Armona gives buyers a budget-friendly option near Hanford
Wedged between the cities of Hanford and Lemoore, Armona offers a small-town environment that’s still close to the amenities around Central California’s Kings County. This community’s quiet, sidewalk-lined streets are lined with homes that can give buyers bang for their buck. They’re all within about a mile of California state Route 198, which can carry them through the rest of the county. “It’s more affordable for buyers who are looking to purchase to be in the Kings County area,” says Erika Robles, a local Realtor with Keller Williams Realty Tulare and Kings Counties, who has 10 years of industry experience. “It is close to Hanford. It’s like three minutes away, depending on what part of Armona you live in, to get to the main types of stores like Target, Walmart and Costco. You’re super close to everything."
Homes range from 1930s builds to newer construction
Bungalows and ranch-style homes under 2,000 square feet dominate Armona’s housing inventory. Floor plans average about 1,400 square feet. Ages vary significantly, though. Some homes date to the 1930s, others were built in the late 20th century, and some are relatively new. “It’s definitely a little bit of everything,” Robles says. Many of the newer houses are in the Armona North subdivision, on the community's north side. Most properties around Armona sell for $100,000 to $400,000, based on condition.
Charter and online options available through the local school district
Armona Union Elementary School District has a C-minus grade on Niche. The C-rated Armona Elementary includes kindergarten through fourth grade. and awards student achievement with activities like breakfast and bingo for high academic performers, and bowling for those with outstanding attendance. C-minus-rated Parkview Middle is the next step; activities include football, basketball and volleyball teams.
An online school is also offered through the district at C-plus-rated Crossroads Charter Academy for kindergarten through 12th grade.
High school-aged students can move on to B-plus-rated Sierra Pacific High in the Hanford Joint Union High School District, rated a B-plus by Niche. The school's Career Technical Education program offers a Business Finance Academy that touches on banking, marketing and accounting.
Route 198 is a direct link to the rest of the region
A portion of California state Route 198 runs through the middle of Armona. The highway takes drivers 5 miles east to Hanford, the seat of Kings County. Adventist Health Hanford is just off 198 and includes a 24/7 emergency room. Lemoore is 5 miles west on 198. Naval Air Station Lemoore is the largest employer in Kings County, and Robles says many service members live in the Armona area. Fresno is a 35-mile trip using California state Route 41. Fresno Yosemite International Airport has direct flights to 16 cities.
Parks include duck ponds, trails and golf courses
Hood Park, north of Route 198, is Armona's one community recreation space, and it's within walking distance for some residents. The park includes a playground, covered picnic areas and athletic fields. Locals can drive to Hanford for more options. Hanford’s Hidden Valley Park features a duck pond and a splash pad, and Freedom Park includes a nine-hole disc golf course. Heritage Park in Lemoore offers an 18-hole disc golf course and a paved trail. Traditional golfers can hit Lemoore Golf Course, which is open to the public.
Restaurants and retail line 14th Avenue
Though Armona is predominantly residential, central 14th Avenue has a selection of restaurants and other businesses. El Pata Salada is one of the popular picks, known for its seafood. Jerky is the signature item at Raven Brand Products and Deli, but the spot also has a menu full of sandwiches and burritos. Those with a sweet tooth can grab doughnuts and cronuts from Armona Donuts. Food items and other household needs are available at Royal Food and Dollar General. The Marketplace at Hanford is just about 3 miles east, off Route 198, and includes Target, Lowe’s, Marshalls and PetSmart. The plaza is adjacent to a Walmart Supercenter and the Hanford Mall, where stores include JCPenney, Kohl’s and Big 5 Sporting Goods.
Kings Faire brings royal flair to Kings County
Hanford hosts the annual Renaissance of Kings Faire every October, a tradition that dates back almost 50 years. “Kings Faire is definitely one the bigger events in the area,” Robles says. The two-day Hanford Civic Park festival is a 16th-century reenactment with live entertainment, food, and arts and crafts. Civic Park hosts a weekly farmers market from May through October, called the Thursday Night Market Place.
Written By
Wayne Epps Jr.
