Situated Between Fresno And Bakersfield Is An Affordable City With Small-Town Charm And Tasty Restaurants

Lots of folks visit California for hip destinations like Bishop, which offers endless outdoor adventures. But let's not forget the quiet cities that often get missed along the highway, welcoming visitors with a quaintness that's hard to come by these days. Nestled in the San Joaquin Valley is the charming city of Corcoran, a former railroad town near the lush farmlands of Tulare Lake Basin. You'll find delicious restaurants in town, as well as interesting sites to explore on your travels.

Sandwiched between Fresno and Bakersfield, this industrious town was built around farming and agriculture. The San Joaquin Valley is an affordable destination and popular gateway to recreation, with quiet communities like Corcoran. Residents have access to good schools and community services, with less expensive housing compared to the national average. The typical home in Corcoran goes for just over $220,000; a far cry from the average California home cost, which sits well above $700,000. With the rising cost of living these days, it's comforting to know that there are pleasant cities, like Fresno and Bakersfield, where you can retire on Social Security.

Visitors can enjoy several parks in town with exciting amenities, such as a municipal pool, soccer field, playgrounds, and a skate park. The local train station provides easy travel around the valley, with a secure lot for your car. The town was once a bustling railroad junction, connecting the San Joaquin Valley and San Francisco. Today, there's an Amtrak station with a comfortable waiting room, ready to take you on your next adventure.

Corcoran is located 64 miles from Bakersfield and 54 miles from Fresno, along State Route 43. It has over 22,000 residents and is home to a California State Prison. But don't let that be a deterrent to visiting. The state prison is an important resource for the town, providing jobs for 1,900 of its residents. The town is peaceful and well-maintained, with lush local parks and quaint community churches. It is a fairly safe city, especially the northwest part of town, with many residents considering it a quiet place to live with plenty of small-town charm.

Corcoran residents have access to good schools and wholesome community activities, like a Christmas tree-lighting parade in the wintertime, making it a good place to start a family or raise kids. There are also a variety of community events taking place throughout the year, such as farmers' markets and car shows, as well as the yearly Cotton Festival, featuring a parade, games, and food.

Parks are an easy and affordable way to get to know the vibe of a city, and Corcoran has quite a few. Gateway Park, on the northeast side of town, has a beautiful Veterans Memorial with metal sculptures shining in the sun. The park also features a children's playground and an awesome pump track for the adrenaline junkies and extreme sports enthusiasts. For a mellow walk in the park, head to J.G. Boswell's ample walking trails and shady picnic spots. Corcoran Community Park is a serene spot where you can enjoy beautiful vegetation and bask in nature. If you want to bring Rover along on an adventure, visit Corcoran Dog Park on the west side.

Corcoran's downtown areas are very walkable, with clean, wide streets and inviting shops. Its revamped commercial district features a variety of delicious eateries and cafes where you can hang out with friends or conveniently stop for a quick bite. It's easy to find the foods you're craving here, whether it's a pizza dripping with cheese or a juicy burger with all the fixings. For instance, King's Drive-In is the spot to go for cheeseburgers, if you are looking for that hometown burger joint feel.

Pirate Pizza (also known as El Pirata) is a must-visit for a delectable selection of mouth-watering pies, loaded with just about anything you can imagine. It serves Hot Cheeto pizza, clam chowder pizza, and even a carne asada pizza topped with pico de gallo. This is in addition to all your traditional favorites like pepperoni or vegetarian, so you can still enjoy a regular slice of cheese pizza, if that's what you're in the mood for. It also has a cool arcade area, with pinball machines and video games, so you can hang out and play while you wait for your pizza.

If you're leaning towards Mexican food, look no further than Medrano's for a tasty selection of tacos, burritos, and specialty dishes, like carne al pastor. Besides the excellent food, great service, and cozy atmosphere, it also serves a delicious home-style breakfast. Lake Bottom Eatery, Brewery, and Distillery is an excellent choice if you're looking for a wide selection of food items and refreshing brews. The lively ambiance and delicious entrees make it special for dates, while the casual vibes make it the ultimate hangout spot for gathering with the crew.