The California metro ranks among the best livable cities in the US

The hits keep coming to Fresno… just not the kind you take in the pipeline.

A Central Valley city once infamous for its meth-promoting reputation has landed on another national list — this time in WalletHub’s 2026 ranking of the best and worst cities to live in.

Fresno ranked No. 138 out of a total of 182 US cities in the personal finance site’s latest survey, which compared areas across 41 metrics related to entertainment, dining and entertainment, and rest and relaxation.

The ranking comes as WalletHub says nearly 72% of Americans plan to travel this summer, though stubborn inflation may pressure many to cut costs and opt for fun closer to home.

Fresno was famously featured in Louis Theroux’s 2009 documentary “The City Addicted to Crystal Meth,” which explored the devastating effects of drug use on parts of the city.

But lately, Fresno has been appearing on a very different set of lists.

The city was previously ranked number 84 on WalletHub’s 2026 Best Summer Travel Destinations and 138 on the company’s Best Places to Raise a Family list.

It was also infamously crowned the 39th sweatiest city in America.

This time, Fresno posted a total score of 39.35 in the housing survey.

More places to stay in Fresno:

• Entertainment: No. 162
• Food and entertainment: No. 110
• Rest and relaxation: No. 55

WalletHub said it rated everything from parks, golf courses, tennis courts and swimming pools to restaurant prices, nightlife options, museums, coffee shops, resorts, beaches and summer weather.

“It’s nice to visit an exotic place on vacation, but in tough economic times, staying can save you a lot of money and be memorable,” said WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo.

The top-ranked California city to live in was San Diego, which came in at No. 11 nationally, followed by San Francisco at No. 19, while Los Angeles stayed at No.

At the bottom of the California pack were cities including Santa Clarita, Oakland, Santa Ana, Chula Vista and Fremont.

Nationally, Orlando, Florida, took the top spot, followed by Cincinnati; Las Vegas; Louis; and Honolulu. Pearl City, Hawaii is dead last.

Top 10 cities in California to live in:

• San Diego – No. 11
• San Francisco – No. 19
• Los Angeles – No. 36
• Sacramento – No. 49
• Modesto – No. 70
• Ontario – No. 72
• Bakersfield – No. 93
• Riverside – No. 97
• San Bernardino – No. 102
• Glendale – No. 114

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