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Waterford, California is a quiet, family-friendly community in Stanislaus County, located just under half an hour from the county seat and larger city of Modesto. The small-town atmosphere makes for a welcoming community that regularly comes together for holidays and local events. The days without events can easily be filled with entertainment in the area; there are all kinds of outdoor recreation options with a variety of parks, reservoirs, lakes, and rivers located in and around town. D.R. Horton offers a range of houses for sale in Waterford, CA that make it easy to enjoy these fun activities. With open spacious floorplans and smart home technology, our new homes add comfort and convenience to your new life in Waterford.

Why live in Waterford, CA?

The town of Waterford is an active community, with an active events calendar and plenty of opportunities both in town and in the surrounding areas to get outside to get active. There are numerous parks and reservoirs in the area, and the Tuolumne River runs through town. Whether you are looking to go for a hike or hop on a boat, enjoying the sunshine is a breeze in Waterford, CA, and getting involved in the community is just as easy. With holiday celebrations and regular town events, finding ways to hang out with your neighbors is as simple as checking the town calendar.

Enjoying the small-town atmosphere doesn’t mean sacrificing the perks of the city. Modesto is conveniently located just under 30 minutes away, so you can enjoy both a peaceful, neighborly town as home while enjoying all the dining and entertainment a larger city provides.

Events and entertainment in Waterford, CA

Waterford, CA has a small-town feel, with regular gatherings that allow residents to get to know each other. With both holiday celebrations and community events, the town fosters a welcoming atmosphere and a sense of friendliness.

Holidays are celebrated with a shared sense of excitement and enthusiasm in Waterford, CA. The Sportsman's Club Easter Egg Hunt is popular and includes food and decorations in addition to the egg hunt itself. For Halloween, the town sponsors the annual Waterford Trunk or Treat downtown. With food trucks and local businesses offering dining options, you can spend the entire evening immersed in family-friendly, spooky fun. There are costume contests for different age groups and even pets. With over 50 trunks throughout the spooky stroll and heart-racing activities, like a haunted house, the event is sure to make you scream—with excitement, of course!

Christmas is a particularly busy time in Waterford with a variety of activities and events to spread good cheer. The biggest event of the season is undoubtedly the City of Waterford Lighted Christmas Parade. The event features a parade with Santa, which includes the big man himself lighting the town Christmas tree. There is a Christmas Market with over 40 vendors and plenty of food and activities, including fun for the kids, like a petting zoo and face painting. As the season continues, you can enjoy the sparkle as Waterford regularly sponsors a friendly competition for the best light display. Whether you opt to compete or not, you can wander through the community and enjoy the holiday splendor. The season of giving is honored with a community outreach program for those in need. The Love Waterford Gifting Program works with the area school district, police force, and family resource center to ensure families in need are provided for by collecting the lists of wants and needs and, with the help of families in the community, purchasing gifts and necessities, wrapping them, and delivering them.

Waterford, CA sponsors events throughout the year, not just the holidays. Held in the spring, the community volunteer day starts with a breakfast and a rally before folks break into groups for their projects. There are projects appropriate for every age and activity level, so the whole family can enjoy giving back to the community. Tri-W’s Strawberry Breakfast is another way to contribute. All proceeds from the breakfast fundraiser go toward community projects, so you can enjoy homemade biscuits and strawberries for a cause. Last, but not least, Heritage Days may be one of the town’s most popular annual events. Traditionally held Friday through Sunday, Heritage Days celebrate the town’s history and all that makes it great. There is a parade, live entertainment, food, educational resources, and kids' activities.

Fridays in the summer offer a bit of entertainment as well. The Waterford Farmers Market is more than an opportunity to stock up on locally grown fruits and vegetables; it’s an event in its own right. With live music, food trucks, and both retail and handmade offerings, you can make an occasion out of stocking up the fridge in your new home in Waterford.

