Riverdale is a farming town with family oriented atmosphere
At the confluence of the Kings River, Riverdale is an agricultural community in the farmland flats of California's Central Valley. This town has a Latino influence with Mexican restaurants and local markets, about 25 miles south of Fresno. With Spanish-style churches and highly rated schools, Riverdale sports a family oriented atmosphere surrounded by palm trees and orchards. "People want to live here because it's a quiet, smaller town that is close-knit," says Griselda Zuniga, an area local and property manager at Riverwood Apartments. "Everybody knows everybody because they grew up together. There are a lot of second-generation families who have been here for a long time."
Craftsman-style homes with flat lawns and farmland
Flat, sandy lawns and Italian cypress trees border the quiet streets. This community features Craftsman and ranch-style homes with stucco siding. Houses are typically between 750 and 2,500 square feet. According to recently sold listings, many homes are from the 1970s and 2000s. Home prices range from $140,000 to $570,000. As of June 2025, the median home sale price has risen by 20% over the last 12 months. Farmland and equestrian space are often attached to properties, with some plots of land spanning from 5,000 square feet to more than 15 acres. "Many people work in farm labor because Riverdale is right in the middle of different packing companies and farms," Zuniga says. "House prices are much less expensive here than in the Bay Area, but you can still be there in a couple of hours."
B-rated schools with opportunities for positive growth
Fipps Primary School serves students from kindergarten to third grade, with a B grade from Niche. It has accolades, including a PBIS Gold designation, for its focus on positive behavior and support systems. Grades four through eight attend Riverdale Elementary School, which earns a B-minus grade and has after-school activities like dancing, cooking and boxing. Riverdale High School receives a B and has won several awards for female diversity in its AP computer science program.
Mexican restaurants and farming stores on Mount Whitney Avenue
Mount Whitney Avenue is the central thoroughfare, with farm supply and hardware stores. There are several locally owned eateries, like El Mercadito, a Mexican restaurant serving burritos, breakfast dishes and beer in a casual space. Riverdale Pizza is a family owned pizzeria serving local favorites for takeout. The community's grocery store is State Foods Supermarket, and the Mt. Whitney Mini Mart is a convenience store about 4 miles west. "Most people go to Hanford or Fresno for their weekly supply of groceries, but there are a couple of stores for basic necessity shopping," Zuniga says.
Picnic areas and disc golf at Hickey Park
The area's public schools have campuses with public playground equipment and sports fields. However, residents will need to travel for additional recreation. About 10 miles south, Hickey Park has a shady disc golf course, volleyball courts and picnic areas surrounded by mature trees. Laton-Kingston Park offers a beach area on the Kings River, with swimming holes and picnic areas. The Lemoore Sportsman's Club is a nearby shooting range roughly 5 miles south.
Getting to Fresno on SR-41
The Coalinga Transit is a public bus system that takes passengers from Riverdale to Fresno. Residents can take state Route 99 to Bakersfield, around 110 miles south. The community’s primary highway is state Route 41. Hanford is a small city, roughly 20 miles southeast on SR-41, while Fresno is approximately 25 miles north. The Fresno Yosemite International Airport is about 30 miles north, with direct passenger flights to cities in the U.S. and Mexico.
