Madera County sits in California’s central valley and Sierra foothills, directly north of Fresno. Created in 1893, it combines productive farmland with scenic mountain areas, including gateways to Yosemite National Park. The county seat is Madera City; other notable communities include Chowchilla, Oakhurst, and Coarsegold. Agriculture — almonds, grapes, pistachios — remains vital. Housing divides between valley-floor suburbs and rural foothill properties. In Madera City, tract homes and small subdivisions predominate, typically US $420 000 – 480 000 median; mountain homes near Oakhurst run higher due to proximity to Yosemite. Building new averages US $220 – 300 per sq ft in the valley, higher in hilly terrain. The area is semi-rural yet growing, with commuters traveling to Fresno (~30 min). It offers a balanced small-town feel with access to outdoor recreation.
Madera County Real Estate Listings
Madera County sits in California’s central valley and Sierra foothills, directly north of Fresno. Created in 1893, it combines productive farmland with scenic mountain areas, including gateways to Yosemite National Park. The county seat is Madera City; other notable communities include Chowchilla, Oakhurst, and Coarsegold. Agriculture — almonds, grapes, pistachios — remains vital. Housing divides between valley-floor suburbs and rural foothill properties. In Madera City, tract homes and small subdivisions predominate, typically US $420 000 – 480 000 median; mountain homes near Oakhurst run higher due to proximity to Yosemite. Building new averages US $220 – 300 per sq ft in the valley, higher in hilly terrain. The area is semi-rural yet growing, with commuters traveling to Fresno (~30 min). It offers a balanced small-town feel with access to outdoor recreation.