Outdoor recreation in Waterford, CA

Frequently referred to as the “Gateway to Recreation,” Waterford is known for its convenient access to the region’s many recreation destinations. There are plenty of lakes, parks, and reservoirs nearby, and the Tuolumne River runs through town, providing plenty of options for outdoor fun.

The parks in town include different features and offerings ranging from short hikes to more traditional park play space. The Riverwalk Park in Waterford features a trail along the Tuolumne River that is just under four miles. You can enjoy the river views and natural setting while getting your steps in, or take a friend and go for a leisurely stroll. Beard Park, on the other hand, is intended for games of hide and seek or family picnics. With swings, playgrounds, a skate park, and picnic areas, it is a popular destination for friends and families to gather, as there are entertainment options for all ages.

The Modesto Reservoir is convenient to town and provides an excellent escape to nature. The area features 3,200 acres of land and 2,800 acres of reservoir, so there is ample space to enjoy your outdoor activity, whether you want to swim, hike, or observe the wildlife. You can also go boating, water skiing, or jet skiing here, and if you’d like to get out on the water to cast a line, you may just hook a rainbow trout, redear sunfish, bass, catfish, or bluegill. The Modesto Reservoir also offers some unique experiences; there is an archery range and a radio control electric airplane field.

The La Grange Off-Road Vehicle Recreation Area is a little farther out, just over 25 minutes from town. Managed by Stanislaus County, this park for off-roading offers a playground and beginner and intermediate tracks. There are also mud pits, rock climbs, hill climbs, a motocross track, and a kids track, ensuring a good time for all.

Just 45 minutes from town, Lake Don Pedro Reservoir is a great way to explore beautiful California nature. Nestled in the Sierra Nevada Foothills, the park includes 4.5 miles of trails that are open to hiking and mountain biking. The Blue Oaks Shoreline Trail spans 3.5 miles and directly parallels the shore of Buzzard Cove, offering an incredible scenic view. With 160 miles of shoreline and 13,000 surface acres of water, visitors can explore the lake by boat and participate in a handful of permitted water sports. If you are looking for a fast-paced lake day, waterskiing and windsurfing are allowed lakewide. If you would like to take it slow, you can sail or set out on a houseboat to explore the waters. No matter what you like to do, there is something for you and your family.

If you’re willing to drive for a bit, Yosemite National Park is just over an hour and a half from Waterford. Known for its waterfalls, there are numerous hikes that are worth the time in the car, and of course, hiking is not the only thing to enjoy there. There are ranger programs, guided tours, horseback riding, and rafting. In the winter, you can even take your skis and hit the slopes or opt for a cross-country route. The park is widely recognized for its beauty, and it’s easy to take your time and scope out all Yosemite offers as a resident of Waterford, CA.

Businesses and economics in Waterford, CA

Waterford, CA is home to many small businesses, especially within the service industry, and there are numerous crops grown in the area—almonds, peaches, apples, walnuts, and corn— making agriculture a significant industry in the area. There are also some manufacturers in and near town, including Weldtec Manufacturing, a commercial and industrial welding fabrication and installation company. Waterford’s location within Stanislaus County and its proximity to Modesto, the county seat, make it easy to commute for additional employment options. Modesto is just under 30 minutes away and home to a variety of large companies with a significant presence in the area. Frito Lay, E&J Gallo Winery, Sysco California, Oak Valley Hospital District, and Memorial Medical Center all have facilities in Modesto, providing a wide range of career opportunities convenient to your new build home in Waterford,CA.

Houses for sale in Waterford, CA

Waterford, CA provides a small-town atmosphere with plenty to do. Whether you’d prefer to participate in a community event or enjoy a quiet hike through nature, you can find an activity that interests you close to your new home in Waterford. D.R. Horton’s new houses for sale in Waterford, CA make it easy to join the community and enjoy the area’s many perks. Browse our list of homes for sale in Waterford, CA or contact us today to learn more about becoming a homeowner in Waterford, CA.