Moving to Ceres? 🌳 Everything to Know About Living in Ceres CA

Ceres is surrounded by rich farmland, vineyards, and almond tree orchards, and is a thriving agriculture hub due to its location in one of the California Central Valley's richest and most diverse agricultural areas. Even the name "Ceres" was taken from the Roman goddess of agriculture and fertility. Ceres has a small-town feel with a lot to offer, such as a high quality of life, a friendly community, and affordable housing. 

What is Ceres CA famous for? It’s known for being an agricultural hub. Founded in 1888, Ceres is home to numerous parks, including the Mitchell Park and Recreation Center, which offers a wide range of recreational activities. The Ceres Historical Museum is a great place to learn about the city’s history. Ceres has good public and private schools to choose from, making it a great location for families. 

Ceres hosts a number of annual events during the year that bring the community together, such as the Ceres Street Faire, the Ceres Hot Air Balloon Festival, Concert in the Park, the Halloween Fun Festival, and the Christmas Tree Lane opening ceremony. So, is Ceres CA a good place to live? It sure is! You’ll love the small-town rural feel when living in Ceres CA. 

Where Is Ceres, CA?

Ceres is a city in California and is located about 5 miles southeast of Modesto along State Route 99. Ceres is part of the Modesto metropolitan statistical area. Ceres is nestled in the San Joaquin Valley.  

What County Is Ceres CA in?

Ceres CA is located in Stanislaus County.

Map of Ceres 

There’s much to love about living in Ceres CA. Take a look with this map:

Ceres CA Population and Demographics

The Ceres population is 49,302. Those living in Ceres CA have a significant foreign-born population, with nearly 30% of the population born outside the US. The majority of the foreign-born population originates from Latin America (49%) and Asia (41%). The leading countries of origin that make up the foreign-born population in Ceres are Mexico, the Philippines, China, India, and Vietnam. 

What Is the Ethnicity of Ceres, CA?

• White alone 36.9%
• Black or African American alone 1.1%
• American Indian and Native Alaskan alone 1.0%
• Asian alone 9.7%
• Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone 0.2%
• Two or more races 34.0%
• Hispanic 65.6%
• White alone, not Hispanic or Latino, 20.9%

Here's an overview of Ceres's demographics:

• Population density: 5,211.43 per square mile
• Median age: 32.7
• Sex ratio: 52.1% Males, 47.9% Females
• Median household income: $76,862
• Educational attainment: 74.3% high school degree or higher, 13.0% bachelor's degree or higher
• Foreign-born population: 27.7%
• Veteran population: 1,552

Does Ceres Have a High Crime Rate?

The Ceres Police Department and its 48 sworn officers are committed to serving those living in Ceres CA, with professionalism, integrity, and excellence. The crime rate in Ceres is 25% higher than the national average but only 1% higher than the state average. There are 2,851 crimes per 100,000 people. Violent crime rates are 18% lower than the state average. There are 416 violent crimes per 100,000 people.

Ceres CA Cost of Living

The cost of living in Ceres CA is 22% higher than the national average, although it is 18% lower than the California state average. Although housing costs, which make up the biggest portion of the Ceres cost of living, are 48% higher than the national average, they are also 48% lower than the state average. The median sale price of a home in Ceres is $430,000, and the average price per square foot is $282. Check out the many current houses for sale in Ceres CA.

The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Ceres is $1,617 a month for an 874-square-foot apartment, according to RentCafe. By comparison, residents in Modesto pay about $1,711 a month in rent. You can find apartments for rent and houses for rent Ceres CA listed on RentCafe.

Typical Ceres Living Expenses:

• Meal, inexpensive restaurant: $16.50
• Domestic beer: $5.50
• 1 gallon of milk: $4.00
• Dozen eggs: $5.50
• 1 pound of chicken: $6.67
• Average Ceres monthly utility bill: $240.80

Source: Numbeo, Modesto

The Best Neighborhoods in Ceres

Those living in Ceres CA can find many neighborhoods to fit their needs. Ceres has a variety of neighborhoods with various amenities that will appeal to a wide range of potential home buyers. Home prices in Ceres are also substantially lower than median prices in California, making it a great place for growing families. Here are some of the best neighborhoods in Ceres: 

Mayfield

Those living in Ceres CA in Mayfield will find a single-family home community with many ranch-style homes built in the late 1970s and two-story, tract-style contemporary, and Spanish-style homes built in the 2000s. Mayfield is near schools and parks, including Neel Park and Ochoa Park. Shopping and dining options are nearby along Mitchell Road.  

Bystrom

A small, established neighborhood featuring a mix of home styles that include midcentury bungalows, ranch-style homes, and two-story builds. Ceres Plaza Shopping Center is close by for shopping and dining. Mancini Park, Tuolumne River Regional Park, Ceres River Bluff Regional Park, and the River Oaks Golf Course are minutes away. 

Downtown Ceres

This is a community of ranch-style homes located near several parks. Many homes here have fenced backyards and inground pools. The Ceres Community Center, Ceres-Whitemore Park, and Smyrna Community Park are all a short drive away. The walkable downtown neighborhood offers many shopping and dining opportunities. 

Ceres CA Weather & Climate

Ceres has a very warm climate and great weather all year round. The average temperature in the summer is about 80 degrees, and in the winter, it's a comfortable 55 degrees. Rainfall is low in Ceres, with an average of only about 8 inches per year, well off the national average of 38 inches. 

The winter months can see occasional snowfall, but the average accumulation is 0 inches. Sunny days are the norm in Ceres, with an average of 264 sunny days per year. The US average is 205 sunny days. The best time to visit Ceres is from early June to late September. 

