Lemoore, California: A Decade of Growth and Small-Town Charm

Introduction: Over the past ten years, Lemoore has transformed from a quiet Central Valley town into a thriving community brimming with new developments and opportunities. Yet even amid growth, this Kings County city has maintained the warm, small-town atmosphere that makes it a special place to live. From booming housing projects and business expansions to community revitalization efforts, Lemoore’s last decade showcases why more people are proud to call it home – and why it remains one of California’s hidden gems.

Steady Growth with Small-Town Appeal

Lemoore has experienced steady growth in the past decade, fueled in part by its strategic location and strong local economy. The city’s population has increased by roughly 10% since 2015 (from about 24,500 to over 27,000 residents in 2020), reflecting 4-5% annual growth in recent yearslemoore.com. Despite this uptick, Lemoore has preserved the charm and beauty of a small rural town, with historic turn-of-the-century buildings and a close-knit community vibelemoore.com. Many residents are connected to the nearby Naval Air Station (NAS Lemoore) – the U.S. Navy’s largest master jet base – which has anchored the local economy and culture for decades. NAS Lemoore’s expansion in the mid-2010s (including the introduction of new F-35 squadrons) brought an influx of personnel and families, kick-starting much of the recent growth.

Location advantages: Part of what makes Lemoore special is its prime location in the heart of California’s San Joaquin Valley. It sits at the crossroads of Highway 198 and 41, roughly equidistant from Los Angeles and San Francisco, and just 35 miles from Fresnolemoore.com. This central location offers residents the best of both worlds – a peaceful small-town lifestyle with easy road access to big-city amenities and attractions. Whether day-tripping to the coast, the Sierra Nevada mountains, or the Bay Area, Lemoore is a convenient home base.

New Developments Revitalizing the City

Over the last ten years, Lemoore has seen numerous development projects that have enhanced local life and attracted newcomers. In response to NAS Lemoore’s expansion, major homebuilders launched new neighborhoods around the city. By 2017, city planners had seven new housing subdivisions “in the works” or underway – involving builders like Lennar, Wathen Castanos, D.R. Horton, and others – to meet the growing demand for housingthebusinessjournal.com. These projects added modern single-family homes and apartments, expanding the city’s footprint while preserving its open, uncrowded feel.

At the same time, commercial development has ramped up. Longtime residents will recall that Lemoore’s old Kmart closed in 2018, leaving a large retail space vacant. In the years since, that site has been revitalized with new stores and eateries, bringing more shopping and dining options to town. For example, a new dd’s Discounts store opened at the former Kmart location in late 2023, and a Panda Express is set to occupy part of the same lot – meaning residents no longer have to drive to Hanford for those conveniences. Other retailers (like an auto parts store and casual restaurants) have also sprung up, breathing new life into the Hanford-Armona Road corridor. These additions not only create local jobs but also let Lemoore families do more of their shopping right in town.

The historic Lemoore downtown arch welcomes visitors – the city has preserved its small-town character even as it develops new businesses and housing.

Several infrastructure and industry projects have arrived as well. A notable example is the new Maverik travel center being built in Lemoore – a 6,000 sq. ft. gas station, convenience store and drive-thru restaurant that will serve travelers and locals alikethebusinessjournal.com. On the education front, West Hills College Lemoore (recently rebranded simply as “Lemoore College”) broke ground in late 2023 on a state-of-the-art Visual Arts and Applied Sciences building. This two-story, 44,000 sq. ft. instructional facility will open by Spring 2026, expanding opportunities for local students in career technical educationthebusinessjournal.com. Lemoore’s agricultural economy is also getting a boost – for instance, Helena Agri-Enterprises is constructing a new fertilizer storage and distribution facility in town, slated for completion in 2025thebusinessjournal.com.

All of these projects – from new neighborhoods and schools to businesses big and small – have contributed to Lemoore’s appeal. The city leadership and the Kings County Economic Development Corporation have actively courted investment, and it’s paying off. National retailers, restaurants, and industries are choosing Lemoore, drawn by its pro-business attitude and affordable land. As a result, local residents today enjoy more amenities, services, and job opportunities than ever before.

