$517,513Average Value$289Average Price per Sq Ft8Homes For Sale
Why families like the small-town vibe and easy commute in Ceres
Just south of Modesto, Ceres is a suburban town close to the best of the Central Valley, surrounded by almond orchards to the south and urban sprawl to the north. It is perfect for those who want a slower pace of life, while still living close to California Route 99 and the region's farming, food and wine industries. With a more suburban, community-focused vibe, Ceres offers a downtown center with festivals, markets and a small-town atmosphere on the city's edge.
Ceres blends residential neighborhoods, local businesses, and open spaces, offering a balanced suburban lifestyle in the Central Valley.
Downtown Ceres mural showcases classic cars, hot air balloons, and local culture reflecting community pride and Central Valley heritage in Ceres.
Agriculture is close to the valley's heartIrrigation canals fed by the Tuolumne River support agriculture and highlight the vital role of water in daily life in Ceres.
Almond orchards highlight a key agricultural industry, showcasing one of the top commodities grown and harvested in Ceres.
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Choose between homes close to the outdoors or downtown charm
In Ceres, you can find New Traditional, Spanish Revival, and ranch-style homes, which typically have more square footage than in South Modesto neighborhoods like Parklawn. The median construction year is 2003, meaning Ceres has a mix of older and newer homes. The median home price is in the lower $400,000s. Just outside the Ceres limits, you can find homes up to $1.6 million with acres of farmland. Overall, home prices decreased in 2025, which could make it a prime time to invest.
There are two neighborhoods you can reference. Mayfield features newer two-story homes near Ceres River Bluff Regional Park and River Oaks Golf Course. If you live in Downtown Ceres, you can easily get to a community center and plenty of locally owned shops and restaurants. "People would like to live there because of the proximity to Modesto. Ceres has a small-town feel, but it is close enough to primary services," says Kristopher Losole, a longtime area resident and real estate agent at PMZ Real Estate. "It is mostly families, and it may have a better value on pricing than a lot of areas."
Two-story New Traditional home features stucco exterior, gabled rooflines, and manicured landscaping on a quiet residential street in Ceres.
Two-story contemporary suburban home features clean stucco lines, mature palm trees, and low-maintenance landscaping in a peaceful Ceres setting.
Craftsman-style homes feature gabled roofs, detailed trim, and inviting front porches along a well-kept residential street in Ceres.
Contemporary Craftsman home features stone accents, stucco exterior, and drought-tolerant landscaping in a thoughtfully designed Ceres neighborhood.
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Why local schools and programs appeal to Ceres homebuyers
The Ceres Unified School District has about 14,000 students. Families can make requests to attend another school within CUSD or another district. All transfers are subject to approval, depending on lottery procedures for oversubscribed schools. Students can attend Caswell Elementary School before advancing to the highly rated Mae Hensley Junior High School and Ceres High School. The district provides dual language and after-school programs that help students succeed. Central Valley Christian Academy is a highly rated private school in Ceres serving kindergarten through 12th grade.
Central Valley Christian Academy offers private K-12 education with strong academics and faith-based learning in Ceres.
Walter White Elementary School provides a strong public education option with community focus in the downtown area of Ceres.
Cesar Chavez Junior High School serves students with strong academics and community focus just outside the city of Ceres.
Central Valley High School provides comprehensive academics and extracurricular programs for students in the city of Ceres.
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Dining options range from Italian bistros to Mexican favorites
Downtown Ceres has a variety of boutiques and restaurants. You can easily get to grocery stores and shopping areas all around town. Explore the vast retail and dining scene:
Try the American Italian Bistro, which serves pizza and calzones downtown.
Head to La Cascada Mexican Restaurant for authentic burritos and enchiladas on Mitchell Road.
Pick up groceries at Walmart Supercenter and Cost Less Food Company, both of which are a short distance from downtown.
Drive into Downtown Modesto for more restaurants, markets and nightlife.
Walmart Supercenter at Ceres Gateway Center offers convenient shopping for groceries, essentials, and everyday needs in Ceres.
Taqueria Lagos serves authentic Mexican street food and casual dining favorites in the vibrant downtown area of Ceres.
Blu Lotus Thai Cuisine serves flavorful curries, noodles, and authentic dishes in a relaxed dining setting in Ceres.
La Cascada Mexican Restaurant serves authentic burritos, enchiladas, and house specialties in a lively and welcoming dining setting in Ceres.
