Ceres, CA Real Estate

The third largest city in Stanislaus County, the City of Ceres is located in the central San Joaquin Valley, 80 miles south of Sacramento and 95 miles east of San Francisco and home to 40,000 residents. Ceres is in one of the Central Valley's richest and most diverse agricultural areas and is the home to a new $14 million County Agricultural Center. The name "Ceres" originates from the Roman goddess of agriculture.

Ceres is a growing community with a heartfelt commitment to retaining its small neighborhood personality. Businesses, organizations, and nonprofit community service groups band together for a number of activities throughout the year. Events such as the annual Downtown Street Fair in May, summertime concerts in the park, Halloween Fun Festival, and the Christmas Tree Lane opening are well attended by the community.

New home construction has been going at record pace over the past few years. While median home prices increased, the City has had continued success in providing affordable housing opportunities, including construction of a senior apartment complex; rehabilitation and construction of a number of multi-family developments; as well as operating successful first-time homeowner and housing rehabilitation assistance programs.

The City of Ceres enjoys a comfortable climate, with 12 inches of rainfall annually. The average low winter temperature is 38F, with an average high of 85F in spring and fall, and an average high temperature in the 90's in summer. The Tuolumne River forms part of the city's northern boundary.

The first families that inhabited Ceres were those of John Service, Cassius Warner, and Daniel Whitmore in the year 1867. Daniel C. Whitmore is considered the first family and founder of Ceres and built his home in 1870, now known as The Whitmore Mansion at 2928 5th Street. That home still stands, fully restored by the City and the Ceres Historical Society, at 2928 Fifth Street. The newspaper in Ceres is a historic presence on its own, called The Ceres Courier; it has been in publication since 1910.

Not only is Ceres a city of staggering growth and deep-rooted history, it is also a haven for families and people who enjoy the outdoors. The 76-acre Ceres River Bluff Regional Park consists of a five-field soccer complex, softball, basketball and volleyball venues in addition to a concession stand, plaza, playground and group picnic area as well as a restored natural habitat with trails and access to the Tuolumne River.

In addition to the newly constructed park, the Ceres Community Center was recently built featuring a 25,000 square-foot central gathering place for education, recreation, social and cultural events for Ceres residents. Amenities include over 9,000 square feet of assembly space, a teen activity room, arts & crafts center, computer learning center, senior activity room and kitchen.