Located in the central valley region of California about 70 miles south of Sacramento and 90 miles north of Fresno lies Modesto. Those who live in Modesto usually love it for its slower, more suburban pace of life as compared to some bigger nearby cities. That slower pace doesn’t mean that there isn’t plenty to see and do in Modesto, however. It’s also a city with a welcoming, thriving, and growing LGBTQ community. Truly, there’s more in Modesto!
A Look at Modesto’s History
Modesto was originally a stop on the railroad line connecting Sacramento to Los Angeles. Officially founded in 1870, the town was initially to be named Ralston after financier William Ralston. He was a modest man though, and promptly asked that another name be found, and the town was named Modesto and recognition of that modesty. The city quickly began to grow because of its significant agricultural potential and it was known for producing all kinds of crops including fruits, nuts and vegetables of all kinds. The city continued to grow steadily since its founding and remains an important center for California agriculture as it still is today. In addition, it is a city that offers plenty to say and do for residents and visitors alike.
Modesto– A Few Fun Facts
Read more fun facts about Modesto here.
The LGBTQ Community in Modesto
Modesto is a city that values and celebrates its LGBTQ community, and supports it with a wide variety of resources. Some of the LGBTQ community resources in Modesto include:
The Central Valley Pride Center is a non-profit community center that offers support, resources, events, and groups to the LGBTQ community, friends, and allies in the Modesto community.
The Place ("People Learning Acceptance and Creating Equality") is a Modesto community group oriented toward youth in the greater Modesto area. The group hosts events, offers support and provides resources to teens in the city.
What’s the Weather Like in Modesto?
Modesto receives 13 inches of rain on average per year and no snow. Temperatures can change significantly throughout the seasons, with the high in July often reaching as high as 94°F and the low in January dropping down to around 39°F. The city receives about 260 sunny days per year on average. Generally, the weather is pleasant and it is a wonderful place to enjoy the outdoors and all of the beautiful scenery that the area offers.
The Best Events in Modesto
Modesto Pride, sometimes referred to as “MoPride” is the city’s annual LGBTQ pride celebration. MoPride is a celebration of all that the LGBTQ community adds to the city, and it’s one event you won’t want to miss. Whether you enjoy parades, parties, networking events, volunteer opportunities or all of the above, there’s something at MoPride for everyone to enjoy and celebrate.
The annual MADWEEK Festival held in Modesto honors the city’s unique architectural history. Modesto was a well-known testing ground for mid-city modern architecture during the 1940s and 1950s - in fact, its mid-century buildings were even featured many times and Museum of Modern Art publications. The festival is a wonderful week to celebrate Modesto’s unique spot in the history of architecture to learn and to celebrate design as both an art and a science. It’s a week full of tours, training workshops and other great special events with a variety of community partners. You won’t want to miss your chance to experience this unique festival for yourself!
Where to Live in Modesto
Some of the larger cities in the United States have one particular area of town or "gayborhood" where most of the LGBTQ community lives. This doesn’t mean that there aren’t plenty of neighborhoods in Modesto that are wonderful places to call home. Connecting with a Modesto gay realtor will be an essential step toward ensuring that you find a neighborhood that feels warm and welcoming, and that’s a good fit for your needs. In Modesto, a wide variety of home styles and price ranges are available, and as a buyer, you’ll have plenty of options. The city offers an eclectic mix of older historic buildings mixed with brand-new modern architecture, and much of it is very pedestrian-friendly, with easy access to all that there is to see and do.
Arts and Entertainment
The Gallo Center for the Arts is a performing arts center in Modesto featuring two theaters that show a wide variety of performances throughout the year. It is a wonderful gathering place to enjoy regional, national, and even international cultural activities and performances. Be sure to enjoy a show -or several- yourself!
The State Theatre is a classic historic theater known for showing older, foreign, and independent films, as well as a variety of concerts and other performances throughout the year. The beautiful space and the wide selection of shows offered means that there is truly something at The State for everyone to enjoy!
Parks and Recreation
The McHenry Mansion is a Victorian-Italian historic house and museum located in historic downtown Modesto. Originally constructed in 1883 as a home for a prominent resident, the house is now owned and operated by the city, and open for tours. In addition to simply being beautiful, touring the home provides an interesting look into history and a way to experience a bygone area. It is well worth an afternoon visit!
Jacob Myers Park is a beautiful green space in Modesto that offers over 50 acres for visitors to enjoy. Whether you're in the mood for fishing, biking, hiking, camping, picnicking, boating, or taking your kids to enjoy the playground and other amenities offered, it's a great place to spend a sunny Modesto afternoon.
Modesto Nightlife
The Brave Bull has long been a very popular spot for LGBTQ nightlife in Modesto. The Brave Bull offers karaoke nights, happy hours, drag shows & guest DJs, all in a friendly, warm, and welcoming atmosphere.
The Tiki Lounge is a popular cocktail bar known for its heated outdoor lounge area, indoor fire pit, and a digital jukebox with an excellent collection of songs. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a night out having fun with friends.
Contact a Modesto Gay Realtor Today
If you’re ready to make a move to Modesto, now is a great time to begin your search for the perfect home in a neighborhood you’ll love. At www.gayrealestate.com, we're here to help you do exactly that. We have a wonderful network of realtors in the Modesto area who know the community well and can help guide you to homes and neighborhoods that will be a great fit for your needs. Contact a Modesto gay realtor today for a free, no-obligation consultation!
