$431,794Average Value$241Average Price per Sq Ft22Homes For Sale
North Fork epitomizes Madera County living
Located at the exact heart of California, North Fork encapsulates life in the Sierra Nevada foothills. This rustic Madera County community is a relative stone’s throw from outdoor oases like Bass Lake, Sierra National Forest and Yosemite National Park. Yet it’s also within 50 miles of Fresno's jobs and amenities. The homes in North Fork come in an array of shapes and sizes, and many offer space from neighbors. But when locals get together, friendliness is a shared trait — perhaps because, as local Realtor Donna Pride says, people are happy to be here. “People take your handshake, your eye contact, your word of mouth,” says Pride, who’s with London Properties and has been a top producer in the region for decades.
North Fork is a quaint mountain town in central California.
North Fork sits at the exact geographic center of California.
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Local region oozes with hiking, camping and fishing opportunities
This area has an abundance of places for outdoor adventure, around what's considered the geographic center of the state. Those who prefer to stay close to home can tackle the Manzanita Lake Trail, which takes visitors by the small but scenic Manzanita Lake and is roughly 2 miles round-trip. The North Fork Recreation Area features a softball field and a jungle gym, plus a beach and a swimming area by South Fork Willow Creek. Bass Lake, just outside North Fork, is a hotspot for boating, fishing and swimming in the Sierra National Forest. The rest of the forest unfurls mostly east of North Fork and includes dozens of trails stretching hundreds of miles, and more than 60 campgrounds. Yosemite National Park’s South Entrance is 27 miles from North Fork, and its varied terrain offers 750 more miles of trails. Some paths take visitors near the park’s signature waterfalls, which are most active during the spring.
Manzanita Lake near North Fork features scenic mountain views.
North Fork Recreation Center is located off Road 230.
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Mountain landscape holds an eclectic housing inventory
North Fork’s homes dot spacious lots, along the area’s winding and hilly roads. Some parcels are multiple acres, but most are at least one-fifth of an acre. Houses often sit back from the road, and trees shroud some of them. But when buyers look beyond the veil, they find that no two options are the same. “You’ve got some beautiful custom homes in the North Fork area,” Pride says. Floor plans average about 1,800 square feet across the community’s diverse collection of bungalows, ranch- and log cabin-style houses. Prices start at $200,000 for homes under 1,500 square feet and reach $780,000 for properties well over 2,000 square feet.
North Fork homes are surrounded by trees and natural beauty.
Log cabin-style homes in North Fork highlight mountain charm.
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Annual event pays homage to logging heritage
The North Fork Recreation Center hosts the Annual Mid-Sierra Loggers Jamboree every summer around the Fourth of July. This tradition, which dates back more than 60 years, recognizes the history of logging in this forested region. The jamboree features logging competitions for sawing, tree falling and more. There’s also a parade and an evening ball. The Fourth of July also brings an annual fireworks show over Bass Lake, which Pride says is a big draw.
Center of North Fork offers popular restaurants
North Fork’s downtown, around Roads 222 and 225, is filled with restaurants and other businesses. Buckhorn Saloon & Restaurant is one of the fixtures, open 365 days a year. “You have people from all over that enjoy that,” Pride says. “A lot of people have their favorite barstool in there.” Pride says the award-winning North Fork BBQ is another draw. “It’s terrific,” Pride says. "Their ribs and pork and beef.” The Gnarly Carrot and Kern Family Farm has fresh produce, and North Fork Supermarket offers more grocery items. North Fork Hardware, open since 1947, sells not only hardware but also clothing, furniture and housewares.
Buckhorn Saloon and Restaurant in North Fork has a cozy cabin vibe.
The Gnarly Carrot in North Fork specializes in local, organic products.
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Chawanakee Unified schools are a motivation for moving here
North Fork is within the Chawanakee Unified School District, which has a respected reputation in the region. “Some people move out here and commute to Fresno for an hour just to have their kids in these schools,” Pride says. The district carries a B-minus rating on Niche. The C-rated North Fork Elementary covers kindergarten to eighth grade and hosts events for its students, including a fall festival with a haunted house, food and live music. Minarets High carries a B-minus rating and features a B-plus-rated charter school. Chawanakee Adult School has GED and career technical education programs.
Minarets High School educates students from North Fork.
North Fork Elementary School is where education begins.
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Route 41 takes drivers to the region’s largest city
Residents have a relatively simple commute to the city of Fresno, using North Fork Road and California State Route 41. Fresno is about a 45-mile trip. Pride says many people choose the rural environment of North Fork over the city, but commute to Fresno for work. The Kaiser Permanente Fresno Medical Center is just under 40 miles away on the city’s north side. Travelers can take direct flights to 16 destinations from the Fresno Yosemite International Airport. Madera County Connection provides bus service to North Fork on the Eastern Madera County line.
Written By
Wayne Epps Jr.
Photography Contributed By
Mary Desmond
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Suzie Guluzian,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in North Fork, CA sell after 93 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in North Fork, CA over the last 12 months is $405,000, up 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Build your dream home in the mountains at Cascadel Woods subdivision. Approximately 3000 feet in elevation with mountain views and seasonal snow. Enjoy seasonal adventures, from hiking various trails discovering nearby creeks and waterfalls, boating, water skiing, snow skiing, paddle board, kayak, star gazing and etc. etc.. Priced at a value! Community water is available at the property, 2005
Imagine, a short, scenic drive up a paved road leading to the top of a mountain into the peaceful Cascadel Heights community. Each home here is thoughtfully positioned with generous space between neighbors, designed to take full advantage of the breathtaking panoramic mountain views. This desirable location is near Bass Lake and a route to the southern entrance to Yosemite National Park. A
Looking for your mountain retreat? This home has a lot to offer. With a long list of high-quality modern updates, you can live in comfort and entertain with pride. Move-in ready. Clean, well kept. Steel sided by TruLogTM, and extra fire clearance and protection. Two independent electric meters in case you want to add an ADU or shop on its own power. No HOA or CC&R's. RV spot with full hook-ups.
Property Id: 2203515Beautiful 3 bedroom, 2-1/2 bath home in the exact center of California - North Fork. New floors and paint. Enjoy the beautiful mountain air on the large deck or curl up in front of the cozy wood-burning stove on cold nights. Enjoy 2 acres of privacy in addition to a 26'x 18' metal shop and a 2-car garage.
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