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Seasonal events and local parks make Ceres lively year-round
Smyrna Community Park features a skate park, playground and picnic tables. Visit the Ceres River Bluff Regional Park, which has five soccer fields and a walking trail around a scenic pond. In June, you must attend the Skies the Limit Hot Air Balloon Festival, an annual celebration featuring hot air balloons, live music and kids' activities at River Bluff Regional Park. The Ceres Farmers Market has local meat, produce and dairy from local farms. It takes place downtown in Whitmore Park, with live music on Tuesday evenings during the summer.
Smyrna Community Park features a popular skate area where locals gather for skateboarding and outdoor recreation in Ceres.
Ceres Dog Park offers open space, shaded seating, and fenced areas for pets to play and socialize in a relaxed Ceres setting.
River Oaks Golf Course features lush fairways and scenic greens for a relaxing round of golf in a well-maintained Ceres setting.
Mayfield River Bluff Regional Park hosts local soccer matches with expansive fields and a lively community atmosphere in Ceres.
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Major highways and easy access to Modesto
Most employees in Ceres work in the agricultural industry, food and wine manufacturing or the public sector. Healthcare is also a significant industry, and the nearest emergency room is at Doctors Medical Center in Central Modesto, roughly a 12-minute drive. The StanRTA bus system makes stops along Magnolia Street. California Route 99 is a major highway connecting multiple cities to Ceres. Downtown Modesto is about 4 miles north, which is less than 10 minutes away. "The biggest reason people move to Ceres is that they want to be more removed, while still only a few miles away," Losole says. "Ceres and Modesto are connected. You don't see the separation, but it feels more detached." About 30 minutes north, the Stockton Metropolitan Airport provides direct passenger flights to U.S. cities.
Written By
Jackson Hardy
Photography Contributed By
Jeff Carnie
Video By
Michael Carey
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Paulina Mujica,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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On average, homes in Ceres, CA sell after 33 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Ceres, CA over the last 12 months is $455,000, up 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Elegant and move-in ready, this 3 bedroom, 3 bath home offers approximately 1,834 sq. ft. of refined living nestled in a very desirable Modesto neighborhood. Interior features include hardwood flooring, custom cabinetry, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, energy efficient windows, and a functional, light-filled layout. Spacious primary suite serves as a private retreat, complete
Discover the perfect blend of potential and serenity with this 19.17 acre parcel. currently 10 acres are planted in Ross peaches with the contract expiring in 2026. 9 acres of almonds were planted in 2022, 50% non Pareils and 50% Aldrich. this years crop to remain with the seller and possession to be delivered to the buyer after harvest. With the vision of the future this property offers
Located in the heart of Ceres on Faith Home Road, this exceptional agricultural property has over 18 acres of Stanislaus variety peaches. The orchard was planted in 2017 and 2018, providing a well established and productive crop. The property has an existing lease and a peach contract extending through 2028. This is your opportunity to own productive ag land in the Central Valley.
Great Investment Opportunity in Ceres!! Approx. 7.54 Acres along Highway 99 Exposure with Future Highway Commercial uses... Located at Rohde (Frontage Road) and Redwood off the Highly used Mitchell Exit. This Frontage property has over 600 feet of Visibility and Exposure to Highway 99. Many New Commercial Businesses at the Mitchell Exit with a New 4 Lane Roadway being Constructed. Furthermore,
Prime location with exceptional upsidethis versatile 12-acre property offers a rare opportunity for investors, owner-users, or those seeking income-producing land with future potential. Currently operating as a truck parking facility, the property includes two homes and a shop. The main residence is approximately 1,800 sq ft featuring 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a basement, and raised foundation.
