Modesto

This mid-sized city, and Stanislaus County Seat, inspired the classic film “American Graffiti” by George Lucas, who grew up on a Modesto walnut farm (there’s even a statue of him in town!) Located in California’s Central Valley, which is renowned for its agricultural history and production, Modesto helped earn the county a whopping $3.6 billion in gross farm income last year. Big companies like Blue Diamond, E&J Gallo Winery, and Del Monte Foods are among the area’s largest employers. Its 220,000 residents give Modesto a dense suburban feel, and reinvestment in the downtown area has revitalized restaurants, shopping centers, cafes, art galleries, movie theaters, and live performance venues. Warm summers, mild winters, a love for the arts and good schools make Modesto a comfortable place to call home.