$438,279Average Value$238Average Price per Sq Ft18Homes 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
Video By
Victoria York
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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On average, homes in North Fork, CA sell after 96 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in North Fork, CA over the last 12 months is $405,000, down 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Come explore this beautiful 3.5-acre property offering stunning panoramic views of the Sierra Mountains. Located just minutes from the North Fork Market, Recreation Center, Sierra Mono Museum, and the local elementary school, this property combines privacy with convenience.A 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom mobile home sits on the property and is in need of some TLC... perfect for a renovation or
This raw residential parcel size is .33 acres (14,374 sqft) in Cascadel Woods. Water is a mutual water company to bring in and power nearby. Buyer to investigate. Some fencing.Imagine a scenic drive up a paved road leading to the top of a mountain into the subdivision called Cascadel Woods. Pass through the open space in Cascadel Woods, pass by a man-made pond which contains some fish. You
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
Spectacular high country views from this custom built home right down the road to Manzanita Lake and minutes to Bass Lake, Yosemite National Park. Escape to this beautiful single-family residence on 3.3 acres, where serenity meets sophistication. Nestled in a private location at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac with stunning views of Peckinpah Mountain, this home offers the perfect balance of
Turn-key mountain home just minutes from the Bass Lake boat launch! This 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home offers 1,379 sq ft of comfortable living space on a .27-acre lot. The functional layout is ideal for full-time living, a weekend retreat, or vacation rental potential. Recent updates include new flooring and baseboards, fresh interior paint, and updated fixtures, making the home move-in ready. The
Unlock the potential of your dreams and bring them to life on this magnificent parcel of land. Encompassing a sprawling 10 acres, this remarkable property offers vast, untouched expanses waiting to be transformed into your ideal home or tranquil retreat cabin. Sold as two adjacent, undeveloped lots, this expansive plot features its own private road meandering through the heart of the land,
2 homes and a detached suite. This quiet 2.08+/- acre multi family property has 2 manufactured homes, both on permanent foundations and each with their own address, entrance, septic systems and power. Both homes were built in 2017 and have 2 x 6 walls, 40 pound snow load, fire sprinklers, and central air and heat.The main house is 840 ft, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths with granite counters in the
Back on the market at no fault of Seller...Discover this stunning North Fork cabin, perfectly situated just 10 minutes from beautiful Bass Lake and a short drive to Yosemite National Park. Whether you're seeking a second home, vacation getaway, or a lucrative short-term rental, this property offers the ideal escape. Enjoy endless outdoor adventures swimming, paddle boarding, boating, kayaking,
Opportunity awaits with this 1979 manufactured home offering approximately 1,800 sq ft, 2 bedrooms, and 1 bathrooms, situated on 2.3 acres of usable land surrounded by pine trees, manzanita, and peaceful mountain views.The property offers a beautiful natural setting with room to expand, garden, bring animals, or simply enjoy the privacy and open space. The land is largely usable, making it ideal
One of the most sought-after pieces of land on Whisky Creek! This rare 9.2-acre slice of mountain magic comes without the Mike, but comes with the power, water, and utilities already hooked up (read: the expensive, hair-pulling part is DONE). Whisky Creek winds through the property setting the scene for summer days that might include skinny dipping or chunky dunkin’, moonlit wandering, and
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