The Woodlake Lions Rodeo, held on Mother's Day weekend each year, is a national level event that has been happening in Woodlake for over fifty years. Cowboy Up in Woodlake!
Woodlake is located in Tulare County and has population of just over 7,200 people. If you want to squeeze some fresh oranges for your morning orange juice, Woodlake is the place to be! This place in the San Joaquin Valley in central California brings a bit of Mediterranean bounty to the west coast including -- you guessed it -- oranges! Between the beautiful olive orchards and the views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, this is a place with a lot of natural beauty. Who needs to go on vacation to an exotic location when such lush landscape is right in your own neighborhood?
Moving to Woodlake
Woodlake is in California's Central Valley, also known as the San Joaquin Valley, right on the doorstop of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, and is located about 20 minutes from Visalia and an hour and a half north of Bakersfield. The town is actually a gateway to Sequoia National Park which is only thirty minutes east. In just over 30 minutes you can be on Highway 99 which is the major north-south route through the Central Valley.
If you are searching for an apartment to rent in Woodlake, you are in luck. Rental apartments, and maybe a condo for rent, are very affordable in this city. As a result of the high number of people moving to this city, more new buildings are being built so the supply is increasing. Most of the residences are located in the central area and many people walk or use bikes as a means of transport. A large percentage of the people here also work from home. Only a few residents use public transport to go to work.
Woodlake supports its citizens and took steps to keep mortgages affordable during the economic crisis, keeping people in their homes. The city of Woodlake has partnered with self-help enterprises to offer renovation assistance and also home repair to families who needed help. This caring attitude results in low rates of violent crime and property crime.
Neighborhoods in Woodlake
The center of Woodlake is formed at the junction of Routes 216 and 245. Most of the residential options are north of Route 216 since the southern part of town is largely taken up by Bravo Lake. There are several apartment complexes and buildings in town that provide one, two and three bedroom apartments for rent.
Sierra Village Apartments: Located on the east side of the Middle School, these complexes have almost 70 two and three bedroom apartments for rent. The complex provides modern amenities such as gated access, a community room and a computer room. The units are modern and located in garden style walk-up buildings with granite countertops and up-to-date, energy efficient appliances.
Woodlake Garden Apartments: This complex is located near the high school and offers almost 50 units with a mix of sizes. There are one bedroom apartments for rent as well as two and three bedroom units. This complex offers easy access to all of the schools as well as a quick ride down to the main road.
Woodlake Manor Apartments: Located just off of Valencia Boulevard, this complex offers 1-bedroom apartments for rent only. There are 43 units and the complex is close to Willow Court Park.
Castle Rock Estates: Castle Rock Estates is in the very north section of town. This complex is located within walking distance to restaurants such as Quiznos and the Woodlake Pizza Factory. You'll have to go through the central part of town to get to the highway, though.
Living in Woodlake
Parks
Woodlake is located very close to the world famous Sequoia National Park. This National Park contains some of the tallest trees in the world, the ancient Redwoods. The park also has excellent granite peaks and peaceful mountain meadows. Lake Kaweah, St. John's River and Bravo Lake are easy to access from the city and provide water for irrigation. Bravo Lake is also used as a recreational facility and is a popular spot for bird watching, hiking and walking. Some other popular activities in Woodlake include the Lions Rodeo, which is a fun family event that features everything about cowboy culture!
One of the most renowned activities is the Bravo Lake Botanical Garden Walking Tour. This ten-acre site takes visitors through an agricultural themed tour showcasing the heritage of the area. California's Central Valley provides many of the nation's agricultural products and this tour is a great way to gain an appreciation for its value. Walkers, bikers and wheelchairs can easily access the trails and surround themselves with beautiful sunflowers, roses, fruit trees and rows and rows of fresh vegetables.
Woodlake Pride
The city has a volunteer program for the youth of Woodlake that is known as the Woodlake Pride. It mainly consists of the youth who have a mission of involving themselves in innovative activities that are aimed at boosting the aesthetic appeal of the city through regular beautification by planting wonderful flowers in different areas of the city. The group has a garden in which they grow different varieties of fruits and vegetables that they sell to the community.
Things to Do
Besides the Woodlake Pizza Factory, locals favor Dora's Restaurant on Antelope Avenue. Dora's has a Mexican menu and features a Menudo that people from miles around rave about! After a nice meal, why not go hit a bucket of balls at Hank's Woodlake Ranch Golf Course & Driving Range.
The city has several retail stores, groceries and drug stores including Lara's Market, Tono's Market and it's own Woodlake Hardware. The vast agricultural land surrounding the city ensures that there is an abundant supply of fresh vegetables and farm produce practically year round!
No matter the reason you are drawn to Woodlake, whether its the rural, farm atmosphere or the proximity to the Sierra Nevada, Woodlake has a quality and pace of life that makes it an easy place to call home.