Pistachio lovers across the world may not know that their favorite nut was likely grown in Avenal, California, the unofficial "Pistachio Capital of the World." Avenal was founded in 1929 as an oil town, and there are still drills in the area. However, the pistachio farms surrounding the city have been the backbone of the local economy for many decades. Behind the lofty title is a small city of people whose hard work ensures that their crop can be enjoyed around the globe. "Avenal is definitely small-town USA, so people who grow up here stay here," says Realtor Efrain Terrones with Western Pioneer Properties, who's been in real estate here since the 2000s. Unlike its fields, the city hasn't seen significant growth. This means its prices haven't risen as much as other towns in the San Joaquin Valley. "I've seen people who already live somewhere in the valley, like Paso Robles, move to Avenal because it's so much more affordable," Terrones says. Still, the occasional new home isn't enough to change Avenal's nutty small-town identity.
Downtown Avenal offers several services and stores for residents to enjoy.
The Wonderful company is a major business employer to Avenal residents.
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Wonderful Pistachios and other local employers
In Avenal and the rest of Kings County, pistachios are the primary crop among almonds, tomatoes and dairy farming. According to state reports, more than 98% of U.S. pistachios are grown in California, and much of that percentage comes from Avenal's farms. Many local farms supply Wonderful Pistachios, the largest pistachio company in the world. "People here take a lot of pride knowing that Avenal is a big part of Wonderful Pistachios' growth," Terrones says. The company's main processing plant is 30 miles south.
The pistachios that are grown and harvested in Avenal are shipped around the world.
A newly planted pistachio orchard in Avenal is just a few years away from its first harvest.
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1930s workman's cottages and new developments
Avenal's 1930s roots and continually thriving pistachio business create a mix of old and new housing, with a median single-family price of $260,000. Homes on the city's main grid are typically older. These include narrow workman's cottages that can start around $150,000 and ranch-style homes for around the median price. New developments have recently popped up in the city's southeast corner, with midsize Mediterranean-inspired homes for just over $350,000.
Many of the homes in Avenal are mid 20th century ranch style.
Avenal landscaping includes succulents and cacti that thrive in the region.
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Four-wheeling in Horse Canyon
The mountains east of the city are ideal for off-roading. Locals often pass the time by tearing across the ridges and valleys of nearby Horse Canyon on dirt bikes, ATVs and four-by-fours. Riding up to Cerro Lodoso, one of the higher nearby peaks, provides extensive views of the valley. In town, there are a few community parks that give grassy space to play.
An Avenal couple enjoy walking their furry friend down to the Avenal Neighborhood Park.
Off-roaders enjoy the trails of Horse Canyon in Avenal.
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Latin grocers and barbecue stands on Skyline Boulevard
Skyline Boulevard, also known as state Route 269, is the center of activity running diagonally through town. There's a supermarket for general groceries and a handful of Latin markets for specialty ingredients. It's also home to local businesses, casual taquerias and State Foods BBQ, a roadside food stand.
A young Avenal residents looks for the ripest avocado at State Foods Supermarket.
An Avenal resident orders a super burrito at Chaguitos Tacos.
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Thirty miles to Hanford and 60 miles to Fresno
Small towns and farm fields are the only things for miles around Avenal. State Route 33, running along the city, and Interstate 5, a few miles east, can take drivers up and down California. Hanford, the largest city in Kings County, is almost 40 miles northeast. Fresno is 60 miles in the same direction, and Fresno-Yosemite International Airport is the closest outlet for commercial flights. Coalinga Regional Medical Center is the nearest hospital, 20 miles north.
Reef-Sunset Unified School District
The city is part of the Reef-Sunset Unified School District, which gets an overall C-minus grade from Niche. Five of the district's six schools are in Avenal, so students don't have to go far for elementary, middle and high school.
A large sign at the entrance to Avenal High School greets students.
The marquee at the entrance of Avenal Elementary School greets students.
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High temperatures and drought conditions
Avenal experiences sweltering summers with little rainfall and temperatures regularly reaching around 100 degrees. This naturally leads to periods of drought, in which residents must conserve water. When the city or state declares an emergency for severe drought conditions, residents are alerted of the required water conservation policies. The Avenal Police Department answers any crime concerns, and the Avenal State Prison is just outside of town. Crime statistics aren't available for the city.
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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