Thriving Downtown and Local Businesses

One of Lemoore’s crown jewels is its historic downtown, and in the past decade it has experienced a renaissance. Downtown Lemoore features many buildings and family-run businesses dating back generations, lending an authentic small-town charm. In recent years, the Lemoore Chamber of Commerce and city officials have made downtown revitalization a priority. According to Chamber CEO Amy Ward, they launched a “three-pillar plan” in the late 2010s focused on business revitalization (especially downtown), education for local entrepreneurs, and community healthfresnoflyer.comfresnoflyer.com. This effort has helped boost foot traffic and breathed new life into downtown shops.

Today, over 100 local businesses thrive in the downtown area – including boutique retailers, salons, cafes, and entertainment venuesfresnoflyer.com. A walk down D Street or Fox Street reveals an eclectic mix of old and new: you might grab a coffee or smoothie from a cozy café, browse an antique store in a century-old building, then have lunch at one of the diverse eateries that have opened (for example, Lemoore now even boasts Twisted Indian Street Food and a craft taproom Bird Street Brewing among its offerings). These unique local businesses give Lemoore a flavor all its own and provide residents with more dining and shopping choices than you’d expect in a small city.

Community events have also flourished, further connecting residents with downtown businesses. Each year Lemoore hosts an annual Pizza Festival celebrating a favorite food, as well as a popular Holiday Stroll in November where downtown streets close to cars and fill with vendor booths, decorations, and shoppersfresnoflyer.com. During the Holiday Stroll, local shops stay open late and offer fun activities (like a Christmas tree scavenger hunt) to invite the community infresnoflyer.com. These events, alongside farmers’ markets and seasonal fairs, create a strong sense of community and encourage everyone to support local merchants. “The more you engage the community, the more you invest them in buying local,” as Lemoore’s Chamber of Commerce put itfresnoflyer.com – a strategy that has clearly been working.

Beyond downtown, other local attractions add to Lemoore’s appeal. The Tachi Palace Casino Resort, just outside town, has expanded its entertainment offerings (including concerts, a movie theater and a hotel) over the past decade, drawing visitors from around the region. Lemoore’s Parks and Recreation department has also grown programs and facilities – even extending the city recreation center hours into late evenings and weekends to give families more options for fitness and funfacebook.cominstagram.com. From youth sports leagues to adult classes and senior activities, there’s a place for everyone to get involved. All of these factors contribute to Lemoore’s reputation as a welcoming, family-friendly city where neighbors truly come together.

Housing Market: Affordable with Strong ROI

Perhaps one of the biggest draws to Lemoore is its housing market, which has remained relatively affordable while delivering excellent returns for homeowners. Compared to California’s coastal metros – where median home prices often top $800,000 – Lemoore’s home prices are a bargain. In mid-2025, the median listing price for a home in Lemoore was around $410,000 (approximately $226 per square foot)realtor.com, and the median sale price was about $400,000redfin.com. This is less than half of California’s overall median home price (which was roughly $827,000 in 2023labormarketinfo.edd.ca.gov). In other words, buyers can find spacious single-family homes in Lemoore at prices that would only afford a small condo in the Bay Area or Los Angeles.

Not only are homes affordable, but they have proven to be great investments over the past decade. Back in 2015, Lemoore’s median home value was only about $180,000sjvhomes.com. Fast-forward to 2025, and that figure has more than doubled to roughly $400,000redfin.com. This means long-time homeowners have enjoyed significant equity gains. Even recent buyers have seen appreciation: home values rose around 7–10% just in the last year or tworealtor.com. Lemoore largely escaped the extreme price volatility of larger markets, instead showing steady growth. Housing prices in Lemoore have appreciated at an average annual rate that made it a solid long-term bet, outpacing many other rural California areas. For buyers, this history of appreciation – combined with the city’s growing popularity – suggests that a Lemoore home purchase can yield a healthy return on investment over time, all while providing an affordable place to live now.

Another advantage is that rental yields in Lemoore are attractive due to the reasonable purchase prices and steady demand (thanks in part to military personnel and employees of local industries). Whether you’re a family looking to settle down or an investor seeking rental properties, the Lemoore real estate market offers a favorable balance of low entry cost and promising appreciation. It’s no surprise that national real estate site Redfin currently rates Lemoore as a “very competitive” market, noting that well-priced homes often receive multiple offers and sell at or above asking price in around 3–4 weeks on averageredfin.comredfin.com.

