Modesto Quality of Life

Quick Facts and News

  • Modesto’s strategic plan vision is an inviting and safe community with thriving neighborhoods. Through strategic prevention and intervention, crime is falling in Modesto. Between 2020 and 2024, property crimes fell 24%, and violent crime declined 20%. Modesto has operated a very successful Organized Retail Crime Prevention program since 2024.

  • Modesto is rated #75 out of 229 large cities for Outdoor Activities by niche.com

  • Downtown Modesto is rated as a “Walkers Paradise” by walkscore.com.

  • The City of Modesto operates 76 parks, has been named a Tree City USA many times, and you can take fly-fishing lessons just minutes from downtown in the Tuolumne River Regional Park.

Authenticity You Can Call Home

Maybe it’s tree-lined neighborhoods near parks, being with neighbors enjoying local musicians perform at Porch Fest. Maybe it’s the First Fridays and Art Walks downtown, or maybe preservation of classic architecture. Maybe it’s ride on Dry Creek Trail, or walk on the Virginia Trail. Or the unmatched produce at Farmers’ Markets, u-pick farms, and fruit stands. Catching an outdoor symphony, or seeing live theater, or a movie in a renowned art deco movie house, the Modesto Area Music Awards celebrating local artists. Modesto’s authenticity rings with the Graffiti Summer custom car show, cruise and screening of American Graffiti, Modesto-raised George Lucas’ timeless timepiece.  Modesto’s authenticity distinguishes it from corporate standard cities in a very good way. 

A Vibrant Downtown on the Rise

Popular venues include the world-class Gallo Center, the art deco State Theatre, and Mancini Bowl, home of the Modesto Symphony.  Farm to table innovators and craft bars can please every palate. Family friendly activities include the Modesto Childrens’ Museum, Farmers’ Market, Parades, more than 100 Murals, and the historic McHenry Mansion and Museum. A recently renovated Regional Transit Center will host Valley Rail service to San Jose, Sacramento and Merced (end of 2026).  Downtown is a residential and mixed-use development opportunity with a walkscore of 86, bikescore of 63 and a transitscore of 56.

Investing in Public Amenities

Modesto offers 75 Parks and Trails on more than 1,200 acres; the Tuolumne and Stanislaus Rivers, and two public Golf Courses. Modesto is investing in the Tuolumne riverfront, following a plan to connect it to downtown. Redevelopment is planned for areas to the east and south of downtown including an Entertainment District with a multi-sport stadium, with additional sports and recreation facilities for the current municipal golf course and John Thurman Field area.

Regional Attractions and Nearby Destinations

The Gallo Center for the Performing Arts books world-class performances year-round. The annual Modesto Almond Cruise is garnering worldwide recognition; it’s a one-of-a-kind breathtaking celebration of the agricultural bounty that is the Central Valley. Summer hiking and kayaking on the Stanislaus River in scenic Knights Ferry is just a few minutes away.

 

Great Destinations, Easy Trips

San Francisco, Napa Valley-Sonoma-Mendocino, Santa Cruz, Monterey Bay, Lake Tahoe, Yosemite National Park, and more destinations are easy drives from Modesto.

Additional Resources