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It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always

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Home Care In Visalia, CA

Home Care Visalia, CA

They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.

However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Hyde House gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.

Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Visalia, CA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

In-Home Care Visalia, CA

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The Always Best Care Difference

Since 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.

Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.

The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.

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What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Visalia, CA?

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Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.

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When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.

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The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.

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At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.

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Senior Care Visalia, CA

Types of Elderly Care in Visalia, CA

To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:

Personal Care

Personal Care Services

If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.

Common personal care services include assistance with:

  • Eating
  • Mobility Issues
  • Incontinence
  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Grooming
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Respite Care Visalia, CA
Home Helper

Home Helper Services

Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.

Common home helper care services include assistance with:

  • Medication Reminders
  • Meal Preparation
  • Pet Care
  • Prescription Refills
  • Morning Wake-Up
  • Walking
  • Reading
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Caregivers Visalia, CA
Companionship Services

Companionship Services

Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Blain Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.

Common companionship services include:

  • Grocery Shopping
  • Transportation to Appointments
  • Nutritional Assistance
  • Conversation
  • Planning Outings
  • Completing Errands
  • Transportation to Community
  • Events and Social Outings
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Home Care Visalia, CA
Respite Care

Respite Care Services

According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Tommy's Restaurant or visit End of the Trail, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.

At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.

If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.

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In-Home Care Visalia, CA

Benefits of Home Care in Visalia, CA

Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:

Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.

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Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.

In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.

Here are just a few of the reasons why older men and women prefer to age at home:

How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?

A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.

With the help of elderly care in Visalia, CA, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.

Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.

Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.

For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.

More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.

In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.

With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.

Elderly Care Visalia, CA

Affordable Care

In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.

Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.

At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.

In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:

If your loved one qualifies, Medicaid may help reduce in-home care costs. Review your CA's Medicaid program laws and benefits, and make sure your senior's financial and medical needs meet Medicaid eligibility requirements.
Attendance and aid benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.
Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.
Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.
Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.
Senior Care Visalia, CA

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers.

When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.

Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.

At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Visalia, CA understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.

Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.

Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.

Assisted Living Referral Services

While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.

Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.

Respite Care Visalia, CA

At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.

Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Recreational Activities
  • Social Outings
  • Emergency Medical Response
  • Medication Monitoring
  • Family Visitation
  • Personal Care
Caregivers Visalia, CA

At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.

Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.

Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:

  • Prestige Assisted Living at Visalia
  • Quail Park on Cypress
  • Quail Park at Shannon Ranch
  • Glory Days Assisted Living Memory Care
  • Senior Living Alternatives
  • Westgate Gardens Care Center
Home Care Visalia, CA

For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.

In-Home Care Visalia, CA

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:

A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way

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A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive

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Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

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Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.

If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.

At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Visalia, CA 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.

When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.

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Elderly Care Visalia, CA

Latest News in Visalia, CA

Man scores $10M scratcher in Visalia

Brent Young hits the lottery after winning $10 million dollars from a scratcher game purchased at a Visalia gas station VISALIA – Brent Young scratched out new possibilities for himself when he walked into his local gas station and left it as a multimillionaire.As reported by the California State Lottery, Brent Young had a bit of trouble deciding which scratcher games to play with the more than two dozen games to pick from inside Prince Food & Gas in Visalia. After asking the store clerk which game he want...

Brent Young hits the lottery after winning $10 million dollars from a scratcher game purchased at a Visalia gas station

VISALIA – Brent Young scratched out new possibilities for himself when he walked into his local gas station and left it as a multimillionaire.

As reported by the California State Lottery, Brent Young had a bit of trouble deciding which scratcher games to play with the more than two dozen games to pick from inside Prince Food & Gas in Visalia. After asking the store clerk which game he wanted to buy, he ended up walking out the door with $10 million.

“I was like just pick whichever one; I didn’t care,” Young said in a California Lottery press release.

According to the news release, the store’s clerk reached across the counter and chose the California 200X Scratcher for Young. After paying for his gas and the game, he started scratching. About halfway down, he saw a square with “$10,000,000” written in bold numbers, and realized uncovered the game’s top prize amount.

“When I saw all those zeros, I was like ‘no way, this doesn’t happen to people like me,’” Young said in the release. “It’s crazy. Out of all those options, the clerk could have picked a different game. But he didn’t. He grabbed a winner.”

Young said he shouldn’t even have been there in the first place, because as it turns out, the gas station where he usually fills up and buys lottery tickets was closed that day.

“It’s almost like God’s intervention. I didn’t have a specific ticket I was going to buy, so I let someone else decide,” he said. “I had no choice but to go to Prince’s. My usual stop was closed. If it had been open, none of this probably would have happened.”

