An agricultural city in the Central Valley with a small-town feel
Madera, named after the Spanish word for lumber, built the world’s longest log flume in 1900 for its booming timber industry. Since then, the city’s main industry has shifted to agriculture, with almond orchards and grapevines surrounding the community. Although it looks like a small rural town, Madera has a population of approximately 70,000, and it continues to grow thanks to attractive home prices. “I feel like people are deciding to move here because it’s one of the more affordable areas, but it still has appreciation for the value of homes,” says Realtor Marisela Ramos, who works with The Real Brokerage, Inc. and has a few years of experience in the area. Madera’s Central Valley location also lends itself to easy commutes to Fresno, about 25 miles away.
Madera, CA has very attractive home prices.
Madera is known for growing almond orchards and grapevines.
The Zero Gravity Skatepark is located at Madera Rotary Park.
Golfers can practice on the driving range at Madera Municipal Golf Course.
1/4
Bungalows downtown and farmhouses on the outskirts
The center of Madera is composed of grid-style streets of historic houses, which include Craftsman bungalows from the early 1900s. The town expands into subdivisions of midcentury ranch-style homes, and then sprawls even farther with new cul-de-sacs of contemporary houses. On the rural outskirts of the city, farmhouses occupy multiacre lots. The city's median housing price is around $425,000, but large farmhouses with land can reach $1.25 million. Homes stay on the market for an average of 45 days, higher than the national average of 44 days. Interested buyers may have to wait for their ideal home to pop up on the market. “I think we still need more homes, although this is a nationwide thing," Ramos says.
Larger craftsman style homes are available on the outskirts of Madera.
Bungalow style homes are common in areas surrounding Downtown Madera.
Farmhouses on big properties can be found on the perimeter of Madera.
Newer contemporary homes provides more housing for the growing city of Madera.
1/4
Yosemite Avenue and more shopping hubs
In the middle of Madera, East Yosemite Avenue is the city’s Main Street-style downtown. The walkable district has a few blocks of clothing shops, restaurants and more local businesses. Madera Marketplace, which serves the northern part of town, is one of the biggest strip malls in the area. It has two grocery stores as well as more local restaurants. About a mile south of downtown, Bethard Square Shopping Center has more retail, plus a Madera mainstay dinner spot. Since 1977, The Vineyard Restaurant & Bar has served house-made Italian food with local wines. Because grapes are one of the city’s top crops, Madera has multiple wineries on its western side, including Quady Winery and the San Joaquin Winery.
Ortiz Western Wear in Madera, CA has a great selection of boots, hats, and clothes.
Yosemite Avenue is the main street in Madera, CA.
The Vineyard Restaurant & Bar is a highly rated Italian restaurant in Madera, CA.
Madera is home to a few wineries like Toca Madera Winery.
1/4
Madera's biggest events and attractions
At the annual Madera District Fair in September, there are three days of carnival rides, concerts and food vendors. In December, the Downtown Madera Christmas Light Parade brings elaborate floats and decorations to Yosemite Avenue. For a more frequent event, the Madera Flea Market happens every Wednesday and Sunday. Visitors can browse 400 to 500 vendor stalls, selling items ranging from fresh produce to furniture.
One of the city’s main attractions is the Madera 2 Drive-In on the north side of town. From spring through autumn, it offers double features and a snack bar. In the heart of the city, Madera County Historical Society is a museum within a former courthouse from 1900. It displays local artifacts, including the preserved original courtroom and gold-mining equipment. Soon the North Fork Casino will be another of the city’s attractions, projected to open in early 2026. “We are getting a casino, and a lot of people are looking forward to that. It will draw more value to the area,” Ramos says.
The Madera County Historical Society is a museum located at Madera County Courthouse Park.
This 9/11 Memorial is located at Madera County Courthouse Park in Downtown Madera.
Enjoy a new movie on a summer night at the Madera 2 Drive-In.
Downtown Madera is filled with great parks, shops, and restaurants.
1/4
Recreation options and environmental factors in Madera
The city provides many recreation options with over two dozen parks, trails and indoor facilities. The most popular is Lions Town & Country Park, about 50 acres of land on the western side of Madera. The park’s tree-lined walking trails are a highlight, especially in the autumn as the leaves change. It also has a disc golf course, ballfields and a picnic pavilion. Centennial Park, located on the eastern part of the city, offers a swimming pool, a playground and a youth center. The center's activities include cooking classes, dancing and more. On the northwestern outskirts of Madera, there’s the Madera Municipal Golf Course, a public 18-hole course with a clubhouse. The city is considered a gateway to Yosemite National Park, located about 60 miles away. Madera has a severe heat factor, especially during the summertime; winters are mild, while summer temperatures regularly hit the upper 90s. This contributes to the city’s extreme air quality risk, caused by the city's highways and farming.
The playground at Lions Town & Country Park in Madera is fun for the entire family.
