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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
Eric McCormick,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Madera, CA sell after 47 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 $445,900, up 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to this 2.3 Acre Country Living with a Modern Touch Zoned RRS-2 This home has been Fully upgraded with over 3100sq ft of living space. 5 bedrooms with a office (6th) and study ( kitchenette/game room.) 3 and half bathrooms. Brand New Appliances, New HVAC. This Multi Gen Home is ready for you. Spacious open floor plan with chef kitchen custom countertops and tiled backsplash perfectly sets
This home is featuring 4 bedrooms and two bathrooms. This home is perfect for families of all sizes. The well-designed floor plan includes a two-car garage, providing ample space for parking and storage. Step inside and be greeted by the exquisite 6 x 24 tile plank flooring, offering a warm and inviting ambiance. The kitchen and bathrooms showcase beautiful white quartz counters, providing a
Welcome to 815 West Yosemite Avenue in Madera a stunning Spanish-style adobe brick home full of character and timeless charm! Step through the beautifully landscaped courtyard and into the classic Spanish-style front porch, setting the tone for this rare Madera gem. Inside, a formal entry welcomes you to a home rich with original architectural details that reflect authentic Spanish hacienda
Charming, move-in ready home that sits on large corner lot on 2.27 acres. This single-story home welcomes you in with an open floor plan, giving you plenty of room to entertain. Features an updated kitchen with granite counter tops, breakfast bar, double ovens, lvp flooring, newer baseboards, vaulted ceilings, brick fireplace with pellet insert and a covered patio. Indoor laundry includes plenty
Welcome to 4693 Del Oro Rd in the prestigious Tesoro Viejo's Hillside Village. This 3,285 sqft. Contemporary Style home sits on a premium 7,601 sq. ft. lot and offers over $100K in upgrades, plus paid-for solar system. Originally 3 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, it has been modified to flow as a 5-bedroom residence. Highlights include a Harman Kardon quality sound system, granite-trimmed fireplace, custom
Welcome to 26963 Frisco Way in Madera, a well-maintained ranch-style residence offering a functional layout and thoughtful design. The home features an open floor plan that connects the living, dining, and kitchen areas, supporting efficient use of space. The living room includes vaulted, beamed ceilings and a fireplace, creating an open yet defined area. The kitchen is equipped with stone
Welcome to this 2.3 Acre Country Living with a Modern Touch Zoned RRS-2 This home has been Fully upgraded with over 3100sq ft of living space. 5 bedrooms with a office (6th) and study ( kitchenette/game room.) 3 and half bathrooms. Brand New Appliances, New HVAC. This Multi Gen Home is ready for you. Spacious open floor plan with chef kitchen custom countertops and tiled backsplash perfectly sets
Move-In Ready New Construction! Welcome to 1225 Via Valencia Drive in West Madera, a stunning Carmel Homes residence that is complete and ready for immediate occupancy. This beautifully designed 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom home offers 2,680 sq. ft. of modern living space on a 6,519 sq. ft. lot, blending luxury, comfort, and energy efficiency. The open-concept floor plan includes a versatile bonus room,
Welcome to 692 Blueberry Lane in Madera a beautiful two-story home on a spacious corner lot! This inviting property features 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, a loft, and an office area, offering flexible living for today's modern lifestyle. Enter inside to a welcoming living room that flows into a remodeled kitchen with granite countertops, new stainless-steel appliances, new flooring, new interior
One of a kind! Two homes on two acres with two addresses. Welcome to 37143 Avenue 16. This custom property features owned solar and a nearly new well. The main 4-bedroom, 3-bath home spans 3,200 sq ft on RRS-2 zoning (horses welcome). Step through the double-door entry into a huge open floor plan with engineered hardwood throughout. The chef's kitchen boasts quartz countertops, a built-in ice
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,
PRIZE IMPROMENT !! 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
Your new home awaits at Bridgeview Apartments. Comfortable living is what you can expect in our thoughtfully designed two and three bedroom apartment homes. Fully equipped kitchens with large pantries, central air and heating and private balconies and patios are just a few of the standard features of our spacious floor plans. And we have thought beyond your apartment home with community amenities
This property boasts a gorgeous 2859 sq ft custom home, a 529 square foot guest house with bathroom and attached garage, and a 5000 square foot insulated metal shop with stucco exterior and 14' dual roll up doors.The list of amenities for this home goes on and on. There are granite counters throughout the home. The utility room is huge and has two washers & dryers. The kitchen is a chef's
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.
Spacious single-family home, 2179 s.f. on a beautiful 1.6 acre lot with a pool & spa in Madera Ranchos. Recently renovated with new carpet and paint throughout. Large master bedroom, closet and bath with soaker tub. Washer/Dryer hook-up, indoor laundry room with sink. Appliances include Microwave, built-in Stove & Oven and Dishwasher. This is a great property, a short drive to Fresno or Highway
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
Move-in Special! $250 off the first month's rent!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
**Welcome to Madera West Apartments**Reduced MOVE IN COSTS !!! Deposit Move in special !! $1000 Deposit ONLY$500 DEPOSIT DUE AT SIGNING $500 REMAINDER TO BE PAYED AT MOVE IN ALONG WITH 1st MONTHS RENT You will be impressed with our floor plans! Very spacious 1 and 2 bedrooms, abundant closet space, spacious kitchen cabinets, and more! We are a gated community
Prime Industrial Lot Available for Lease.This spacious, undeveloped lot offers excellent potential in a designated industrial zone. The zoning allows for a variety of improvements, making it a great opportunity for businesses looking to build or expand. Tenants are encouraged to explore the full range of possibilities by verifying allowable uses with Madera County.
Riverstone Living at Its Finest! HOA included in the rent!!Welcome to the exclusive Elev8ions gated community within the award-winning Riverstone development where luxury, comfort, and convenience meet. This stunning Wilson-built home has been thoughtfully designed with modern upgrades and an inviting layout that's perfect for both relaxing and entertaining. Now available for rent!Step
We proudly offer inviting, pet-friendly two and three-bedroom floor plans tailored to your needs. Your new cable-ready home will include a balcony or patio, carpeted floors, and washer and dryer connections. Imagine the gourmet meals you’ll prepare in your kitchen furnished with a refrigerator, stove, and even a dishwasher in select homes! Select apartments for rent come with ceiling fans and
This home is perfect for a small family! This is home is in a great area and is a great place to raise a family. If you are looking for a home to rent in Madera, CA, this home is for you.
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