Young decided to take the lump sum prize amount of $5.8 million – less federal taxes that way. Prince Food & Liquor won as well, according to the release, as the owner is collecting a $50,000 bonus for selling that winning ticket. Not only that, but Young isn’t the only California Lottery player to score big – according to California Lottery, “six additional scratcher winners also joined the CA lottery millionaires club.”

According to the announcement, Felix Arambula struck it rich on a “$1,000,000 Cloud 9” scratcher. It was sold at Shop N Go in Kingsburg (Fresno County).

Daryl Knighten won $2 million playing an “Instant Prize Crossword” scratcher game. He bought his lucky ticket at the Stage Shop III Chevron station on Highway 3 in Fort Jones (Siskiyou County).

Marco Matiasic won the top prize of $1 million playing a “Show Me $1,000,000” game that was purchased at Speedy Spot in San Bruno (San Mateo County).

Reyna Gomez also became an instant millionaire playing a “Show Me $1,000,000” game. That one was purchased at Campus Plaza Shell in Moorpark (Ventura County).

Guillermina Perez won the top prize on a “$1,000,000 California Road Trip Riches” game that was purchased at World Donuts & Ice Cream in Pomona (Los Angeles County).

Jaime Medrano also hit it big on a “$1,000,000 Cloud 9” scratcher. He bought his lucky game at a Vons in Lakewood (Los Angeles County).

The California Lottery’s mission, according to the release, is to provide supplemental funding to California public schools, including kindergarten and grades one through 12, community colleges, the California State University, the University of California and other California public educational entities.

The funds the Lottery transferred to public education totaled more than $2.07 billion for fiscal year 2021-22, which amounted to a modest percentage of education’s overall budget.

However, this funding is largely discretionary, meaning schools can use this for important, yet unfunded instructional programs they would otherwise not afford. During the same period, the Lottery generated more than $8.85 billion in sales, more than 95% of which went back to the community in the form of prize payments, retailer commissions and bonuses, and contributions to education.

If you feel you have a gambling problem, or know someone who does, you can get free confidential help by calling the California Problem Gambling Helpline at 1- 800-GAMBLER.

New VA Clinic Taking Shape in Visalia

A brand-new facility is on the horizon for Veterans in the South Valley, promising top-notch healthcare services.The VA Engineering Service hosted a hard-hat tour of the Visalia Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) on October 24, for review of safety and compliance features. Several key VACCHCS staff members got their first look at the two-story building under construction at 500 N. Santa Fe Street, formerly the Buckman Mitchell Insurance Building.Deputy Chief Facility Planner, Timothy Luce, said, "We began designing i...

A brand-new facility is on the horizon for Veterans in the South Valley, promising top-notch healthcare services.

The VA Engineering Service hosted a hard-hat tour of the Visalia Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) on October 24, for review of safety and compliance features. Several key VACCHCS staff members got their first look at the two-story building under construction at 500 N. Santa Fe Street, formerly the Buckman Mitchell Insurance Building.

Deputy Chief Facility Planner, Timothy Luce, said, "We began designing in June 2022, collaborating closely with Ryan Companies Construction and VA experts to develop a clinic that optimizes the flow of healthcare services through innovative construction, modern equipment, and input from healthcare professionals from a dozen specialty fields. We believe this facility will offer a remarkable experience for the Veterans receiving healthcare services in this area."

The new 23,300 square foot Visalia clinic is scheduled to replace the existing 7,000 square foot VA clinic in the City of Tulare, which has been serving Veterans for nearly 20 years. Cheryl Carson has been the Nurse Manager at the Tulare CBOC for nearly 12 years, and says she looks forward to transitioning to the new site, “I believe both the Veterans and Tulare staff will be so impressed with what is shaping up to be a beautiful new clinic in Visalia. I’m most excited about all the additional diagnostic and specialty clinic services that will be available locally in this new clinic.”

The impressive new facility boasts a multitude of features designed to meet the diverse healthcare needs of Veterans. The first floor of the building includes 17 primary care examination rooms, and an outdoor waiting area with a water feature, providing a tranquil environment for patients. Meanwhile, the second floor is set to house a pharmacy, laboratory, and specialty clinics. These specialized clinics will offer a wide range of services, including x-ray imaging, audiology, optometry, podiatry, prosthetics, mental health care, and connected care telehealth capabilities, ensuring that Veterans have access to comprehensive medical care under one roof. Additionally, the site will offer ample parking with more than 100 gated parking stalls for the convenience of patients and staff alike.

