Firstly why Modesto, California?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Modesto
• State: California
• Population: 224,767 people
• Modesto’s quick summary would be Famous as the setting for the film ‘American Graffiti’ and its rich agricultural heritage.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 12,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 15,000 annually
• Net Migration: -3000 less people annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 5,000
• Number of Homeless people: 1,200

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it offers agricultural job opportunities and family-friendly amenities appealing to residents

Perk #1: Modesto Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 33%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 58%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is Hispanic
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
• The median income is (and growing)  $59,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Modesto is $60,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $1000 in positive cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Modesto’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 120 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $3,732
• Property Tax %: 1.23%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,300
• Rent for an average house: $2,000
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Downtown
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Modesto, Turlock, Ceres, Oakdale, and probably could include Riverbank
• Avg. Age of Homes in Modesto: 61 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 2.2%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Modesto’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Modesto are  Agriculture, Retail, and Manufacturing
• Modesto Job Scene: moderate job market driven by agriculture and healthcare
• The General Tech Scene: limited tech scene primarily focused on agriculture and food processing technologies , ,
• Modesto Resident’s pay $1,400 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Modesto: 8.25%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 150 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 12

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Modesto

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $130 on average per person
• Freeway Access: Highway 99 runs north-south through Modesto providing key connectivity
• Commute Time: 29 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: traffic congestion on Standiford Avenue
• Transportation Score: 49 out of 100 described as Some Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Modesto: 85,000
• Cars registered per Person: 0.4
• No. of Car Washes: 5 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Modesto: dmv.ca.gov
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 65 of 100
• Local Airport: Modesto City-County

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Modesto’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Wildfires
• General Weather in Modesto is best described as has hot dry summers with temperatures above 100°F and mild winters with occasional rainfall
• Winter Weather in Modesto i’d describe as cool and dry
• Spring Weather in Modesto can be described as warm and dry
• Summer’s in Modesto are mostly hot and dry
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Modesto is usually warm and sunny
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 34 days in summer
• Days in a row in Modesto below Freezing: 0
• Average Annual Rainfall: 14 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually moderate air quality with some seasonal challenges
• Modesto Winter Air average air quality with some pollution events

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Modesto Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Modesto 5
• While the number of trade schools inside Modestos’s city limits are 2
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Modesto Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Modesto Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 9 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Modesto only Doctors is about 110
• Local Hospitals here is  5
• Full-time Modesto only Police Officers is about 200
• Crime Rate Index: 55/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Modesto’s Monthly utility bill average is $150
• Modesto’s Monthly Gym Membership: $45
• Modesto’s Water Quality Score: 66

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Modesto

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 8 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: community-oriented with an agricultural backdrop and events
• You might enjoy theater productions at the Gallo Center for the Arts
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Modesto  offers a friendly nightlife with local breweries live music and small performance venues

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Modesto

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Features Asian and American cuisine with a few chain options
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 60 scattered around Modesto
• The Popular Sports Team is Modesto Nuts
• Top Level Political Climate in Modesto can be described as conservative with a strong agricultural influence on political issues
• Modesto’s Longer standing religious establishment is St. Stanislaus Catholic Church

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Modesto Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Modesto has 38 Parks?
• McClatchy Park is Modesto’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Modesto Farmers Market normally open Saturday 8am-1pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Water sports, biking, and hiking

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Modesto Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Modesto can be described as moderately paced city with agricultural roots and community focus
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Modesto visiting local fairs picnicking at parks exploring nearby rivers
• The Cities people commute to from Modesto are Ceres 8 miles away Turlock 15 miles away Stockton 25 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Modesto or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: traffic congestion on Standiford Avenue. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Modesto’s Wildfires risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Downtown is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Modesto are Ceres 8 miles away Turlock 15 miles away Stockton 25 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 55 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Modesto has 0 days in a row below freezing and 34 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Modesto people have an average (positive or negative) $1000 in positive cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   1,200 homeless people living in Modesto. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general conservative with a strong agricultural influence on political issues could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Modesto.

Retiree & Senior Life in Modesto

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can can receive property tax relief tailored to older adults
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is O’Connor Woods
• Modesto Senior Center features arts classes fitness programs and community events

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Modesto, California?

If Modesto, California ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Modesto, California, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!