We are located halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco. Closer to home, we{re  located halfway between Fresno and Bakersfield.  Visalia is about as centrally located in the state as a city can get.  The nearest beach is a 2.25 hour drive and a person can drive to snow in the winter in one hour; a ski resort in 2.5 hours.  Three national parks are easy drives from Visalia; Kings Canyon Natl. Park, Sequoia Natl. Park and Yosemite Natl. Park.  Kaweah Lake is a short 30 minute trip.  There are also numerous State Parks nearby.  Outdoor activities are endless.   The San Joaquin Valley is nicknamed the Bread Basket of the World. More agricultural products are produced here than anywhere else.  Along with agriculture is all the industries associated with it and supported by it.  We are a very productive region  of a wide variety of products.  The {richness{ and {wealth{ in our valley may surprise you.  Education is high quality, the Health Industry is the counties number one employer and paying well.  Our community is family oriented  with enthusiastic support of schools, churches and community activities.  Our most recent population census reported Visalia with just over 102,000 residents.  We are one of the last affordable housing regions in the state of California.  If there{s more you need answered,  just contact Empire Real Estate and we{ll be delighted to provide you the answers you need. We know our people and places and we choose to make this our home.  We hope you{ll make it yours to