Welcome to 3601 Keyes Road, home to Stanislaus county's most productive farm ground. This property enjoys Keyes Rd. frontage and close proximity to HWY 99 making it an interesting long term commercial development play or the perfect site for your dream home & farm stead while still being close to town. The existing almond orchard is irrigated with Class I TID water via a flood pipeline and
This 1.13-acre lot offers a prime highway commercial development opportunity in a highly visible and strategic location. The property is positioned along Highway 99, providing excellent exposure to significant daily traffic counts throughout the Central Valley. Situated on a signalized, high-traffic corner directly across from Ceres High School, the site benefits from consistent local and
Welcome to this beautifully updated 4-bedroom, 2-bath home that's truly turnkey ready! Fully renovated throughout, this home features fresh interior paint, new flooring, an updated kitchen, a new roof, and a new HVAC system, and more updates that helps provide peace of mind for years to come. Conveniently located near shopping, dining, schools, and River Oaks Golf Course, you'll enjoy easy access
Charming 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom manufactured home in and all ages park and ready for it's new owners! Nestled in an established park with community pool, club house and playground! Home is close to shopping, parks and minutes from the freeway! This home offers, spacious layout, laminated flooring throughout and nice tile throughout the living room. The roof is a couple months old and most of
If you are looking for a home with some great space both inside and out, look no further!!! 3724 Macadamia Lane is the place for you with 4 bedrooms and a huge game room or extra room upstairs and 2.5 baths, with a office/bedroom and 1/2 bathroom downstairs consisting of 3,187 square feet of living space. As you enter the home you will be impressed by the formal living and dining room and as you
Experience the best of country living on seven beautiful acres! This well-maintained property offers the perfect balance of privacy, space, and convenience, with easy commute access and nearby schools. This warm country home blends simplicity with spotless comfort. The spacious shaded back patio overlooking the expansive acreage and views of the Sierras offers a peaceful rural retreat. Pride of
Welcome to 5th Street Downtown Ceres, possibilities are endless here. The Downtown Specific Plan of Ceres has this lot as Community Commercial Downtown 4th street Mixed use.
Refined living at Meridian at Eastgate. Escape to a residence where quiet country charm meets contemporary comfort. Perfectly positioned next to local dining and scenic parks, Meridian at Eastgate offers a rare blend of tranquility and connection. From the sleek lines of our transitional architecture to the convenience of your own private two-car garage, every detail is designed for an elevated
Picture this: you've just prepped your favorite meal and you're about to start cooking, when disaster strikes - you forgot one ingredient! Not just any ingredient, but the one that the dish simply can't do without (perhaps nachos without chips, or chicken wings without ranch). Now picture living in your 1 or 2-bedroom apartment in Village Ceres, where you can head next door to Walmart Supercenter
Pine Ridge is an exclusive, gated garden style apartment community conveniently close to schools, shops and restaurants, and major freeways. Residents can choose between two lifestyle-friendly and spacious two bedroom plans. The two-bedroom/one-bath plan encompasses 848 square feet, while a second two-bedroom plan offers a second bathroom and flexes to a spacious 970 square feet. Click below to
Small 13 unit complex with both 2 level townhome style and 1 story style units. These units rarely come available but as they do, we complete a full remodel! The new units include dishwasher, garbage disposal, refrigerator/freezer combo and stove, along with a washer and dryer in each unit. New remodels include new cabinets, floors, lighting, ceiling fans, counters, windows, window coverings,
Vineyard Apartments boasts a convenient location near Highway 99 and close to bus lines, which makes your commute to work or school in Ceres or Modesto effortless. A short jaunt outside your front door, you'll find grocery shopping, clothing and home goods stores, and everything you need to live your daily life in one of our one, two, or three bedroom apartments for rent in Ceres, California.
2-bedroom, 2-bath apartment available now! Features a bright living room, updated kitchen, and plenty of storage. In-unit laundry adds convenience. Located near shops, dining, and public transportation, this apartment is move-in ready.
2-bedroom, 2-bath apartment available now! Features a bright living room, updated kitchen, and plenty of storage. In-unit laundry adds convenience. Located near shops, dining, and public transportation, this apartment is move-in ready.
2-bedroom, 2-bath apartment available now! Features a bright living room, updated kitchen, and plenty of storage. In-unit laundry adds convenience. Located near shops, dining, and public transportation, this apartment is move-in ready.
2-bedroom, 2-bath apartment available now! Features a bright living room, updated kitchen, and plenty of storage. In-unit laundry adds convenience. Located near shops, dining, and public transportation, this apartment is move-in ready.
2-bedroom, 2-bath apartment available now! Features a bright living room, updated kitchen, and plenty of storage. In-unit laundry adds convenience. Located near shops, dining, and public transportation, this apartment is move-in ready.
2-bedroom, 2-bath apartment available now! Features a bright living room, updated kitchen, and plenty of storage. In-unit laundry adds convenience. Located near shops, dining, and public transportation, this apartment is move-in ready.
