15 places · 24 regions
Central California, also known as the Central Valley, is a large region in the state that spans about 450 miles (720 kilometers) from north to south. Its northern and southern borders are defined by the Cascade Range and the Tehachapi Mountains respectively, and extends from the Pacific Ocean to the Sierra Nevada mountain range. It comprises of two primary regions: The Sacramento Valley in the north and the San Joaquin Valley in the south.
Central California is the state's main agricultural area and is known as the "breadbasket" of California, producing over 230 types of crops including fruits, vegetables, nuts , dairy products, etc. The agriculture industry here is fundamental to the U.S. and global food supply.
The region is known for its hot and dry summers, and mild, wet winters. The weather in Central California is ideal for agriculture but also results in frequent droughts.
The area also consists of various cities such as Fresno, Bakersfield, Stockton, Modesto, and parts of the San Francisco Bay Area. Fresno is the largest city in Central California, known for its agriculture and large Hispanic population.
The region offers natural treasures like Yosemite National Park, Sequoia National Park, and the scenic Pacific Coast Highway. It also houses part of the extensive California State University system and multiple community colleges.
Despite its agricultural richness, Central California suffers from poverty and low education levels in comparison to Coastal California. The region also faces issues of water conservation, pollution, and land subsidence.
