"I wish this was a riverbank, instead of a graveyard. I wish we were sittin' and fishin' and this wouldn't be so hard. It was my favorite thing that we used to do, but now we can't. I wish you were here and I wish this were a riverbank." -- From "Riverbank" by Jeff Bates
Incorporated in August of 1922, Riverbank is now home to quite a significant number of people in the Stanislaus County, California. Originally, the town was nothing more than a ferry station for travelers crossing the Stanislaus River, but the population of settlers in the area grew once the Santa Fe Railroad came to town. Now, residents of Riverbank snub their nose at such humble beginnings with an annual Wine and Cheese Festival. Classy!
In 2009, Riverbank underwent a few revitalization projects, including the establishment of the Downtown Plaza and the Riverbank Mural
"I wish this was a riverbank, instead of a graveyard. I wish we were sittin' and fishin' and this wouldn't be so hard. It was my favorite thing that we used to do, but now we can't. I wish you were here and I wish this were a riverbank." -- From "Riverbank" by Jeff Bates
Incorporated in August of 1922, Riverbank is now home to quite a significant number of people in the Stanislaus County, California. Originally, the town was nothing more than a ferry station for travelers crossing the Stanislaus River, but the population of settlers in the area grew once the Santa Fe Railroad came to town. Now, residents of Riverbank snub their nose at such humble beginnings with an annual Wine and Cheese Festival. Classy!
Moving In - Some Tips
In 2009, Riverbank underwent a few revitalization projects, including the establishment of the Downtown Plaza and the Riverbank Mural. This town wants to support its local businesses and it works hard to attract shoppers and customers. Are you an entrepreneur? Talk to the Chamber of Commerce and get some advice on setting up your business!
Places to live in Riverbank are pretty affordable by California standards, so if you're coming from another part of the state, you should be pleasantly surprised! On the other hand, if you're not already a Californian, prepare for rental costs that are pretty much on par with the rest of the country. Keep in mind, however: rentals are generally big and beautiful in Riverbank, surrounded by vast green lawns. Who doesn't love a nice lawn? Even the duplexes for rent have great outdoor space and a few trees to spruce up the place.
The local power companies are Pacific Gas and Electric and Modesto Irrigation District, so give one them a call the week of your moving date to make sure those lights turn on when you need them. The City of Riverbank provides water, sewage and trash services for all residents, so you'll need to get in touch with them as well. Most cable services come from Charter Communications.
Two bus services, ROTA and staRT, operate in Riverbank and the surrounding county. Want to get where you're going without a lot of waiting around? Bring a car. There are a few dedicated bike paths in Patterson and Roselle, but those will just take you in circles
Neighborhoods of Riverbank
The city is comprised of four major neighborhoods and one huge outlying section that incorporate the most rural of residents and businesses: City Center, Callander Avenue and Topeka, Patterson and Roselle, Claus and Davis, and Claus. Claus is a huge outlying neighborhood that encircles most of the town center in a big horseshoe shape. Real estate in this area is lower in price than about 70% of California towns, however the rental costs are fairly high since the homes tend to be medium to large in size. Together with Callander and Topeka, Claus has the highest home values in Riverbank.
Callander and Topeka is just to the west of the City Center. Here you can find commercial buildings, restaurants, apartment complexes, small and medium-sized houses. Rental costs in this neighborhood are lower than in most parts of California - but you probably already realize that isn't saying much! California is not a cheap place to live, so if you're set on the state, maybe Riverbank is right for you.
Patterson and Roselle is located to the south of Callander and Topeka. In this part of town, home values are lower than other neighborhoods, but the rental costs are higher. Why? Because these houses are big! Sure, there are a few mobile homes around as well, but for the most part, houses in this area are fairly big and new, with giant attached garages.
Claus and Davis, to the east of Patterson and Roselle, are mostly residential areas with a few commercial buildings dotted around the neighborhoods. Medium and small houses are the norm, with additional mobile homes for sale or rent. Home values in Claus and Davis are the lowest in all of Riverbank, but the rental prices are still just average.
The City Center, bordered in the north by the Stanislaus River, has ditched the big houses in favor of small businesses, commercial squares, small houses, apartment homes and studio apartments. Because of the size of available rentals in the City Center, rents are a bit lower than in the rest of town. Home values are lower than about 88% of other California towns.
Food and Stuff!
Most restaurants are clustered around Highway 108, or Patterson Road, along the northern edge of Riverbank. Are you a fan of burgers? Great! McDonald's, Burger King, Sno-White Drive In and the Nifty Drive-In have got you covered. If you're looking for something a little more substantial, check out Cool Hand Luke's Steakhouse and Saloon for some meat that will stick to your ribs, as well as some drinks and company. Into Mexican or Chinese? It's all here: Perko's Cafe, El Rosal 9, and La Parilla Mexican Restaurant and Bar have cooked up some awesome food just for you.
Aside from the Saloon and the Sports Lounge, Galaxy 12 can keep you up to date on the latest Hollywood films, while Paul's Video can help you reminisce about the old ones. And don't forget that Wine and Cheese Expo!
