Since Swedish immigrants settled in Kingsburg in the late 1800s, the city has worn its Scandinavian roots on its sleeve. Swedish flags and Dala horses appear frequently throughout this small city southeast of Fresno. A 60,000-gallon water tower shaped like a Swedish coffee pot looms over its downtown. Several Sweden-inspired festivals fill the streets with colorful costumes and food every year. “We’re all honorary Swedes at this point,” says Kingsburg Consulting Economic Development Coordinator Jolene Polyack. Along with its heritage, Kingsburg is known as a place where residents establish long-term roots. “I’m a newcomer — I’ve lived here only 27 years,” Polyack half-jokes. The city’s independent businesses, agricultural opportunities, uniquely structured school system and deliberately slow growth make it a place residents seldom wish to leave.
Kingsburg's world famous Swedish Coffee Pot water tower looks over downtown.
The Swedish inspired Svensk Butik Gift Shop is a popular stop for visitors of Kingsburg.
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Stucco siding and clay roofs abound
Kingsburg straddles the Golden State Highway within a sea of brown-and-green checkerboard farmland. It’s grown steadily to include around 12,600 residents, though it isn’t too eager to expand further. “About 30 years ago, Kingsburg set a policy of a 3% growth rate,” says Realtor Steve Safarjian of RPS Real Estate, a born-and-raised, 70-year local. “That way, it stays a small-town environment with small-town values and a small, vibrant downtown.” All residents live within 2 miles of the city’s core, primarily in ranch-style and Mediterranean Revival homes. Some new, Craftsman-style builds appear around town, as well as mobile homes in the 55-and-older Valkommen Village. Move-in-ready units in this community start at around $65,000 for three-bedroom, roughly 1,400-square-foot floor plans. For about $430,000 — the average local property value — homebuyers might find a new, stucco-sided Craftsman with four bedrooms and 2,500 square feet. Prices peak at around $5 million for 3,000-square-foot, ranch-style estates on a dozen-plus acres.
Several Mediterranean homes have solar panels and palm trees in Kingsburg.
New Multi-story Mediterranean inspired homes are popping up in Kingsburg.
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A Swedish-inspired downtown with beloved businesses
A historic train depot anchors Kingsburg’s downtown, flanked by a handful of gridded blocks with beloved local businesses. Among these is Roadhouse, a classic American restaurant known for its wings, barbecue and sprawling whiskey collection. Across the street, Bella Bakery offers a colorful array of desserts, from macarons and cupcakes to various ice cream flavors. “People like to spend Friday night walking downtown to get some ice cream,” says Kingsburg Assistant City Manager Christina Windover. “Everything I’ve tried has been amazing. They even have sheep milk ice cream for lactose-sensitive customers.”
Bella Bakery in downtown Kingsburg offers residents and visitors delicious fresh baked treats.
Come down to the Roadhouse in downtown Kingsburg for a delicious BBQ sandwich.
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Football games that "shut down Draper Street"
Kingsburg is home to a “very unusual school district,” Polyack says. “Students aren’t divided geographically — they’re divided by age. All kindergartners go to the same school and go through the next 12 years together, regardless of home address.” Four elementary schools accommodate kindergarten through sixth grade. Washington and Roosevelt Elementary Schools — both awarded Bs by Niche — exclusively serve kindergarten and first grade, respectively. After cycling through two more elementary schools, students attend grades seven and eight at Rafer Johnson Junior High, rated a B-minus. Finally, they become Vikings at the B-plus-rated Kingsburg High School, whose expansive campus includes an outdoor pool and many other athletic facilities. “The Friday night football games are packed, especially when we play our rivals, Selma High School,” Polyack says. “There’s a big rally before the Selma game outside city hall — we shut down Draper Street for it.”
Children in Kingsburg can attend Washington Elementary School.
The entrance to Kingsburg High School in Kingsburg.
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From pancake suppers to Christmas tree lightings
Other events that fill the streets of downtown Kingsburg with foot traffic include the Kingsburg Swedish Festival. Each May, this three-day celebration kicks off with a supper of Swedish pancakes and pea soup and concludes with a Saturday night parade. After Thanksgiving, locals gather for Julgransfest to light a Christmas tree, sing carols and watch folk dancers. Just one week later, City Hall hosts its Santa Lucia Celebration featuring a gingerbread house contest and the Festival of Lights Parade.
Modest parks scattered throughout
Year-round recreation is available at several modest parks scattered across Kingsburg. Memorial Park sits just west of Kingsburg High School, featuring a bandstand, a playground, horseshoe pits, and dozens of benches and picnic tables beneath generous tree cover. Kingsburg Historical Park, to the high school’s other side, invites visitors to explore historic buildings and artifacts celebrating the city’s roots.
Kingsburg's Memorial Park includes a playground and covered bandstand
The swings are popular with kids at Memorial Park in Kingsburg.
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Convenient for farmers and commuters
Agriculture still plays a prominent role in Kingsburg. Many locals work in the farming business; Sun-Maid’s processing headquarters are in Kingsburg’s northwestern stretches. Fresno commuters are typically within a 30-minute, straight-shot drive of downtown.
A giant box of raisins greet visitors to the office and store of Sun-Maid in Kingsburg.
Downtown Kingsburg continues to transform into a delightful place for visitors to experience.
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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.
