Fresno vs. Clovis- Which is Better? 

It's time to solve the age-old debate: which city is better, Fresno or Clovis? For most of its existence, Clovis was known simply as a suburb of Fresno. But the small country town has grown a lot in the past few years and it is now a formidable city all on its own. Let’s see how these two stack up against each other.

Size matters

Size is the first and most obvious difference between Fresno and Clovis. Fresno’s population is just over 530,000 on 112 square miles, while Clovis sits comfortably around 114,000 on about 23 square miles. Although Fresno has a wide range of diverse neighborhoods, most of the city is urbanized. On the opposite end, Clovis offers mostly suburban neighborhoods with sparse housing and rural areas as well. There is no better or worse here, this simply comes down to preference.  If you’re looking for a bustling, Big City action then Fresno’s the place to be. But, if your style is more quaint and cozy then Clovis has got you covered.

Health and Safety

One of the advantages of living in a small town versus a big city is safety. Clovis is highly regarded as one of the safest cities in California with crime rates below the national average and fast police response times. Clovis also has some of the most beautiful parks and trails in all of Fresno County. The small, close-knit neighborhoods are an attractive selling point for those looking for a nice place to raise a family. In addition, the highly-ranked Clovis Unified schools provide an outstanding learning environment for students of all ages.

Fresno Unified has some amazing schools too. But, the sheer size of the district creates gaps in school performances that affect the ranking as a whole. Much like Fresno’s higher crime rates, these are issues inherent in any big city. In terms of health and safety, Clovis has the advantage.

Diversity and variety

Plain and simple, Fresno is more diverse than Clovis. Diversity in terms of race, religion, culture, industry, entertainment and beyond, thrives in Fresno. The abundance of variety creates a colorful landscape that is unique to Fresno. Clovis homes are definitely beautiful, modern, and classy, but they can’t compare to the architectural character of the many homes and buildings in Fresno. Downtown Fresno showcases old Victorian and Tudor style homes juxtaposed sleek, modern lofts proudly displaying vibrant murals. The historic drive along Van Ness Ave is a wonderful display of Fresno's creative expression and ingenuity. In terms of diversity, color, and character Fresno takes the cake.

Dining, shopping, and entertainment

Adding to the point of diversity, Fresno has an endless variety of dining, shopping, and entertainment options available. There are countless restaurants offering authentic cuisines from around the world- Italian delis, French bakeries, Armenian and Mediterranean foods, Indian and Punjabi delights, Vietnamese pho, Ethiopian, Mexican, Catalonian, Chinese, Japanese, Bierocks, southern soul food, and the list goes on… Fresno has everything from big-name brands to small, local treasures, making it a shopper’s paradise.  Entertainment-wise, Fresno has so much to offer: from the beloved Chaffee Zoo to the grand stage at the Save Mart Center, to the hipster-haven of ArtHop, there is always a good time going on in Fresno.

The sheer size and volume of Fresno’s industry mean more places to shop, eat, and drink. However, it doesn’t mean that Clovis can’t hang. Clovis is known for its country-western charm. There are lots of cool, kitschy shops, dive bars hosting awesome live music, and some of the juiciest burgers in all of Fresno County. When you put the two together, Fresno and Clovis complement each other perfectly. Easy freeway access allows residents of both cities to enjoy all that is available. 

Two cities, one amazing community

Fresno and Clovis are much like two sisters- cut from the same cloth but each with their own unique style and personality. They complement each other perfectly. If you prefer the Big City life of Fresno, you can still experience the “Clovis Way of Life” by driving about 10 miles away- and vice versa. Between all of the wonderful shops, restaurants, parks, and people, Fresno and Clovis share a rich and diverse community that is truly special. We support each other, root for each other, and (with a little healthy competition) we help each other grow. That is the beauty of living in the Fresno/Clovis area.