Though you may not have heard a ton about this little city, Visalia is believed to be one of the oldest cities between San Francisco and Los Angeles, having been incorporated in 1874. In the earliest days, the California Gold Rush supported the town's growth and expansion. Later, it became an agricultural center, but Visalia has since diversified into a more modern economy with a healthy service sector. What has remained the same throughout the years, though, is that Visalia has a small-town feel with big-city amenities.

Whether you live downtown in an apartment or closer to the 'burbs, ADT offers plenty of products to improve your home security as well as home automation options that are convenient and efficient. Having a more energy-efficient living space can help put some extra money in your pocket—maybe even enough to cover an eggplant burger at Watson's Veggie Garden, one of the quaintest places to check out Visalia's local produce.

Despite the area's hot and dry weather, locals know that Visalia is actually in a geographically good position for outdoor activities. Besides the boating and fishing accommodations at Lake Kaweah, Visalia is home to 23 parks that stretch across 220 acres, and it's just southwest of the famous Sequoia National Park. And while Visalia may not be the most famous city in California, many famous people have made it their home at one point or another, including actor Kevin Costner, Steve Perry of Journey, Tom Johnston of the Doobie Brothers, and Robert B. Laughlin, the Nobel Prize–winning physicist.

What we're saying is there's a lot going on here that makes this Crown Jewel of the San Joaquin Valley really shine.