The Misconceptions of Modesto

I was asked by a consumer to write about Modesto, California, and some of the misconceptions that there are about the area and some of the plusses. First I will start off with the issues that have been in the press lately. Modesto has terrible gangs, the worst car theft in the nations, home values are low, and it is not a family-friendly community. Now everything that has been written about Modesto is true, but only pertains to a little section of it.

For the majority of Modesto, and if you look at the city crime reports, the crime occurs within a few little pockets of the city, it is relatively gang and car theft-free. It offers wonderful areas to raise a family. I lived in Modesto for over 10 years and have lived in wonderful areas in which I felt safer than when I lived in Portland, OR. There are beautiful parks everywhere, and Modesto is dedicated to the environment. Every home is mandated to have at least 1 tree in the front and it has the most trees of any city in California. It is conveniently located close to the Bay Area and the foot hills and is a great hub for people wanting to go to either place. It is oonly an hour and a half drive to each, and only a 2 hour drive to Yosemite National Park, which is spectacular.

The schools in Modesto have some of the highest ranked in the state, and are dedicated to improvement. In addition, the people are warm and friendly and are willing to help others in need. Right now is the best time to buy, especially with 1 in 70 homes in some state of foreclosure in the valley, which happens to be the worst in the nation by far. It has caused a trend to lower prices and you can get a 5 or 6 bedroom home for only 300-350K, compared to 500-550K only 2 years ago. However this market has been seeing some improvement in recent months, although a full recovery is out there, at least things have started to stabilize especially with the excessive inventory out there. Modesto has a wonderful fine arts program with the creation of the new Gallo Building for Fine Arts and has the Townsend Opera Players. There are also many high end art galleries that are located in Modesto, as well as a variety of places that offer showings and theatres. It also is home to one of the last drive through theaters, as well. During the summers there is a "free concert in the park" series on every Thursday evening. I hope this helps to clear up most of the misconceptions that have been printed. It is just amazing what a little bad press can do.