Fowler's history goes back to when it got its first post office in 1882 and became incorporated in 1908. It still has the historical buildings to prove it! The Judge Nye Home and the Young Home were both built in 1904, while the Jamieson Home has them both beat, having been built in 1883.
Fowler is a small agricultural town, located about 10 minutes southeast of Fresno. Much of the land is filled with vineyards, so hopefully most of the 5,570 residents enjoy drinking local wine! While this area certainly appeals to many new businesses, it also draws in lots of residents due its affordable homes and close proximity to Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks. If Fowler has your full attention now, it's time to take a look at property rentals and then make a list of the many vineyards and other local attractions you need to visit once you arrive.
Moving to Fowler
The vacancy rate in Fowler is as close to zero as you can get, thanks in large part to the many wine tastings constantly going on here. Who wouldn't want to live in this town? So that's great news once you actually score a place here, but it does make your search for housing for rent in Fowler a little harder on you. Just make sure you get out there bright and early and start looking for your dream home, especially if you want to find the rare all bills paid apartments.
Housing Prices
The extremely low vacancy rate may make finding housing in Fowler a challenge, but at least the housing prices are low. It's no wonder about two-thirds of the residents here own their own home -- buying a house here costs about half what you'd pay in most California cities. Rental prices aren't too shabby either, at around half the statewide average. That's enough to tempt you into hunting for 3 bedroom houses for rent and other larger housing, although you can still go for a studio apartment if you're on a tight budget.
Housing Types
About three-quarters of the housing in Fowler consists of single-family homes, but if you head toward the center of town you will find a few apartment complexes for rent. Fowler's outskirts are more rural, so expect to see more mobile homes than apartments and condos. Most of the housing available in Fowler -- of all types -- was built between 1970 and 1999.
The Leasing Process
Are you well on your way to finding your next home in Fowler? Good. Now it's time for the slightly boring but necessary part: signing the lease! To prepare for this process, you will need to bring in a few pay stubs from your current job, so start frantically looking around your house or car for these as soon as possible. You should also prepare to have your credit and rental history checked out. And speaking of checks, be ready to write one in case there is a deposit, and there pretty much always is.
Neighborhoods in Fowler
Fowler is small -- only about 2.5 square miles -- but that's enough room for two major neighborhoods. Before you choose the perfect home to move into, take a look at the differences between the main places to live.
City Center: Want a pretty affordable place to live, located next to most of the businesses in town? Sure you do! City Center is a popular neighborhood among those looking for apartments, townhomes, houses, and just good ol' fashioned fun. It's on the northeast side of Highway 99, which is the main freeway here, so you really can't miss it. Here you will find Panzak Park, Starbucks, Elaine's Cafe, Pizza Factory, Fresno County Library, and Ace Hardware, to name a few local attractions.
Bowles: If you want to live southwest of the freeway, you'll end up in Bowles. It's mostly residential, with slightly higher housing prices, but there are also a few businesses here. They include Subway, Johnny Quik Food Store, and Fowler 76 gas station. So it's still pretty convenient!
Apartments in Fowler
Fowler Apartments: Leave it to Fowler to have a complex simply named Fowler Apartments! It's on East Adams Avenue, just minutes away from Highway 99. You have the option of renting a furnished apartment here if you'd like, which is a fairly rare find.
Walnut Grove Villa Apartments: Head southeast to East Sumner Avenue to find this complex. Built in 1988, it's near Fresno County Library, which is pretty convenient on those days when you get the urge to borrow some books without driving far.
Evanswood Apartments: If you prefer to live on the southern end of the city, check out this complex. It's just east of Highway 99, near local businesses like Bee Sweet Citrus and National Raisin. Plus, Port of Subs and El Mexicano are some eateries nearby.
Living in Fowler
Like many other small cities, Fowler is mostly known for its affordable housing and friendly, small-town feel. While there are plenty of local restaurants -- including Favorito and Jocy's Restaurant -- most people end up traveling to nearby larger cities when they want some variety. When it comes to vineyards, however, Fowler's selection is nearly unparalleled -- with dozens more in nearby towns. And with so many grapes in the area, it's no wonder that there are a few places that make raisins, too. This is just perfect if you're craving a sweet, locally grown snack.
Highway 99 makes it easy for local residents to get around to nearby cities and towns. Take it northwest for about 10 minutes to reach Fresno and its great shopping malls and movie theaters, such as Fashion Fair Mall, Fulton Mall, and Regal Manchester Stadium 16. You can also head southeast for half an hour until you reach Visalia. The small city of Selma is only 10 minutes away, and the equally small town of Kingsburg is just a few minutes south of Selma.
If you prefer to spend your time outside, Sierra National Forest is two hours to the northeast. Kings Canyon National Park and Sequoia National Park are an hour to the east. If you crave a visit to bigger cities, head west for two hours to reach Monterey, or northwest for three hours until you reach San Francisco. And there's always Los Angeles -- and its beaches -- three hours to the south. Once you've had enough of the higher prices you'll find in the big cities, you can breathe a sigh of relief when it's time to go home!