Why Lemoore is a Special Place to Live

Beyond the numbers and projects, what truly makes Lemoore special is its quality of life. Residents here enjoy a rare blend of friendly small-town atmosphere with improving big-city conveniences. The community is safe, the schools (including local Lemoore High and Lemoore College) are well-regarded, and there’s a strong sense of pride in the town’s heritage. Neighbors greet each other on downtown streets, families come together for holiday parades and football games, and local organizations are active in keeping Lemoore beautiful and welcoming.

Lemoore’s economy is diverse for a city its size – it’s supported by military, agriculture, education, and emerging retail/service jobs – which gives stability. You might have one neighbor who works on base as a Navy pilot, another who commutes to tech jobs in Fresno, and another who owns a small business in town. This diversity brings a welcoming vibe; newcomers quickly find that Lemoore embraces people from all walks of life (many arriving via the Navy or nearby cities) and makes them feel at home. The city’s motto could well be “preparing for the future while preserving the best of its past,” as it strives for progress without losing its rootslemoore.com.

Recreation is another perk of life in Lemoore. Being in the Central Valley means outdoor adventures are never far away – from boating and fishing in the Kings River, to hiking in the Sierra National Forest, to weekend trips to Pismo Beach or Yosemite National Park. Locally, Lemoore has lovely community parks, a golf course, and is just 20 minutes from the scenic lakes and trails around the Sierra foothills. The climate offers hot summers and mild winters, perfect for those who enjoy plenty of sunshine. And for any necessities not found in town, the larger city of Hanford (with its shopping malls, restaurants, and a regional medical center) is just a 10-minute drive, ensuring you’re never isolated.

In short, Lemoore today represents Central California living at its best: a city big enough to have modern comforts and growth, but small enough to know your neighbors and make a personal impact. It’s a place where you can invest in a home without breaking the bank, build equity as the community grows, and enjoy a relaxed lifestyle rich in community spirit.

Planning a Move? Local Expertise Matters

If you’re thinking of moving to Lemoore or its surrounding areas, you’re not alone – and you don’t have to navigate it by yourself. Kimberly Siddall is a great local real estate agent who can assist anyone considering making Lemoore their home. As an experienced REALTOR® in the Lemoore/Kings County region, Kimberly knows the ins and outs of the housing market here – from the newest development projects to the coziest established neighborhoods – and she’s passionate about helping families find their perfect home. Whether you’re looking for an affordable starter house or a ranch property with room to grow, Kimberly Siddall will guide you every step of the way in your relocation journey. Her expertise and friendly approach have made her a trusted resource for buyers moving to Lemoore or nearby communities.

Conclusion: The past ten years have been transformative for Lemoore, California. This once “well-kept secret” of the Central Valley has grown into a vibrant city filled with new homes, thriving businesses, and an engaged community – all while retaining the welcoming spirit and ease of small-town life. With continued development on the horizon (from college expansions to new retail centers), Lemoore’s next decade looks just as promising. For those seeking an affordable place in California with strong investment potential and a high quality of life, Lemoore stands out as an ideal choice. And with local experts like Kimberly Siddall ready to help newcomers settle in, the dream of calling Lemoore home has never been more attainable. Come see for yourself what makes Lemoore such a special place – you just might decide to stay for the long run.

Sources:

• City of Lemoore – Economic Development Overviewlemoore.comlemoore.com

• The Business Journal – Kings County 2025 Forecast (development projects in Lemoore)thebusinessjournal.comthebusinessjournal.com

• The Business Journal – Lennar Plans More New Homes for Lemoore (housing expansion, 2017)thebusinessjournal.com

• Fresno Flyer – “Lovin’ Lemoore” (downtown business revitalization, 2019)fresnoflyer.comfresnoflyer.com

• San Joaquin Valley Homes blog – Central Valley home values (Lemoore median price in 2015)sjvhomes.com

• Redfin Housing Market Data – Lemoore median home price 2025 and trendsredfin.com

• California Association of Realtors – Statewide median home prices (2015 vs 2023)labormarketinfo.edd.ca.gov