The Tulare CBOC, which began serving Veterans in 2004, will be vacated by the VA in June of 2024, at which time the new clinic will already be operational. The new Visalia clinic is scheduled to open in phases, beginning in May of 2024. With a comprehensive range of services, state-of-the-art facilities, and a commitment to providing the best possible care, this new Visalia clinic is a testament to the dedication of the VA in serving those who have served our nation.

Four youth retailers coming to Visalia in 2024

Carters, OshKosh, Skechers coming to the Sequoia Mall and The Buckle coming to the Visalia Mall next year VISALIA – The rejuvenation of the Sequoia Mall continues after the shopping center announced three new tenants.Sequoia Mall owner Dave Paynter said children’s retailers Carters and OshKosh B’gosh, both owned by the same parent company, will be side by side in two 4300 square foot spaces. These top brands in children’s apparel are already sold in Macy’s and J.C. Penny so the company ...

Carters, OshKosh, Skechers coming to the Sequoia Mall and The Buckle coming to the Visalia Mall next year

VISALIA – The rejuvenation of the Sequoia Mall continues after the shopping center announced three new tenants.

Sequoia Mall owner Dave Paynter said children’s retailers Carters and OshKosh B’gosh, both owned by the same parent company, will be side by side in two 4300 square foot spaces. These top brands in children’s apparel are already sold in Macy’s and J.C. Penny so the company is said to be familiar with market demand in the region.

In a larger 7,800 square foot space, Skechers USA will also join the growing number of new retailers coming to Visalia. The California-based multinational footwear company is the third largest footwear brand in the United States. The three are scheduled to open in 2024 and will be located just south Hobby Lobby along the frontage of the shopping center facing Mooney. All three retailers happen to have stores in the Tulare Outlet Mall.

The stores are just the latest additions to the shopping center’s rebirth. Nordstrom Rack just opened and Sprouts Grocery and Barnes and Noble bookstores are scheduled to open by December. Both will be located on the south end of the former Sears building. Paynter associate Jim Sanders said the company filed plans with the city just this week.

Down the block at the Visalia Mall, general manager Rick Feder confirms that The Buckle, which markets itself as a “denim destination,” will open next year at the mall. Their target market includes “fashion-conscious 12-to-24-year-olds.” The Buckle is one of the leading retailers of medium-to-better-priced casual wear for men and women with some 443 stores across the US and locations in Bakersfield and Fresno.

Tulare County is an attractive market for youth-oriented retailers with some 140,000 residents 17 and under and a birth rate that exceeds the California average.

Visalia Mayor Brian Poochigian praised Dave Paynter’s efforts over the years to improve blighted areas in Visalia include the former “Sin City” apartment, now a successful shopping center anchored by Ross and Kohl’s, and the former Sears-anchored Sequoia Mall, now finally turning around with new life.

Feder said the fact that the rival Sequoia Mall is getting lots of new retail blood ”is good news for all the stores on Mooney Boulevard and for Visalia.” He said business at the Visalia Mall is chugging along, not at the pace seen last year, but that the mall “just had a great back to school sales period.”

Reuters reported this week “that U.S. retail sales increased more than expected in September as households stepped up purchases of motor vehicles and spent more at restaurants and bars, cementing expectations that economic growth accelerated sharply in the third quarter.

“The economy’s enduring strength has defied the hand-wringing since late 2022 about a possible recession this year. Its stamina was underscored by other data on Tuesday showing production at factories rising solidly last month despite strikes in the automobile industry.”

Visalia among top 20 best places to live in California. Find out why.

Lots of sunshine, nearby national parks and lower living costs set Visalia apart from many place in California.What does that mean?Visalia is one of the top 20 best places to live in California, according to a U.S. News report.The organization ranked the the Visalia-Porterville metro area at No. 12, citing an array of amenities as reasons to make the Central Valley home. U.S. News & World Report Best Places rankings are based on public data and user opinions. To top the list, a place must earn high scores in criteria...

Lots of sunshine, nearby national parks and lower living costs set Visalia apart from many place in California.

What does that mean?

Visalia is one of the top 20 best places to live in California, according to a U.S. News report.

The organization ranked the the Visalia-Porterville metro area at No. 12, citing an array of amenities as reasons to make the Central Valley home. U.S. News & World Report Best Places rankings are based on public data and user opinions. To top the list, a place must earn high scores in criteria such as desirability and quality of life, according to the organization.

"Both (Visalia and Porterville) are a melting pot of ethnicities and offer many family-friendly amenities," U.S. News stated in a press release. "The development of housing, which is growing, draws in families and young professionals seeking a place to settle down."

