Work in Modesto, where should I live? (San Francisco, Oakland: best town, headhunter)

[scubacat]

I am trying to find a job as a physician in northern California and found a job listing in Modesto that I'm considering applying for. The headhunter I'm working with told me that I could live closer to San Francisco and commute if I want. Then again, she also told me that Modesto is a very nice, pretty community. From reading on these forums it seems like Modesto is a pretty bad place to live, so I don't know whether I should believe the headhunter regarding either of her statements. Is it reasonable to live in the east Bay area and commute? How far away from Modesto do I have to get to be in a safe area that is close to shopping, entertainment, and social activities for a young professional?

Just so people don't ask why I'm looking in Modesto, I'm having a hard time trying to find the type of work I want in more desirable cities. I look at this as a starter job to work my way into a more desirable position in a better city.

Thanks!

[David Aguilar]

There are perfectly reasonable places to live in Modesto.

[BeauCharles]

There are some fine upscale neighborhoods in Modesto (primarily parts of the North side). I would seriously consider looking at Oakdale. I lived there as a kid and its the best town in the Central Valley and is only 15 miles from Modesto. You can be to the shopping and dining of Modesto in 20-25 minutes tops. Seriously, its a fantastic town to put roots down in.

Oakdale, California - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[pnc66]

I would suggest Oakdale if you didn't want to live in Modesto.

[Think About It!]

I'd at least apply for the job and see if you get it. It's a start in the job field I would assume.

I don't know where you are coming from or what your personal life is like. If you have a family oakdale and Ripon are great little towns near modesto. If you crave more of urban life you could commute from the outer east bay (livermore/pleasanton/Dublin) to modesto. Granted those cities are also suburban but defnately feel more like a city than a small farming town. The commute would be 45-60 I would guess from the tri valley area depending on traffic. You would be closer to s.f., Oakland, san Jose however.