Waterford’s town motto, “Gateway to Recreation,” speaks volumes about the history, culture and location of this small agricultural town on the western outskirts of Modesto. Initially settled in 1857, Waterford has long been a destination for visitors as they make their way to the many outdoor recreational opportunities across the region, including Yosemite National Park, Modesto Reservoir Regional Park and the Sierra Nevada Mountains. But Waterford is more than just a conduit to other parts of California; locals enjoy access to world-class fishing and kayaking on the Tuolumne River, a 150-mile waterway that starts in Yosemite Valley and is officially designated as a Wild and Scenic River. The city recently created the Waterford Riverwalk Park to provide better access to the Tuolumne River as it flows through Waterford, an effort that earned Waterford an Award of Excellence from the California Park & Recreation Society.
One-stop shopping along Yosemite Boulevard
Yosemite Boulevard cuts a horizontal line across the southern edge of Waterford near the Tuolumne River, serving as the community’s busiest thoroughfare and central commercial corridor as it continues west from Modesto into Yosemite National Park. Yosemite Boulevard is lined with bus stops, restaurants and retail centers, including Waterford Plaza, home to Pioneer Supermarket and several small retail stores. For specialty items and long shopping lists, locals can drive west on Yosemite Boulevard into Modesto, where they will find familiar national retailers alongside locally owned boutiques. Cathy’s Coffee Shop provides country-style cooking with a smile, serving a classic diner breakfast menu with midwestern prices. For dinner, locals meet on the outdoor patio at Su Casita Mexican Restaurant, one of Waterford’s many authentic Mexican eateries. The Outpost Saloon is Waterford’s favorite watering hole, with a laid-back vibe and a large backyard fire pit.
Pioneer Market sits in the middle of town.
Shop for your produce at Pioneer Market.
Shop at Pioneer Market for all of your grocery needs.
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Craftsman-style homes priced below the national average
The median home price in Waterford is over $100,000 less than in Modesto and other areas throughout Stanislaus County, making it a popular destination for those commuting to the surrounding cities and ranches. Buyers can expect to find a wide selection of traditional architectural styles with Craftsman and Spanish Revival accents, most of which feature two-car garages and ample outdoor living spaces. The River Point is one of a few small gated communities in Waterford, offering riverfront views and access to private amenities like the River Point pool complex. Buyers can expect to pay between $320,000 and $550,000 for a single-family home in Waterford.
Stucco facade homes are found in Waterford.
Wide streets are found throughout Waterford.
Waterford is the Gateway to Recreation.
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Making the grade in Waterford
Students in Waterford begin their education at Richard Moon Primary School, a C-rated elementary school with a student-teacher ratio of 21-to-1. From there, students graduate to Lucille Whitehead Intermediate School — which earns a C-minus grade on Niche — and Waterford High School, a B-minus-rated school with an average SAT score of 1130. Graduates of Waterford High regularly gain admission into prestigious local universities like UC Davis and the University of San Francisco.
Waterford High offers exceptional educational options.
Waterford High offers a variety of classes.
Community Bible Church is one of many in Waterford.
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Waterford’s nationally recognized parks and recreation
The Waterford community comes together at Beard Park, a centrally located municipal park with state-of-the-art playground facilities, picnic pavilions and a large concrete skate park. Beard Park hosts the community’s little league teams, which play year-round in Waterford under the lights surrounding the fields. The City of Waterford sponsors a free dog park with separate areas for big and little dogs and shaded benches from which locals can watch their puppies navigate the park’s obstacle courses. A series of pedestrian trails connect the parks, none more prominent than the River Parkway Trail, a 1.5-mile river trail system connecting the two riverside parks along the banks of the Tuolumne River. On rainy days, locals can visit the Children’s Museum or catch a movie at the Brenden Theatre in downtown Modesto, only 15 minutes away on Yosemite Boulevard.
Spend time at Bear Park in Waterford.
Walk the trails in Waterford.
River Park in Waterford sits along the Tuolumne River.
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Getting around in California’s Central Valley
Waterford is situated along the eastern edge of California’s Central Valley, an agricultural oasis that supplies about 25 percent of the nation’s fruits, nuts and berries. Many residents work among the farms, ranches and orchards surrounding the community, while others make the 13-mile commute into Modesto via Highway 132. Sacramento is located 95 miles north of Waterford — home of the nearest international airport — while the Pacific Beaches of the greater Bay Area are 140 miles to the west.
As a native of the Central Valley, Zeek has lived in Merced County since 1997. He first embarked on his real estate journey in 2007 and has since then perfected his trade skills in customer service experience, sales, and sales management through various job experiences. He strives to demonstrate the absolute highest level of integrity, honor, and commitment; all the while bringing a little bit of fun into every real estate transaction. His goal is to provide every customer with a consistent, executive-level, top-tier experience in every aspect of their real estate transaction.
Zeek makes every transaction smooth and stress-free for his clients and best of all, he CARES! His passion for the real estate field is apparent through his excellent communication skills and warm/friendly approach. You will not find a more professional, transparent, personable, and yet down-to-earth and approachable agent out there! Make the smart decision and use Zeek as YOUR realtor.
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.
