Chowchilla is a small Central Valley city of about 19,000 with affordable housing, a relaxed downtown, parks and easy freeway access—ideal for multi-week contracts when you want a low-cost, peaceful base that still feels like a real town.
Bigger options are nearby—Merced (~18–20 miles) and Fresno (~40–45 miles) offer universities, museums, more dining/nightlife and an airport for weekend escapes, so Chowchilla can be a comfy, convenient home base for several-week stays.