When it's time to raise your glass, join other imbibers at Spokeasy Public House , which, believe it or not, has skee ball.
Old Fig Garden may not be a botanical center, but it definitely something of a paradisiacal garden community for its locals. Plus, you've got a fantastic climate, fun festivals and skee ball in the bars. What's not to love about this place?
