This Week’s Market Minute – Central Valley
February 16, 2026
Here’s What’s Happening
Central Valley homes hover in the $400k range versus $1M+ on the coast
Buyers are migrating inland to chase significant affordability gaps
Cities like Fresno and Stockton remain California’s last affordable frontier
Agent Script
While California’s coastal markets are topping the million-dollar mark, the Central Valley tells a very different story.
As of this month, cities like Fresno, Tulare, Stockton, and Modesto are still hovering around the $400,000 range. That’s far more affordable than Los Angeles or Orange County, and it’s drawing buyers inland.
The Valley is becoming one of California’s last frontiers for accessible homeownership. Buyers are following affordability, sellers are seeing more exposure from coastal migration, and long-term growth potential is building.
If you’re thinking about buying or selling in the Central Valley, now’s the time to explore your options. Reach out and I’ll help you understand what these trends mean for your next move.
Rewrite this script in my own voice, using:
My hyperlocal market stats → (pick 2–3)
Example: “In [CITY/ZIP], the median list price is $[XXX], homes are taking [XX] days to sell.”
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Subject Line:
The Central Valley’s $400K edge
Body:
Hi [First Name],
While California’s coastal markets are topping the million-dollar mark, the Central Valley is telling a very different story.
As of this month, cities like Fresno, Tulare, Stockton, and Modesto are still hovering around $400,000. That’s far more affordable than Los Angeles or Orange County, making the Valley one of California’s last frontiers for accessible homeownership.
What this means for you:
Buyers: Compare what $400K buys here versus the coast — the gap is huge.
Sellers: Coastal migration is bringing more exposure and demand.
Investors: Prices still have room to grow, creating long-term upside.
If you’re weighing your options in the Valley, let’s connect and map out the right move.
📊 The Central Valley Market Report: The $400k Advantage
If you think the “California Dream” of homeownership is out of reach, you might be looking in the wrong places.
We are tracking a massive affordability gap driving migration inland. While coastal markets like Orange County ($1.3M) and Los Angeles ($975k) have surged past the million-dollar mark, the Central Valley remains California’s last frontier for accessible ownership. Cities like Fresno ($415k) and Tulare ($407k) are offering single-family homes at less than half the cost of their coastal counterparts.
The key takeaway? Buyers are following affordability. This migration is transforming the Valley into an in-demand destination with real appreciation potential.
Check the chart above to see exactly how far your dollar goes here compared to the coast. 👇
Have questions about your specific neighborhood’s value? Drop a comment below or send me a message.
— 👤 [Your Name] 🪪 DRE # [Insert Number] 🏡 [Brokerage Name]
#CentralValleyRealEstate #FresnoRealEstate #AffordableHousing #CaliforniaRealEstate #MarketUpdate
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