Play a melody on the xylophone at Madera County Courthouse Park in Madera, CA.
Madera Municipal Golf Course is surrounded by farmland.
Mature trees provide shade along walk trails at Lions Town & Country Park in Madera, CA.
1/4
Madera Unified public schools and nearby universities
The community is served by the Madera Unified School District, which has a B-minus rating on Niche. It earns B ratings in teachers, college prep and administration. With approximately 20,000 students, the district’s student-teacher ratio is 21-to-1. Nearby higher education includes California State University, Fresno, and the University of California Merced.
The staff and teachers at Alview Elementary School in Madera are caring.
Madera High School prepare students for their future.
Firebaugh Middle School in Madera, CA is a safe and nurturing environment.
Fairmead Elementary School in Madera is a highly rated school.
1/4
25 miles to Fresno, 35 to Merced
Most Madera residents commute to work via state Route 99. Using this highway, the city is about 25 miles from Fresno and 35 miles from Merced. Some residents work at Madera's major employers, including Valley Children's Hospital and the Madera County government. For public transportation, there’s the Madera County Transportation Commission bus system. In the northern part of the city, Madera Amtrak Station offers the San Joaquins train to Bakersfield and Oakland. Fresno Yosemite International Airport is about 25 miles away.
Madera Police Department and crime rates
The violent crime rate in Madera is higher than the state and national rates, while the property crime rate is lower. In 2023, the city averaged a violent crime rate of about 150 incidents per 100,000 residents each month, compared to 104 in broader California and around 113 in the United States. Incidents of property crime happened at a rate of 104 each month, compared to 197 in broader California and around 163 nationally.
Written By
Anna Anderson
Photography Contributed By
Kiet Tat
Video By
Tyler Hall
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Erika Luke,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Madera, CA sell after 48 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Madera, CA over the last 12 months is $443,750, up 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Located at 2808 Riverview Drive in Madera, CA, this attractive ranch-style home is ready for its next chapter. The living room is bright and airy, highlighted by a high vaulted ceiling with beautiful exposed beams that create a sense of openness and architectural character. Natural light fills the space, making it warm and invitingperfect for everyday living or entertaining. The kitchen is both
Beautiful 1 year old KB home, Bristal 2101 model. This home has a welcoming entry on a corner premium 8,276 Square Foot lot. This 4 bedroom 2 bath home features many upgrades from 10ft ceilings with custom one of a kind cabinets that go all the way up to the ceiling. Crown molding through out the home. Custom wood beams and brick that give you that homey feeling. The backyard is fully landscaped
Welcome to 31031 Donald Ave where country charm meets everyday functionality! Nestled on 2.3 usable acres in the highly sought-after Bonadelle Ranchos community, this property offers the space and flexibility you've been searching for. Whether you're dreaming of a hobby farm, a home-based business, or simply room to roam, this versatile estate delivers.Enjoy the convenience of a detached
Welcome to this beautifully maintained 2-year-old home located in a quiet and desirable Madera neighborhood. Perfect for first-time buyers or those looking to upgrade, this modern residence offers the ideal blend of contemporary design, comfort, and energy efficiency. With 1,862 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space, the home features four spacious bedrooms and three full bathrooms.
Welcome to this one-of-a-kind home that combines modern amenities, thoughtful design, and old-world charm, look nofurther than this gorgeous 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom, 3,330 sq. ft. property with a 600 sq. ft. detached in-law suite with aprivate entrance offers the perfect blend of independence and togetherness for a multi-generational family .Built in 2001,this Santa Fe-style estate
Welcome to 602 Bruce Street in Madera's highly desirable Barsotti Tract — one of West Madera's most sought-after neighborhoods! This beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home offers 1,476 sq. ft. of modern comfort and timeless charm, conveniently located near top-rated schools, parks, churches, and freeway access. Enter inside to a bright open-concept floor plan featuring new flooring,
At Riverwoods Apartments in Madera CA, experience fine living. Youll experience a unique selection of features and amenities at our community including convenient on-site parking options, high-speed internet access, and smoke-free options. From location to floorplan options, the team of leasing professionals is excited to help you find your perfect fit. Contact us or stop by today.
This is your chance to live in the highly sought after Tesoro Viejo neighborhood in Madera! Enjoy this almost brand-new home with perks such as synthetic lawn in the back and drought friendly landscaping in the front. The kitchen is well-equipped with GE appliances and an oversized island with stunning black countertops. All three bedrooms and two bathrooms are upstairs, each bedroom including
Come experience peaceful living in our beautiful, spacious 2- and 3-bedroom units—each with its own enclosed garage. Our floorplans are uniquely large for Madera, offering 1,300 to 1,448 sq. ft. of living space with abundant closets and storage throughout.Enjoy community amenities including two swimming pools, a basketball court, a small gym, and open park-like grounds perfect for
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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.
