Where does Modesto rank among retirement-friendly cities? See its spot on 2 sites
If you live in Modesto and are looking to retire, good news: You’re in the right place.
That’s according to a pair of online recommendations on top places to retire in California – one from Travel + Leisure, the other from Retirement Living.
Modesto ranked fifth and sixth, respectively, in the stories. And it’s in there with some impressive locales, such as Oceanside and San Diego.
The Retirement Living picks were referenced in the Travel + Leisure story. Retirement Living highlights its top 10 picks with descriptions but lists a total of 20 cities. Travel + Leisure lists eight.
Travel + Leisure
The story says “Affordability, walkability, senior services, and access to nature helped these California cities rise to the top for retirees.”
No. 1 is Roseville, with Fairfield ranked No. 2 and Oceanside at No. 3.
Modesto squeezes in at No. 5 between No. 4 Pasadena and No. 6 Richmond.
“Located in California’s central valley, Modesto is mainly an agricultural area,” the story says. “Stunning pink and white almond blossoms from mid-February to mid-March attract visitors who “cruise” through miles of flowering orchards. Summer brings farmers markets, delicious stone fruits like peaches and pluots, and small town style events.”
Travel + Leisure spoke with a local Realtor about the city’s attractions: “According to Ben Balsbaugh of PMZ Real Estate, Modesto’s median home price is in the $450,000 range, with both single-family and multi-family options available. “We also have plenty of senior living options.”
The story also cites live entertainment downtown, such as the Gallo Center for the Arts, Modesto’s “vibrant street art,” and parks.
It gives a nod to the city’s cinematic claim to fame. “The 1973 coming-of-age comedy/drama ‘American Graffiti’ was set in 1962 Modesto, and each summer, events celebrating the film include car shows, singalongs, concerts, and more.”
Retirement Living
“Want ocean breezes, quiet suburban streets, or just a place where you can actually afford a decent house? California has a mix of cities that hit all these marks, though you’ll definitely want to crunch the numbers first,” the Retirement Living story says.
Roseville also claims the No. 1 spot on this list, with Oceanside at No. 2 and Torrance No. 3.
Richmond, at No. 5, and Modesto swap places here from the Travel + Leisure list, while Santa Rosa follows at No. 7.
Modesto is noted among the story’s three “Key Insights” for is financial benefits: “Modesto wins on the affordability front; if keeping housing costs low is your top priority, this is where you want to look.”
Modesto “wins hands down” on median home prices at $457,500, with median rent at $1,645, “making this the most budget-friendly option on the entire list,” the Retirement Living story says.
It does offer a downside.
“That said, only 16.2% of residents are 65 or older; additionally, a 12% poverty rate suggests that the area is facing some economic challenges that could impact everything from public services to long-term stability,” the story says. “But if your priority is making your retirement dollars go as far as possible, Modesto deserves serious consideration.”
