Auberry's alpine wilderness above the Fresno fog
Auberry is an unincorporated community in the alpine wilderness of Central California. Its winding roads rise through private woodland farms above the bustling city of Fresno. In the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Auberry is a scenic village, engulfed in nature, with plenty of outdoor activities. "You're surrounded by beauty, with peace and quiet above the fog," says Jeri Kuddes, an area local and broker associate at Realty Concepts, Ltd., with over 30 years of experience. "We are in the foothills east of Fresno, so we have access to the surrounding lakes, ski resorts and the city."
Spruce forests and grasslands with eclectic architecture
Houses sit among a mountainous terrain, with tall grasslands and dry spruce forests. Many properties are heavily wooded, and parcels of land can reach up to 45 acres. Home sizes may reach 3,500 square feet. The area features contemporary architecture, traditional farm-style and ranch-style homes on private driveways. Home prices range from $170,000 to $900,000. Manufactured homes are also available, costing between $150,000 and $300,000.
Given its elevation above the Tule Fog, Auberry typically has better air quality than much of the state. However, wildfires contribute to poor air quality and have a history of causing property damage, particularly during the Creek Fire of 2019.
Exploring mountains and lakes in the Sierras
The Sierra National Forest surrounds Auberry to the north, with plenty of hiking and equestrian trails throughout the Sierra Nevada Mountains. One of these is the Ya-Gub-Weh-Tuh Trail, a rocky hiking trail that connects to the San Joaquin River Gorge and multiple other trail systems. About 20 miles west, the Millerton Lake State Recreation Area features campgrounds and hiking trails in the canyons above a blue lake. "We are close to hiking areas, campgrounds and the China Peak Ski Resort," Kuddes says. The China Peak Ski Resort is approximately 35 miles east, with 1,200 acres of skiiable terrain and 45 runs.
B-rated schools and agriculture at Sierra High School
Foothill Elementary School earns a B-plus grade from Niche, and it has a Response Extension and Intervention (REI) program, which provides targeted lessons for students based on their specific needs. Sierra Junior High School offers a Native American Education program that assists Indigenous students and receives a B-plus. Sierra High School also scores a B-plus, and has an extensive Future Farmers of America (FFA) club that utilizes the school's 230-acre farm. "The high school has a big agriculture program with a large farm," Kuddes says. "We have good schools that bring families into the area."
Within reach of restaurants, markets and casinos
The area's retail center is Prather, which has locally owned restaurants farther south along Auberry Road. One of its offerings is Velasco's Mexican Restaurant, which serves burritos in a colorful space with festive décor. It also has chain restaurants like Subway and Pizza Factory. In Auberry, the Broken Arrow is a casual bar-and-grill eatery serving breakfast and steak dishes. It is part of the Mono Wind Casino, a popular attraction with slot machines and game tables. Residents can pick up groceries at the Mar-Val Food Store in Prather or Ponderosa Market in Auberry.
Getting to Fresno and the international airport on SR-168
The Fresno County Rural Transit Agency (FCRTA) provides a public bus system in the county's rural communities. Transit to major metropolitan areas is more limited in this area. Locals can drive to Fresno, about 35 miles south on state Route 168. About the same distance from Auberry, the Fresno Yosemite International Airport offers direct non-stop flights to 14 cities, including three in Mexico.
