The Gallo Center for the Arts brings Broadway shows and concerts to Modesto, while the historic State Theatre screens independent films and hosts live performances. Outdoor recreation spans from the paved Virginia Corridor Trailway to Tuolumne River Regional Park, where residents enjoy kayaking and fishing. The E.&J. Gallo Winery, the world's largest, welcomes visitors for tours. Local dining includes upscale Italian cuisine at Galletto Ristorante and elevated American dishes at Dewz Restaurant, a family-owned establishment since 1997.
Single-family homes represent the primary housing type across Modesto's diverse neighborhoods. The median single-family home price is $452,000 citywide, with significant variation by area. Village One commands a median price of $599,000, while Del Rio reaches $1,342,000. More affordable options exist in Bret Harte at $342,500 and Downtown Modesto at $350,000. Townhomes have a median price of $360,000, while one-bedroom condos start at $218,800.
The cost of living in Modesto sits 53.9% above the national average. A family with school-age children needs approximately $167,000 annually to live comfortably, with $53,000 allocated to housing and $22,000 to groceries. Property taxes in Stanislaus County stand at 0.71%, lower than neighboring San Joaquin County at 0.76%. The combined sales tax rate is 8.80%. Modesto Area Express provides public bus service throughout the city. Two public high schools earned A minus ratings: James C. Enochs High School serving Northeast Modesto and Joseph A. Gregori High School in Del Rio. Central Catholic High School, rated A, serves multiple neighborhoods including West Modesto and Downtown.
