5 Things That Put Modesto, CA on the Map

California neighborhood in Modesto, CA

Despite its humble beginnings as an agricultural, railroad town, Modesto, CA can make several head-turning claims. After all, it’s the birthplace of legendary Star Wars creator George Lucas. It’s where “American Graffiti,” “Howard the Duck,” and “Dead Man on Campus” were filmed. It’s also the Central Valley city to visit when you want freshly picked grapes, peaches, and walnuts, or an unforgettable bottle of wine. With a population of just over 200,000, Modesto consistently ranks among the nation’s best places to live. The following are five lesser-known things about Modesto that helped put it on the map.

1. Modesto Is Leading the Way in Green, Clean, Renewable Energy

If you’re already a Modesto resident, you’re in luck. If you’re eyeing Modesto for an upcoming move, making this leap could leave you with a markedly smaller carbon footprint and far more manageable energy bills. As California’s 18th largest city, it’s leading the way in green, clean, renewable energy.

Despite its long history as a producer of quality fruit, nuts, wines, and seeds, Modesto’s current top crop is solar energy. With 95% of the rooftops in Modesto being either solar-viable or solar-ready, almost every resident has the opportunity to cash in. Modesto has an estimated solar capacity of 53.8 megawatts. Moreover, many top builders and developers throughout the region are prioritizing solar-energized buildings.

Because of its eco-conscious approach to energy production, energy use, and property design, Modesto is a great place to save money on efficiency-related home improvements. In addition to federal tax incentives made available through the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, homeowners also have access to project funding, rebates, and other incentives through agencies and opportunities like:

  • The Home Energy Renovation Opportunity (HERO) Financing Program
  • The Modesto Self-Generative Incentive Program
  • The California Solar Initiative – Solar Thermal Program
  • PACE Financing

There are even generous property tax exclusions for both solar energy systems and solar plus storage systems.

2. Modesto Is Home to the World’s Largest Winery

With a name that means “modest”, you’d hardly expect Modesto to be home to the world’s largest winery. However, Modesto is where the E. & J. Wine Gallery maintains its headquarters. Founded by brothers Ernest and Julio Gallo in the 1930s, this winery is the site of all production and distribution operations for this major, world-renowned brand and for the more than 200 alcoholic beverage brands that the company has acquired in recent years.

3. Modesto’s Summertime Temperature Rarely Dips Below the 90s

Often branded as farm country, Modesto was once eschewed by wealthy home buyers for the busier nightlife and shoreside accommodations of California cities like San Francisco, Berkeley, and Sacramento. However, it’s the place to be if you love warm California weather and gorgeous, natural surroundings. Modesto has an all-time high temperature of 113 degrees Fahrenheit, and it rarely dips below 90 degrees in summer.

High heat did indeed put Modesto on the map. Local weather is among the many reasons why the Gallo brothers chose this location to grow their grapes and age their wine. It’s also why the fresh fruits, nuts, and seeds produced in the region taste so fine.

The hot, humid climate of California’s Central Valley pairs perfectly well with the area’s interest in clean energy and eco-conscious living. With solar panel installation a popular choice among residents, Modesto locals can stay cool in summer without racking up large energy bills.

4. Easy, Temperate Winters

Modesto’s cold season lasts just 2.7 months. During winter, even nighttime temperatures rarely dip below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. This makes it an ideal location for using ductless mini-split heat pumps for year-round heating and cooling. It also extends annual growing times which is a boon for wineries, local farmers, and residents who maintain their own sufficiency gardens.

5. Modesto Is a Nature Lover’s Dream

With warm summer nights and an ample range of hiking trails, state parks, and lakes to enjoy, Modesto is a dream come true for nature lovers. It’s a gateway to Yosemite National Park, home to the Tuolumne River Trail, and just a short drive away from Stanislaus River.

We’ve been proudly serving residents of Modesto, CA since 2009. We offer heating, air conditioning, and indoor air quality services. We also provide generators, water heaters, and solar panel installation. To schedule an appointment, contact Honey's Air, Inc. today.

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