College Area

Modesto, CA

Neighborhood Market Analysis

Q3 2025 Report
$445,000–$455,000 (as of mid-2025)
Median Home Price
65–75 (walkable for daily errands, especially near campus)
Walkability Score
Public schools rated average to above average; proximity to Modesto Junior College is a key draw.
School Rating

Location Overview

Neighborhood Boundaries

Generally defined by the area surrounding Modesto Junior College, bordered by Blue Gum Ave (north), Carpenter Rd (west), Orangeburg Ave (south), and Tully Rd (east).

Zip Codes

9535095351

Market Data Summary

Price Range$375,000–$600,000 depending on size, age, and proximity to campus
Price per Sq Ft$260–$320/sq ft (varies by property condition and lot size)
Inventory LevelsLow to moderate; homes sell quickly, especially those near Modesto Junior College[1][2].

Property Characteristics

Home Types & Architecture

Home Types

Single-family homesDuplexesSmall multi-family units

Architectural Styles

RanchMid-century modernTraditional California bungalow

Property Details

Typical Lot Sizes5,000–8,000 sq ft
Home Age Range1940s–1970s, with some newer infill properties
Construction QualityGenerally solid, with many homes updated or remodeled; some original condition homes present.

Community Profile

Demographics & Lifestyle

Demographics

Diverse mix of students, faculty, young professionals, and long-term residents. Median age lower than city average due to college proximity.

Community Vibe

Active, walkable, and community-oriented, with a blend of academic and residential culture.

Typical Residents

  • College students
  • Faculty/staff
  • Young families
  • Investors

Family Friendly

Moderately family-friendly; parks and schools nearby, but higher rental population.

Amenities & Lifestyle

Parks & Recreation

  • Graceada Park
  • Modesto Junior College West Campus green spaces

Dining Options

  • Casual cafes
  • Ethnic eateries
  • Pizza and sandwich shops

Shopping Centers

  • Vintage Faire Mall (short drive)
  • Local strip malls on Tully Rd and Carpenter Rd

Local Businesses

  • Coffee shops
  • Bookstores
  • Convenience stores
  • Fitness centers

Education & Schools

Public schools rated average to above average; proximity to Modesto Junior College is a key draw.
Overall School Rating

Elementary Schools

  • Enslen Elementary
  • Bret Harte Elementary

Middle Schools

  • Roosevelt Junior High

High Schools

  • Modesto High School

Private Schools

  • Big Valley Christian School
  • Our Lady of Fatima School

Transportation & Accessibility

Transit & Roads

Public Transit

  • Modesto Area Express (MAX) bus routes

Major Roads

  • Carpenter Rd
  • Tully Rd
  • Orangeburg Ave

Commute & Walkability

Commute Times10–15 minutes to downtown Modesto; 5 minutes to Highway 99; 30–40 minutes to Stockton or Tracy.
WalkabilityGood near campus; car recommended for errands beyond immediate area.
ParkingGenerally good, but can be tight near campus during school hours.

Marketing Intelligence

Target Buyer Types

  • Investors
  • Parents of students
  • First-time buyers
  • Young professionals

Key Selling Points

  • Consistent rental demand
  • Walkable to campus and amenities
  • Steady appreciation

Pricing Considerations

Homes priced competitively (within 2–3% of market value) sell quickly; overpricing leads to longer days on market.

Common Objections & Response Strategies

Objection: Older homes may need repairs or updates.

Response Strategy:

Provide inspection reports and highlight recent upgrades; offer renovation credits if needed.

Objection: Parking is limited near campus.

Response Strategy:

Emphasize off-street parking options and proximity to public transit.

Objection: Higher student population may mean more noise.

Response Strategy:

Showcase quieter side streets and homes further from main campus entrances.

Investment Insights

Investment Potential

Appreciation Potential

Solid, with steady year-over-year growth and strong rental demand[1][2].

Rental Demand

High, driven by student and faculty population; low vacancy rates.

Buyer Competition

Moderate to high, especially for updated homes and multi-family units.

Best For

  • Investors seeking stable cash flow
  • First-time buyers
  • Parents of college students

Potential Concerns

  • Older homes may require updates
  • Parking congestion during school terms

Professional Recommendations

1

Emphasize rental and appreciation potential in marketing materials.

2

Network with Modesto Junior College for student/faculty housing leads.

3

Stage homes to appeal to both owner-occupants and investors.

4

Monitor campus expansion plans for early investment opportunities.

5

Educate buyers on local rental regulations and ADU possibilities.

Competitive Analysis

Comparable Markets

  • La Loma
  • Roseburg
  • Downtown Modesto

Market Positioning

Ideal for investors and buyers seeking stable returns and walkable lifestyle.

Competitive Advantages

  • Proximity to college
  • Walkability
  • Consistent rental demand

Price Comparison

Slightly higher price per sq ft than city average due to college adjacency and rental demand.

Investment Metrics

5.5–6.5% for well-managed rentals
Cap Rates
5–6% gross annual yield
Rental Yields
~22–24
Price-to-Rent
Positive cash flow likely for updated properties with strong rental management.
Cash Flow
1.5–3% annually, barring major economic shifts.
Appreciation

Buyer Journey Insights

First-Time Buyers

Attractive entry price point; competitive market requires quick action and strong offers.

Move-Up Buyers

Less common, as homes tend to be smaller; some may seek larger lots or newer builds elsewhere.

Downsizers

Appealing for those wanting walkability and low-maintenance living.

Investors

High demand for student rentals; multi-family and ADU potential.

Relocators

Drawn by affordability and proximity to educational institutions.

This neighborhood analysis was generated using hyperlocal data and AI intelligence.

Neighborhood conditions change - consult with local real estate professionals for the most current information.

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