Things to Do in Ceres CA

Ceres offers an array of activities that cater to a wide range of tastes for those living in Ceres CA. In addition, enjoy convenient shopping at the Ceres Gateway Center, Ceres Plaza, and Whitmore Plaza. Here are some of the top things to do in Ceres:

Smyrna Community Park

Smyrna Park is one of the largest and most popular parks for those living in Ceres CA. Amenities in the park include sand volleyball courts, lighted baseball fields, a playground, shade trees, BBQ grills, a skate park, covered spaces, horseshoe pits, and a walking path.

2650 Fowler Rd, Ceres, CA 95307, (209) 538-5628

River Oaks Golf Course and Event Center

 

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The course features a driving range with lights, a putting green, a practice area, and two patios along the back nine offering food and drinks. The events center is a great place for weddings, corporate events, or other special occasions. It’s popular amongst those living in Ceres CA.

3441 Golf Links Rd. Ceres, CA 95307, (209) 537-4653

Gallo Center for the Arts

The Gallo Center has two theaters and hosts six resident companies, including the Central West Ballet, the Modesto Symphony Orchestra, and Modesto Performing Arts. It also hosts many top stars, notable figures, and touring Broadway shows throughout the year. If you’re an art lover living in Ceres CA, you can’t miss out.

1000 I St, Modesto, CA 95354, (209) 338-2100

Additional Attractions Near Ceres, CA:

• Sam Ryno Park
• McHenry Museum
• Modesto Children's Museum

Those living in Ceres CA have an abundance of parks to choose from. Some of the most popular parks include Ochoa Park, Neel Park, and Strawberry Fields Park, which offer play equipment, basketball courts, sand volleyball courts, corn hole areas, horseshoe pits, dog park areas, fitness stations, picnic areas, and more. 

Ceres River Bluff Regional Park spans 75 acres and features soccer fields, a fishing pond, walking trails, and a playground. The park also hosts community events such as a Fourth of July celebration and a Christmas festival every year. 

Ceres CA Restaurants

Looking for amazing food while living in Ceres CA? Ceres offers a wide range of dining experiences, with a host of diverse restaurants and cafes that feature a variety of cuisines. You can find classic American fare, authentic Mexican, Italian, Chinese, and more. Here are some of the most popular dining establishments in Ceres:

My Garden Cafe

This award-winning restaurant features all your breakfast, brunch, and lunch favorites made fresh from scratch every day. From breakfast omelets, waffles, and pancakes to hot and cold sandwiches, burgers, soups, and salads, My Garden Café has something for every taste.

2535 E Whitmore Ave, Ceres, CA 95307, (209) 538-0184 

Taqueria Lagos Restaurant

 

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Taqueria Lagos serves up authentic Mexican fare that is always flavorful, fresh, and delicious. Popular menu items include chimichangas, fajitas lagos, tacos de alambre, enchiladas de camarón, rey's special, and the California burrito. It’s very popular for those living in Ceres CA.

1571 Mitchell Rd, Ceres, CA 95307, (209) 538-1525

​​American Italian Bistro Restaurant 

Want something truly local while living in Ceres CA? The American Italian Bistro is a mix of small Italian village blends and American comfort in a rustic setting. They use only the finest ingredients, including hand-picked herbs, artisanal cheeses, and fresh, locally sourced produce for every dish they serve. The menu includes mouthwatering pasta dishes, calzones, and pizza.

2930 4th St, Ceres, CA 95307, (209) 566-8013

Jobs in Ceres CA

The major industries in Ceres include agriculture, manufacturing, retail trade, and healthcare. The city’s proximity to Modesto offers many employment possibilities. One of the major employers in Ceres is Foster Farms, a poultry company owned and operated by the Foster family from 1939 until 2022 and now operated and owned by Atlas Holdings. The company specializes in a variety of fresh, naturally, and locally grown chicken and turkey products. 

Other top employers near Ceres include Del Monte Foods, Stanislaus Food Products, Conagra Brands, and E&J Gallo Winery. If you’re looking for a job in Ceres, take a look at job hiring Ceres CA has on Indeed, and the City of Ceres Job Opportunities.

Schools in Ceres CA

When moving to Ceres, you’re likely looking at the schools for your kids. Students in Ceres typically attend schools in the Ceres Unified School District. Ceres Unified School District is home to 20 schools, including two comprehensive high schools, like Central Valley High School, two dual language academies, a leadership magnet school, and a K-12 charter school. 

In 2021, U.S. News & World Report ranked 3 district high schools among the top 5 of 47 in the Modesto area. The district enrolls about 14,000 students and provides dual language academies and after-school programs to meet student needs. As a Committed to Excellence and Responsive to Every Student district, they value all backgrounds and circumstances and strive to provide a quality education for every student. 

The city of Ceres CA has some great private and charter school options as well. A few of the top private and charter school options for those living in Ceres CA include Central Valley Christian Academy, Aspire University Charter School, and St Stanislaus Catholic School.  

If you are looking for post-secondary educational opportunities while living in Ceres CA, some great options include the California State University Stanislaus, Abrams College, Stanislaus State Stockton Campus, and Modesto Junior College

Whether you want more educational opportunities or something fun, living in Ceres CA is awesome thanks to the Ceres Public Library. They offer books, books on CD, magazines, newspapers, ebooks, audiobooks, and more. The library also offers many events, programs, and presentations for kids, teens, and adults.  

Ceres CA Statistics & Information

• Ceres CA county: Stanislaus County
• Area: 9.35 square miles
• Ceres CA zip code: 95307
• Area code: 209
• Elevation: 92 feet
• Time zone: Pacific Time Zone (UTC-7 and -8)

What Is the Nearest International Airport to Ceres CA?

The nearest international airport to Ceres CA is San Francisco International Airport. The nearest airport to Ceres CA is Modesto City-County Airport.

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