Named after the Roman Goddess of Agriculture, Downtown Ceres offers proximity to several green spaces, a community center and small-town shopping. Surrounded by rural farmland to its east and a bustling city to its west, Downtown is the heartbeat of the small town of Ceres in Stanislaus County. Located in California's San Joaquin Valley, it's also a thriving agriculture hub just 6 miles from Modesto. "It's an affordable area that is smaller than Modesto but bigger than Keyes," says Jessica Barrios, Broker and owner of Barrios Realty Consultants and resident of Modesto. <br><br>Primarily receiving water from wells, Ceres has dealt with a long history of contaminated water driven by cross-connection and backflow. However, the Ceres Wastewater Treatment aims to produce 15 million gallons daily, treating water drawn from the Tuolumne River and groundwater from Turlock. It is home to the new Stanislaus County Agricultural Center, which oversees ordinances related to pesticides, export of agricultural products and certification.<br><br>With road names like Magnolia Street, Oasis Drive and Palm Avenue, this urban community, located near several parks, offers glimpses of nature. Neutral-colored L-shaped ranch-style homes line the maple and oak tree-shaded sidewalks, accentuated with double-car garages. Wooden fences enclose the backyards, complemented by inground pools and gazebos embracing the Californian heat. Prices range from $280,000 for homes starting at 1,000 square feet to $445,000 for renovated homes. <br><br>Students may be part of the Ceres Unified School District, with several schools within walking distance of homes. These include Walter White Elementary, Argus and Endeavor High and Lucas Elementary, all rated with a C-plus, according to Niche. Middle schoolers may attend Blaker-Kinser Junior High School, which Niche ranks with a C, prioritizing college awareness, registering students for Californiacolleges.edu, and aiding students in post-secondary education success. The high school consists of Argus High and Endeavor Alternative Center, accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. <br><br>The Ceres Community Center was created to unite neighbors, hosting classes for families of all ages and spanning two stories. Events include educational programs, Zumba, cooking classes, Loteria and annual ones like the Spring Eggstravaganza. Close to home, Ceres-Whitemore Park, near the highway and Roeding Heights Park, keep the neighborhood kids entertained with their playgrounds and picnic gazebos. A mile from the recreational center, Smyrna Community Park is one of Ceres' most visited green spaces, which is no surprise due to the George Costa Fields, where families play baseball and practice tricks at the skate park. It is also just 3 miles from Ceres River Bluff Regional Park. <br><br>The downtown area is a quaint, walkable district but a shadow of what it once was, with many empty storefronts. Along 4th street, Hand Creations Flower Shop, Ceres Drug Store and Delhart's Home Furnishing keep foot traffic peddling. American Italian Bistro plates up classic Tuscan comfort foods in its cozy dining room. Other eateries include Sam's Café and Loza Kitchen & Bar, dishing out a curated menu of tapas and crepes. Just 2 miles from 4th street is Ceres Plaza Shopping Center, and 10 miles away is the Vintage Faire Mall. Residents benefit from Walmart and Save Mart Supermarkets, which is next to Planet Fitness. <br><br>California 99 bisects the community and is less than 6 miles from California 132 and California 108. "It's nice because it's primarily residential, and you can get to Modesto and Turlock very quickly," Barrios says. And there are bus stops peppered throughout, operated by the StanRTA or "The S". It is also under 4 miles from the Modesto City–County Airport. Ceres Care Center is right in the community but is 8 miles from the larger Memorial Medical Center in Modesto. <br><br>At Ceres-Whitemore Park, it isn't unusual to hear the velvet riffsof guitars and local singers during the Concerts in the Park, a weekly series during June and July. Then there's the Ceres Street Fair, flooding with neighbors browsing through vendors with local talent. 3 miles away, El Rematito Crows Landing Flea Market buzzes with locals during the night market. Diamond Bar Arena is 3 miles south, the site of Caddle roping and barrel racing. The Skies the Limit Hot Air Balloon Festival began in 2023, elevating residents for panoramic city views amid the clouds.
Property Mix - Square Feet
Ceres Has More Owners
Rental Home Trends
Number of Homes for Rent
1
Median Rent
$2,695
Median Single Family Home Rent
$2,695
Median 3 Bedroom Single Family Home Rent
$2,695
Demographics
Total Population
48,768
Median Age
33
Population Density
161 ppl/acre
Population under 18
30.4%
Above the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
11.9%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$71,434
Below the national average
$79,597
Average Household Income
$85,560
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
75.1%
Below the national average
89%
College Graduates
10.9%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
2.5%
% Population in Labor Force
60.6%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
12''
Average Winter Low Temperature
39°F
Average Summer High Temperature
95°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Somewhat bikeable
Bikeability®
30/ 100
Fairly walkable
Walkability®
40/ 100
Limited public transit
Transit®
30/ 100
Source: Local Logic
Sources: Local Logic
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