Here are a few reasons Visalia made the list in 2023-2024.

Education

There are 51 public elementary, middle and high schools in Visalia, with an additional 12 private school. Twenty Visalia high schools are recognized on U.S. News & World Report's Best High Schools rankings.

After high school, students can pick from two Tulare County junior colleges: College of the Sequoias and Porterville City College.

The city has a new four-year university, Catalyst Bible College.

Catalyst boosts “unmatched” tuition of $34,000 for four years and a goal to graduate all students as “debt free as possible,” college administration stated. The college is located on Visalia First church campus and offers a number of bachelor's degree programs.

California State University Fresno and Bakersfield are also four-year colleges not far from Visalia.

Shopping

There are plenty of shopping destinations to choose from including downtown Visalia, Visalia Mall and Tulare Outlets.

Over the last year, extensive renovations have been made at the Sequoia Mall in Visalia. The mall is located on the busiest street in the city, but over time the decline of brick-and-mortar retail left the mall nearly vacant.

The additions of Nordstrom Rack, Sprouts Farmers Market, and Barnes and Noble are expected to boost foot traffic at the shopping mall. The retailers are all new to Tulare County. More tenants are expected to be announced in the coming months.

If locals want to take a day trip, they can head to Fresno's Riverpark shopping center or Tejon Outlets, just outside of Bakersfield. The shopping destinations are less than a two-hour drive from Visalia.

Cost of living

The average sale price for a single-family home in the Porterville and Visalia area is lower than the Californian average.

However, due to more people working from home during and following the COVID-19 pandemic, the Central Valley housing market is quickly rising in cost.

In 2022, the national average housing cost was $383,883. In the same year, Visalia's housing cost was $375,910. Homeowners in the area pay county property taxes.

National Parks

Visalia is a short drive from Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks.

Sequoia National Park is America’s second-oldest national park, while neighboring Kings Canyon National Park is home to the General Grant tree and Cedar Grove. Redwood Canyon, the largest sequoia grove in the world, is also located inside the parks.

Visitor services are located in five different areas: Grant Grove, Giant Forest, and Foothills areas and stay open all year. Cedar Grove and Mineral King open from late spring to early fall. Campgrounds are open in all areas spring through fall; some stay open in winter.

More than 1.2 million people visited the parks in 2020, according to the National Park Service.

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1.27 million square foot warehouse building coming to Visalia Industrial Park

The first phase is expected to be done by the end of 2024.The South Valley continues to grow as new developments are in the works that will bring a lot of jobs to the area.VISALIA, Calif. (KFSN) -- The South Valley continues to grow as new developments are in the works that will bring a lot of jobs to the area.New large warehouses will soon be popping up along Highway 99 in West Visalia near Plaza Drive.In months to come, the 75 acres of open space will see a 1.27 million square foot warehouse going.It will...

The first phase is expected to be done by the end of 2024.

The South Valley continues to grow as new developments are in the works that will bring a lot of jobs to the area.

VISALIA, Calif. (KFSN) -- The South Valley continues to grow as new developments are in the works that will bring a lot of jobs to the area.

New large warehouses will soon be popping up along Highway 99 in West Visalia near Plaza Drive.

In months to come, the 75 acres of open space will see a 1.27 million square foot warehouse going.

It will bring hundreds of jobs to the South Valley.

Visalia Mayor Brian Poochigan says, "When we developed the industrial park, I think it blew our dreams away. I mean, this is better than we ever imagined it could be, and we're really happy, and it's keeping us pretty busy, but it provides good jobs for our residents, and we are really happy about that."

The City of Visalia, like many Central Valley towns, is located in what investors call a good access point.

Visalia sits between San Francisco and Los Angeles, a convenient location for warehouses.

That's why the Orange County-based "CapRock Partners" plans to build here.

In a statement, partner Bob O'Neill says 95% of Californians can be reached in a day's drive from here, "allowing future tenants to reach over 50 million customers with one-day ground shipping."

Poochigian says it's what makes the city unique.

"We are really excited. The way Visalia is situated, we have a logistical advantage, where we can deliver a lot of products overnight, the Rocky Mountains west, so it really is attracting a lot of business here in the city of Visalia," says Mayor Poochigian.

CapRock partners also mention an educated workforce in the area is a plus and will help fill jobs quickly.

The area located at Plaza Drive and Avenue 320 will be developed in three phases.

The first phase is expected to be done by the end of 2024.

Mayor Poochigian does mention agriculture continues to be the backbone of the Central Valley, as it is what fuels our economy.

Recently, an Ag-land mitigation plan has been put in place in an effort to preserve our farmland.

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