Waterford

Families enjoy river hikes and lake trips close to home

Nature is abundant with many scenic areas along the Tuolumne River in Waterford. You can easily access the Tuolumne River Parkway, a 4-mile hiking trail with riparian woodlands along the river. At River Park, you can kayak, swim or fish for largemouth bass. In the town center, Beard Park is home to a skate park, athletic fields and a dog park. The Turlock Lake State Recreation Area and the Modesto Reservoir are both less than 20 minutes away, with jet ski access and campgrounds.

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Events and festivals shape life in Waterford

Waterford has a reputation as a friendly place with agricultural roots and a riverfront tradition. There are town festivities for most major holidays, including a Christmas parade, Trunk or Treat and charity events. The Stanislaus County Fair is a 10-day celebration in Turlock in July featuring carnival rides and livestock exhibits. "There are a lot of activities for families, including festivities, carnivals and a fair. The summer fair moves through all the counties and is a big deal for families in the summer," Lomeli says. "You have FFA and 4-H, so parents who want that lifestyle can find it."

School choice, highly rated schools and small class sizes in Waterford

The Waterford Unified School District does not operate magnet schools or publish an open-enrollment program. As a result, most students attend schools in their respective neighborhood zones. Families seeking alternatives may apply for interdistrict transfers, which must be renewed annually, depending on space availability and district policy. Students typically attend four schools in the Waterford Unified School District, across a primary, intermediate, junior high and high school. Waterford Junior High and Waterford High School are highly rated options. "I'm from the big city, so I can appreciate having no traffic and smaller school class sizes," Lomeli says.

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Where to shop and grab a bite in Waterford’s downtown

Waterford has a wider variety of grocery stores and locally owned restaurants, compared to smaller communities in the area, such as Hughson, including:

• Picking up groceries at the Pioneer Market or Dollar General Market.
• Shopping at Waterford Farm Supply and downtown convenience stores, such as the 24/7 Bait Barn and La Mexicana Del Valle.
• Trying a classic American breakfast, like biscuits and omelets at Cathy's Coffee Shop.
• Having homemade salsa and authentic enchiladas at Su Casita, which has a shady outdoor patio.

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Central Valley jobs and commuting to Modesto on SR-132

Waterford is a bedroom community in Modesto and major source of agriculture in Stanislaus County. Many residents work at schools, retail services and companies, such as Frazier Nut Farms and Waterford Irrigation. Approximately 20 minutes north in Oakdale, the Oak Valley Hospital District has the nearest emergency room for healthcare professionals. Aside from employment, it's easy to reach much of the valley, with plenty of commuter options and easy transit. To get around Waterford and reach other destinations, you can:

• Take State Route 132 about 13 miles east to reach Downtown Modesto, which has shopping, dining and nightlife about 20 minutes away.
• Hop on the StanRTA bus, which serves the entire county with transit stops along Yosemite Boulevard.
• Book passenger flights out of Stockton Metropolitan Airport, which has direct routes to Western cities, such as Denver, Phoenix and Las Vegas.