Like music? Kingsburg, California, is home to The Kingsburg City Band, founded in 1887, and one of the oldest community bands in the U.S. From the rousing marches of John Philip Sousa to the classical sounds of Beethoven and Stravinsky, free concerts start at 8 p.m. on Thursday nights in Kingsburg Memorial Park.
Kingsburg, just 30 minutes south of Fresno, is a Central California community of over 11,300 as of the the 2010 census
Like music? Kingsburg, California, is home to The Kingsburg City Band, founded in 1887, and one of the oldest community bands in the U.S. From the rousing marches of John Philip Sousa to the classical sounds of Beethoven and Stravinsky, free concerts start at 8 p.m. on Thursday nights in Kingsburg Memorial Park.
Kingsburg, just 30 minutes south of Fresno, is a Central California community of over 11,300 as of the the 2010 census. It is perched on the banks of the King River.
If you are looking to find apartments with paid utilities or even pet-friendly apartments in Kingsburg, you're in luck. But with vacancies often low, around 9%, you should give yourself a bit of time to find that perfect place to call home. Where should you look? Well, by exploring the community yourself in your car, if possible, to get a good feel for the area.
But you should also make use of online listings and the rental information in the "Kingsburg Recorder-Hanford Sentinel" as well, particularly the newspaper's Sunday listings.
What to Bring
Bring your taste for fresh veggies and fruit, grown in this area! And for your landlord's edification, bring your ID, past rental and job information, and a copy of your credit report. You may also need bank statements and W2s, as many California landlords can want a lot of information, so come prepared.
This central California community is warm most of the year, with cool nights in the winter and fall. You won't need snow boots or mittens, but you will want to shade your eyes from the sun on summer days.
Kingsburg City Center: Just off Highway 99, this city space with a suburban vibe consists primarily of medium-size to small-size homes and apartment complexes. You will find both owners and renters in property constructed mostly between 1940 and 1999. Kings Pointe and Park Kingsburg are two larger apartment complexes located here if you are looking for premier apartments. Hungry after your search? Be sure to try out Stockholm Bakery and Cafe.
S Bethel Avenue / E Conejo Avenue: Urban in density and home to pretty little Bicentennial Park, this neighborhood is urban by population, with single-family homes and mobile homes in relatively close proximity. More owners than renters live here, in properties that are newer, built between 1970 and the present. You can find home rentals if you look carefully.
Once called Kings River Switch by early Swedish settlers, Kingsburg started out as a railroad town--a flag stop on the Central Pacific Railroad. Perched on the banks of the Kings River, the town is the epitome of central--it's located in smack in the middle of California, and just two hours from both the beautiful white sands of the California Central Coast and the tall snowy peaks of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
Established as a town in 1908, the town lives up to its Swedish American roots with many delicious restaurants and retail businesses in buildings designed to reflect Swedish architecture. Even the water tower is iconic: shaped like an antique Swedish coffee pot. If you're in the mood for some lingonberry jam, meatballs in cream sauce, or a full smorgasbord of delights, you can likely find what you're looking for here.
Fields of Plenty
You'll also find plenty of fresh veggies and fruit here -- especially fruit. The fields around Kingsburg were devoted to raisins and grapes for many years--and in fact, Kingsburg is the headquarters of Sun Maid Growers of California, a major producer of raisins and other dried fruits. Stone fruit such as peaches and apricots are also grown in the area.
Fun Times
Every May the town plays host to the Kingsburg Swedish Festival, a nationwide draw with a pancake breakfast, a parade and coronation of the Swedish Festival Queen. Booths, games, rides and more occupy the third weekend in May in the downtown area of Kingsburg. Rejoice in Swedish meatballs or gravlax, and revel in delicious pastries.
Earlier in the spring, Kingsburg holds a classic car show, and throughout the year there are youth sports, senior activities and holiday parties. If you're looking to beef up, football, soccer and even water polo are a part of the sports programs available in town.
And let's not discount the beautiful parks here. Residents enjoy picnic tables, a bandstand, playground equipment and barbecues throughout large Memorial Park. Kingsburg Historical park is really something special. Not just green space, it contains a meeting hall used for a variety of functions and The Olson/Ball House, built in 1908 and moved from another town location. It joins other historic structures on site like the Olson Bottle Shop, which houses many of town founder Ray Olson's collectibles. There's also an antique gas station and a tractor barn. Check out the way things were back in the "old days," or relax in a shady gazebo. No matter how you choose to spend your time here, you'll find a piece of Kingsburg's past to weave into today's present.
Views and Grandeur
Like looking at snow capped peaks, beautiful trees and lush fields? Then Kingsburg might be a great spot for you. No skyscrapers here, unless you count the tree version of skyward pointing towers. Kingsburg is only an hour from Sequoia National Park and its immense trees and hiking trails. Kings Canyon National Park is also an hour away, with stunning rock cliffs and lush valleys to explore. Camping is permitted in both parks. You can take a vacation in no time at all if you live in Kingsburg.
