Housing Watch: The rapid growth of Friant neighborhoods

FRIANT, Calif. (KFSN) -- In the shadow of Friant Dam, the Fresno County community of Friant has undergone a dramatic transformation.

The growth in home building has not gone unnoticed nationwide.

A RentCafe study showed that between 2014 and 2024, Friant's population grew from 813 to 3,039.

"That's a 270% increase, and so it's outpaced the major markets and the absorption has stayed with demand," says Doug Ressler.

During that same decade, housing grew from 517 units to 1,260.

Friant was rated as California's top up-and-coming community, 8th nationwide.

"We looked at at least 1,000 units, housing units had to be built, had to have an occupancy of 89% or higher and an inventory change of at least 51%," Ressler said.

Just three years ago, "The Preserve" by Woodside Homes was just getting started near Friant Dam.

New homes now sit on many of the lots we saw back then.

Others have been drawn to large homes near Millerton Lake and the proximity to the outdoors.

"Also, they have larger lots, and a lot of people are looking for larger lots in the exurbs," Ressler said. "Or as you move further away from urban core, give you a little bit more flexibility in that regard."

The survey based on U.S. Census figures also showed the median income in the Friant community was $150,000.

The Friant community also includes the million-dollar homes at Eagle Springs Country Club, formerly Brighton Crest.

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