Ivanhoe offers small-town living rooted around agriculture
Ivanhoe is a residential area about 9 miles northeast of Visalia, located along train tracks and surrounded by Tulare County’s expansive farmland. “It’s a very small town. Very quiet. But it’s close to shopping and freeways. Pretty much everything you might need in life is nearby,” says Gerry Macias, a real estate agent with Avedian Properties, who has over 20 years of experience. “Most of the people who live here work in either the packing houses or in agriculture.” Residential properties make up most of the town, though a handful of local restaurants and grocery markets are found near the tracks.
Suburban streets of mid-century single-family homes
Homes in Ivanhoe are lined along wide residential streets and come with grassy front lawns decorated with shrubbery and palm trees. Driveways are common, though some streets also have alleyway access. Single-story homes built between the 1930s and 1980s are the area’s main housing type. Some are minimal traditional with a simple vinyl exterior, while others have Adobe-style architecture and stucco siding. Sprawling ranch-style homes are also popular. A handful of these single-family properties were built in the 2010s and have a more contemporary design. Prices range from $200,000 to $400,000. According to Macias, there are also duplexes in the area that are multistory.
Local restaurants and nearby commerce in Visalia
Retail and restaurant options are located toward the center of Ivanhoe, near the train tracks. There are multiple convenience stores and local grocery stores that also sell made-to-order food, including Valley Foods Supermarket and La Estrellita Market. Taqueria Loza is one of many Mexican restaurants in the area, along with Lily’s Pupuseria and Mexican Food. “There aren’t any major restaurants, just some small mom-and-pop shops,” Macias says. “Most people go to Visalia for dining, shopping and entertainment.”
Visalia Orchard Walk is a shopping center roughly 9 miles away with name-brand retailers like Target, Ross and T.J. Maxx. Fast food restaurants in the area include In-N-Out Burger and Del Taco. A Walmart Supercenter is located in Mary’s Vineyard Shopping Center. Additionally, dozens of local restaurants, novelty stores and clothing boutiques are lined along Main Street in Visalia.
Getting educated in Visalia public schools
Children living in Ivanhoe can attend schools in the Visalia Unified School District. Ivanhoe Elementary School earns a B-minus from Niche, and Valley Oak Middle School has a C-plus. Both offer after-school programs for expanded learning opportunities. From there, students can attend Golden West High School, which receives a B-plus and has two career-focused learning academies: the Business Finance Academy and the First Responders Academy. “It’s a real small town, so the high school football games will attract crowds,” Macias says.
Tulare County parks, recreation and nature preserve
While Ivanhoe itself is primarily residential, a handful of parks and green spaces are close by, throughout Tulare County. Cutler Park is located along St. John’s River and has a large open field outfitted with a playground, baseball diamond, horseshoe pit and multiple arbors that can be reserved for gatherings. Access to the water allows swimming and cooling off from the heat. About 7 miles south of Ivanhoe is the Kaweah Oaks Preserve. Several hiking trails wind through the land so patrons can view various plants and animals.
Additional parks and recreational spaces are found in Visalia. Riverway Sports Park has multiple soccer fields, a splash pad and a baseball and softball complex, while Seven Oaks Park has a disc golf course and dog park.
Bringing the community together at Memorial Hall
Ivanhoe Memorial Hall is the area’s community center, functioning as both a gathering space and learning center with fitness classes. The town also hosts movie nights and game nights there during the summer. According to Macias, the town also has a Fall Festival in November that includes a parade.
Driving in Ivanhoe and through the surrounding areas
Ivanhoe’s rural landscape creates a car-dependent community. California state Route 216 is one of the area’s main commuter routes and connects to state Route 198 in Visalia. The Fresno Yosemite International Airport is roughly 51 miles away in Fresno and offers commercial flights.
Ivanhoe’s hot climate and environmental risks
As a heat-prone area, Ivanhoe’s weather includes a risk of seasonal heat waves and wildfires. According to FEMA’s National Risk Index, Tulare County also has a high chance of earthquakes. To combat these environmental challenges, Tulare County Fire Station 8 provides fire prevention and emergency medical services to Ivanhoe and the surrounding areas.
