Like most of the interior of California, I think the relative proximity to everything is a huge plus. Mountains, beaches, world-class cities, and everything inbetween are just a couple hours away.
The newly rediscovered affordable cost of living is a huge plus as well.
I also like the proximity to various destinations without being burdened with a high cost of living. Great camping only an hour away at Shaver Lake / Dinkey Creek, two national parks, Bay area, Sacramento and LA are all reasonably close.
I moved from the area because I was not a fan. It is fun to visit my friends and family and have since learned that the people make the area. There are as many good as there are bad though.
I lived in Fresno/Madera for almost 37 years--the only thing I really miss were the Shaver Lake area and the Morro Bay area. The actual town of Fresno I don't miss so much.
The diversity of the valley, from the people to the agriculture is just astounding to me. This area is the backbone of California, not Sacramento or Hollywood, our Central Valley!