OK so We have two kids and With a population of 219K, Modesto is a mid-size city. The city has invested a lot in new development. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The weather takes some getting used to. The city has invested a lot in new development. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
51 upvotes
12 Replies
Xavier Hernandez
We moved here with our family and it's been a really good experience overall. Schools in West area are tough. Kids love it here.
39 upvotes
Levi Garcia
literally same
30 upvotes
David L.
Bought a house here in 2017 and it was the best decision I ever made. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
29 upvotes
Roman R.
same here
27 upvotes
Wyatt Nguyen
seconding this
25 upvotes
Brielle
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a nurse who relocated here from Raleigh about 10 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Good internet infrastructure
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are wild, gas is underrated.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
25 upvotes
Piper W.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 50, moved here 9 years ago from Boston. I've lived in East and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Limited high-paying job options
3. The community vibe situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- East: Great for families. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Boston, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $90K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
21 upvotes
Jose Morales
Moved here from Raleigh about 2 years ago. the quality of life is solid. Still getting used to job market but No regrets on my end..
20 upvotes
Madeline Murphy
not my experience at all
18 upvotes
Henry Clark
Used to live on the East side, now on the Oak Park side. Completely different vibe. the quality of life is solid.
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