"Sweet Madera, You know that I'll miss my Madera, I've got to go back to Madera" (Hey Ocean!, Madera)
Madera is a city hidden in San Joaquin Valley in California, about a half hour away from Fresno. With its approximately 62,000 residents, it is considered the main city when it comes to the Madera/Chowchilla Metropolitan area. This seems like a pretty impressive honor, even if you've never heard of this place! As for the climate, its hot and semi-arid. Its coldest in Januaryreaching lows of 35.9 degree Fahrenheitand hottest in Julywhen temperature levels reach about 98.3 degrees Fahrenheit. This is a surprisingly moderate climate, which is probably why so many Californians, including those looking for second homes, have been known to make a beeline to this city. Perhaps you should take a page from their book and give this city a whirl, too.
Finding an Apartment in "The City"
There is a big demand for rental properties in Madera. Those who have succeeded in finding rental homes in this city can attest to this. To rent a residential piece of Madera, you have various approaches to choose from. For example, you can get a realtor to give you a walk through the different listings but be ready to pay for this little advantage!
Or you can hold onto your purse strings by doing the search on your own. Its not rocket science if you have the time and patience. Of course, not everyone does, and that's fine; that's what realtors are for! What could start as a half-hearted search in a local newspaper can end up going hi-tech when you get online. Using the many apartment locaters that dot the net these days, your dream rental property could just be a click away.
How much will it cost?
It is common for renters to be confronted with different options when looking for a house to rent. Landlords don't make it easy sometimes. They have been known to offer different rental rates for the same property, so make sure you do your research well, whether you are looking for a one-bedroom apartment in Madera or a large house rental.
When should you start your search?
The real estate development in this city is booming and expected to expand at a crazy speed in the next decade. Realtors are digging themselves into early graves trying to beat each other to the next sale or rental agreement. That means there will likely be plenty of choices when you decide to start looking for rentals, so starting your search a month or so before you have to move should be fine.
What will you need?
Even with the real estate boom, some people just can't find what they need, so they grumble that what they want is off the market. And when they find the ideal home for lease, it is not in the right location. Well, here the bare-knuckled answer: Poor planning!
Before you sign a lease, decide on what you want. Don't simply come home with news of that great bargain you just saw. Scan the neighborhoods for rental properties that make a decent attempt to fit your needs. Ditch the sales pitch from landlords and realtors and stick to your checklist. Then anticipate what landlords will certainly demand from you. Hint: credit report, deposit, current landlords referral, etc. If you do it right, you will have a roof over your head without breaking any sweat.
Madera Neighborhoods
Below are the main neighborhoods you can call home in this city, along with the approximate cost to live in each area. If there's no budging on your budget, stick to the areas with only one or two dollar signs. If you've got money burning a hole in your pocket, then the more dollar signs, the better!
Sundown Ave and N Schnoor St:The fairly high amount of money you spend here will afford you a decently sized family house or apartment. For a little less, you can get a pad that can improve your ability to wedge yourself and all your stuff into tight corners. Two advantages here include the nearly 10% vacancy rate and the 15-minute commute to work. $$$$
Parkwood:The larger homes and two-bedroom apartments here might cost you a bit, but you can get a modest studio without breaking the bank.The nearly 12 % vacancy rate here is not bad, making it easy to find a place. As far as the neighbors, expect some farmers and foresters. Maybe you can ask them for advice, since your 30-minute commute to work might involve dodging some trees just to leave the rural area. $$
Madera Acres:If your budget is on the high side, lucky you, since you can move your stuff into what might qualify as a mansion. For a little less, you can live in the many mobile homes dotting the landscape. If you're looking for something in between, there are some smaller rental homes here. The average commute to work from here tends to be less than 15 minutes, though that statistic could include people who simply sleep in the office parking lot. $$$$
Bonadelle Ranchos:The good-sized properties here might make you forget the pain of paying rent. At a 6% vacancy rate, you can be sure you're not the only person eyeing this area. But if you do find a place here, expect a 30-minute commute to work. $$
N D St and Ashlan Way: This hood mainly has averaged-sized houses and apartment complexes. The vacancy rate is about 7%, so don't wait too long to start looking for homes here.$$$
Madera Ranchos:The 3% vacancy rate means you need to pack a little more effort if you want to get a house here. Apparently there are lots of people willing to pay the fairly high rates, so maybe it's worth a look to find out why. Homes here are generously sized, but if you want something smaller, the many mobile homes could come in handy. Commuting to work will take 30 minutes out of your life every morning. Its been tested! $$$$$
Bonita and Italian Swiss Colony:Here you'll find everything from small apartments to large homes. That means if you happen to get a raise and want more than two bedrooms, you won't even need to leave the neighborhood to move on up to a large house! $$$$
La Vina and Rolling Hills:Medium-sized homes dot this landscape, juxtaposed with numerous mobile homes. Hey, there's enough room for everyone!And as for the rather high 13% vacancy rate here, you can tell someone is struggling to pay his mortgage here. You need to do him a favor by moving in and paying rent! Just make sure he agrees to it first$
Town hall:Pick this hood if you're in search of a condo or medium-sized house.At a mean vacancy rate of 12%, you might be able to haggle for lesser rental amounts. But if you cant, you will save a lot carpooling since that's the thing to do here in this urban area. Oh, all right, you can ride your bike to work, too. We'll allow it. $$
Life In Madera
This development is not attracting people from all over for nothing. Apart from living in beautiful neighborhoods, people here seem to have developed a new approach to life. It entails living in perfect harmony with the environment. That is why carpooling to work (and yes, bike riding, too) is more successful in Madera than anywhere in the US. Don't worry, though. The transport sector is not devoid of cars and buses. The roads are still filled with them. However, the nightmare traffic that seems synonymous with most of California is lacking here.
As for leisure, just one hour southeast of Madera is Sequoia National Park. As you might guess, this is home to the giant Sequoia trees.Go ahead; try to hug one of them! You won't be the first Madera resident to do so. People here also take delight in traversing the rugged canyons of Kings Canyon National Park. But if you want to meet more people, make your way to Boyden's Cave. Apart from mingling with lots of people, you will get to know the difference between stalactites and stalagmites. Already know what it is? You were born to live here!
