Modern homes and nature expanses in Friant
Friant represents a small, but bubbling pocket of Fresno County full of new homes and a wealth of outdoor recreation opportunities. This area borders both the San Joaquin River and the massive Millerton Lake. “The whole Friant area, around the lake, is really growing,” says local Realtor Dan Hawkins, of Hawkins Team Real Estate at Realty Concepts. Friant is an emerging trend, and it’s not hard to see why. From the standout schools to the new homes and nearby amenities, this small area packs a big punch.
Contemporary and midcentury housing options
Many of the homes in this area were built in the last decade, Hawkins says. A lot of these new homes feature Mediterranean-inspired architecture and sit within suburban-style subdivisions, with sidewalk-lined blocks. These homes come with front and back lawn space, on lots of about 7,500 square feet and up. There are quite a few houses here that overlook Millerton Lake, too, Hawkins says, offering prime views. Friant features a smattering of homes built in the mid-to-late 20th century, too, in certain sections. Many of these homes are planted either close to the San Joaquin River or by the lake. Some of the older homes by the lake sell for around $600,000 to $800,000, Hawkins says, while some of the new construction goes for $450,000 to $600,000. “People really like to come in here,” Hawkins says.
Highly rated schools in the Clovis Unified School District
A big reason Friant is growing is because children who live here can attend schools in the Clovis Unified School District. Niche rates this system the top district in the Fresno area, with an A overall grade. CUSD has received National Blue Ribbon Schools Program distinction multiple times, for its academic excellence. While CUSD schools, like Liberty and Valley Oak elementaries, Kastner Intermediate and Clovis West High, stand several miles south of Friant, the school buses service kids in Friant, Hawkins says. Each of these schools boast A Niche ratings of their own. CUSD’s elementary schools offer interscholastic sports teams that compete against other local elementaries. Kastner Intermediate offers electives in disciplines like yearbook/journalism and choral music, and Clovis West High offers a full visual arts program including photography and ceramics.
Plenty of recreation on land and water
Millerton Lake is a close-by spot for water fun in Friant. This manmade expanse stretches 4,900 acres and features a whopping 40 miles of shoreline. You can dip in for a swim here, or go boating. This is a fishing spot, too, for trout, bass and catfish. A series of trails cut through the land around the lake, as well, apt for hikes. In the winter months you can go on a boat tour here to view the bald eagles that call the area home. Another well-liked spot for time outdoors here is Lost Lake Recreation Area, a more than 320-acre expanse by the San Joaquin River. “That’s a really popular place for fishing and swimming and rafting,” Hawkins says. This area includes the 38-acre Lost Lake, too. There are also hiking trails to explore here, playgrounds and volleyball courts. The Lost Lake area is just slightly down the road from the Friant Interactive Nature Site, a spot that encompasses the San Joaquin Trout and Salmon Hatcheries plus a pair of trails: Small Fry and Parkway.
Two main restaurants in town
Grab food after some time outdoors at The Beach Club, nearby, whose specialty is barbecue burgers and brews. The Beach Club offers an airy and spacious patio to enjoy on a nice day. Patrons enjoy the tri tip sandwiches here, as well as the fish tacos. Kilakabob is another option in the vicinity, for kabob plates.
