Moving to Turlock CA: What to Expect When Relocating to Turlock

Thinking of moving to Turlock CA? Whether you’re relocating for family, work, or school, this guide helps you understand what life looks like in Turlock—and whether it’s the right move.

What is it like to live in Turlock?

If you're asking, "what is it like to live in Turlock?", here’s a clear snapshot:

• Turlock is a mid‑sized city (~72,740 residents as of 2020) in Central Valley, intersected by State Routes 99 and 165 and serving as the second‑largest city in Stanislaus County .

• It offers a small‑town, family-oriented, safe, and friendly atmosphere where neighbors greet each other and community ties run deep .

• The city features green spaces, parks, Carnegie Arts Center, CSU Stanislaus events, and the Stanislaus County Fairgrounds—all of which strengthen the local culture and community engagement .

• Residents describe a consistent pace—suitable if you prefer quieter living over big-city bustle—and enjoy local shops, farmers’ markets, and neighborhoods that feel welcoming.

• Demographically, the city is diverse: around 21.9% of residents are foreign-born, with a high mix of Hispanic and White populations .

• Amenities include well-maintained parks, a regional transit system, and a planned ACE rail station by 2027 offering future connectivity to the Bay Area and Sacramento .

Is Turlock a Good Place to Live?

Wondering "is Turlock a good place to live?"? Here's a breakdown by categories:

Education

• The Turlock Unified School District serves over 14,000 students and receives favorable reviews, averaging around 4.2/5 on Niche .

• Notable schools include Walnut and Julien Elementary with high marks, while Pitman High School serves nearly 2,000 students with average statewide academic performance levels .

Safety & Convenience

• While Stanislaus County’s crime rates run slightly above state averages, many locals report a calm, low‑stress daily environment within Turlock neighborhoods .

• CSU Stanislaus contributes to cultural life, job opportunities, and events—making education and arts accessible locally .

• Convenient highways make commuting to Modesto, Merced, and the broader Central Valley feasible and efficient.

Overall, Turlock ranks well in terms of living quality and community experience. The education system, local amenities, and lifestyle collectively answer the question: yes, Turlock is a good place to live—for many.

Turlock Cost of Living

Let’s dive into Turlock cost of living, especially compared to state and national averages:

• Based on cost‑of‑living indices:

  • BestPlaces index is about 116.3, meaning roughly 16% above U.S. average, but nearly 22% below California average .

  • ERI estimates a 13% above national cost, and 19% below California average .

  • Payscale reports Turlock’s overall cost at 56% above national levels, with housing nearly 96% higher, utilities 29% up, transport 42% more, groceries 17% above, and healthcare 373% higher than the U.S. average—though healthcare data may skew due to reporting differences .

  • AreaVibes indicates a cost index of around 126 (26% above U.S.), with housing about 62% above average, utilities up 40%, but healthcare slightly below average (–4%) .

• Specific figures to know:

  • Median home price is approximately $1,018,777; median rent about $3,060/month .

  • LivingCost.org (Mar 2025) shows monthly costs for a single person ~$2,490 (including rent) or ~$836 without rent; for a family of four, ~$6,076 (with rent) or ~$2,973 without .

  • BestPlaces estimates $49,600/year is needed for a single person, and $91,440/year for a family to live comfortably in Turlock .

In summary, cost of living in Turlock exceeds the national average but generally remains more affordable than larger California metros like San Francisco, Sacramento, or coastal cities.

Pros and Cons of Living in Turlock

Here’s a balanced look at the pros and cons of living in Turlock:

✅ Pros

• More affordable than Bay Area or Sacramento, while still offering California lifestyle (housing, utilities, etc.) at lower costs .

• Tight‑knit community feel: family events, county fair, CSU functions, great for community-minded families .

• Quality schools: standout elementary schools and public high schools well-rated by parents and students .

• Central Valley location offers access to Yosemite, Bay Area cities (~2–3 hours), and easy travel along SR‑99 corridor .

❌ Cons

• Relatively high cost of living, especially in housing and transportation—a downside compared to other Central Valley towns .

• Hot, dry summers: July averages reach 104 °F, with frequent 90+ °F days; winters remain moderate and wet .

• Limited nightlife or entertainment options compared to big cities—cultural and dining scenes are modest.

• Water quality concerns: historical groundwater nitrate and arsenic issues linked to Turlock Basin water management .

• County-level crime rates are higher than state average, though local shoulders vary in experience and some regard the city as peaceful .

Final Thoughts for Those Moving to Turlock CA

For those considering moving to Turlock CA, here’s why it may or may not be a good fit:

Best suited for:

• Families seeking strong schools, a community-oriented atmosphere, and manageable affordability

• Retirees who prefer slower pace, access to local events, and smaller city settings

• Commuters working in Modesto, Merced, or the Central Valley corridor

• CSU Stanislaus students, faculty, or staff seeking an affordable student-town environment

Less ideal for:

• Those who crave big-city nightlife, diverse entertainment, or fast-paced urban living

• People sensitive to extreme summer heat or concerned about water quality issues

• Residents on tight budgets: while cheaper than major metros, Turlock isn’t “cheap”—housing and utilities remain high.

What’s Next? Contact Emil Real Estate Services

If you’re serious about moving to Turlock CA, Emil Real Estate Services can assist with:

• Personalized home search aligned to your lifestyle and budget

• Guided neighborhood tours and school‑district consultations

• Local market insights to ensure you get the right value

• Relocation advisory: navigating utilities, community amenities, and resources

Reach out via emilrealestate.com or schedule a consultation to explore properties or map out your ideal move.

Summary: Turlock delivers a welcoming Central Valley lifestyle with strong schools, community feel, and a moderate cost advantage compared to coastal California cities. But the hot climate, limited nightlife, and water or crime considerations may deter some. For many, though, it strikes a good balance—and Emil Real Estate Services is here to make the transition smooth.