Modesto is OK
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7/4/2006
I wouldn't rave about Modesto being a great place to live and raise a family, however, compared to many places around the country it is where I'd choose to live. If you are from other places in California, Modesto may seem like poor choice because of the hot weather in the summer. However, Northern Californians are spoiled with fabulous weather and beautiful vistas almost anywhere but in the Central Valley. Compared to SW Michigan with its 6 month long Winters and bug infested humid Summers, Modesto is the place to be - as long as you can afford at least $450,000 for a home! In the nicer neighborhoods, you don't see a lot of crime and the downtown area is clean and well managed. Our summers here are comprable to 85 degrees farenheit with 80% humidity on really hot days and around 75-80 with humidity. However, because it doesn't freeze during the winter, many of us have pools and we all have air conditioning. people here are friendly enough without getting into your business. The public schools are bad. on the upside, there are many good private schools and some excellent charter schools that provide support (curricula, vouchers at ed. supply stores, and classes like swimming and horseback riding) to homeschooling families. There are worse places to live. I have found Modesto reasonably safe - my neighborhood has quite a few neighbors who walk there dogs between 4 -5 am and feel perfectly safe. You can certainly hang out after dark in the nicer neighborhoods and enjoy the cool evening without any trouble. Compared to Napa where I'm from, it sucks - compared to SW Michigan where I lived for 3 winters, it's awesome. It is all relative.
sonja | Modesto, CA