need your help and feedback re:riverbank ca? (Modesto, Merced: rent, crime rate)

[tisay_uk]

hello there,

my husb and i are planning to buy a house in riverbank, and start a family, need your honest opinion regarding the area.

[greatbasinguide]

Don't know a thing about it, except that it will be about 100 degrees all summer

[StampinTami]

not all summer... I don't think that Riverbank is that great of an area.

[tisay_uk]

thanks guys, riverbank is north of modesto, small place, appreciate your replies.

[StampinTami]

Originally Posted by tisay_uk

thanks guys, riverbank is north of modesto, small place, appreciate your replies.

Yes, it is a small place. It is growing tho. I lived there for awhile, my Mom and Sis a little longer than I. Sis went to HS there. Do you have any specific questions?

[MoMark]

I used to live on Valley Home Rd. outside of Oakdale when I was a kid and my parents still live in Oakdale which is very close to Riverbank. I'm not impressed with Riverbank myself, and it floods. If I were you, I'd look into Oakdale which is MUCH nicer. I'd also stay out of Modesto which is now about 200,000. I remember when Carver Rd. there was the northern boundary before the Vintage Fair Mall had been built. I moved there in 1975 when Modesto was 60,000. Now it's considered one of the top overvalued housing markets in the nation along with Merced, California and prices may tumble up to 30-40% is the fear. I wouldn't buy any houses in the Modesto/Oakdale/Riverbank areas just yet, but rent and wait until the housing market corrects itself. Jump in when the prices are back to real.

[StampinTami]

Originally Posted by MoMark

I used to live on Valley Home Rd. outside of Oakdale when I was a kid and my parents still live in Oakdale which is very close to Riverbank. I'm not impressed with Riverbank myself, and it floods. If I were you, I'd look into Oakdale which is MUCH nicer. I'd also stay out of Modesto which is now about 200,000. I remember when Carver Rd. there was the northern boundary before the Vintage Fair Mall had been built. I moved there in 1975 when Modesto was 60,000. Now it's considered one of the top overvalued housing markets in the nation along with Merced, California and prices may tumble up to 30-40% is the fear. I wouldn't buy any houses in the Modesto/Oakdale/Riverbank areas just yet, but rent and wait until the housing market corrects itself. Jump in when the prices are back to real.

My g'parents lived out in Valley Home! I spent lots of time out that way when I was younger.

Sadly, Oakdale and Valley Home are not what they used to be.

[tisay_uk]

Originally Posted by StampinTami

Yes, it is a small place. It is growing tho. I lived there for awhile, my Mom and Sis a little longer than I. Sis went to HS there. Do you have any specific questions?

thanks for the reply, what i'd like to know is, is it safe to live there?, how's the crime rate and in modesto i have heard there are some areas we need to avoid? is this true, and somebody quoted it floods,.

[tisay_uk]

thanks for all your replies, appreciate the help. we'd definitely look into it before we decide on moving.

[greatbasinguide]

Consider this. The Central Valley towns, are on flat ground, the topography is .... well,,,, flat. As you move east from the towns the land begins to rise. You have your choice of terrain (which may or may not be important to you) The terrain in the rolling or hilly country can give you a sense of space and privacy, somefolk want a home high on a ridge with expansive views, some folk want a home tucked into a cove, or glade, or valley sheltered with trees giving shade and privacy..

It seems, from reading this site, that most people do not make the house and site itself a priority, but rather the amenities of the community. But,, since you spend most of your time at your house, you want to consider your location.