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Turlock, CA

Frequently asked questions

Turlock, CA    

Turlock is a city in Stanislaus County, California, United States. Its estimated 2019 population of 73,631 made it the second-largest city in Stanislaus County after Modesto.

Turlock is located in Stanislaus County, between the cities of Modesto and Merced, at the intersection of State Route 99 and State Route 165.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 16.9 square miles (44 km2), all of it land.

Founded on December 22, 1871, by prominent grain farmer John William Mitchell, the town consisted of a post office, a depot, a grain warehouse, and a few other buildings. Mitchell declined the honor of having the town named for himself. The name "Turlock" was then chosen instead. The name is believed to originate from the Irish village Turlough. In October 1870, Harper's Weekly published an excerpt from English novelist James Payn's story Bred in the Bone, which includes the mention of a town named "Turlough" (translated from Irish as "Turlock"). Local historians believe that the issue of Harper's Weekly was read by early resident H.W. Lander, who suggested the alternate name.

Mitchell and his brother were successful businessmen, buying land and developing large herds of cattle and sheep that were sold to gold miners and others as they arrived. They were also leaders in wheat farming and cultivated tracts of land under the tenant system. Eventually, the Mitchells owned most of the area, over 100,000 acres, from Keyes to Atwater. In the early 20th century, 20-acre lots from the Mitchell estate were sold for $20 an acre

While it grew to be a relatively prosperous and busy hub of activity throughout the end of the 19th century, it was not incorporated as a city until February 15, 1908. By that time intensive agricultural development surrounded most of the city (agriculture remains the major economic force in the region in current times). Many of the initial migrants to the region were Swedish. As an early San Francisco Chronicle article stated of the region and the community's lacteal productivity, "You have to hand it to the Scandinavians for knowing how to run a dairy farm."

Turlock places a strong emphasis on health and wellness. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs offered by Turlock’s Recreation and Community Services Department. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include Planet Fitness, R6 CrossFit, and Brenda Athletic Clubs. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Turlock, such as Donnelly Park and Markley Park. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in Turlock, CA are Carnegie Arts Center, Donnelly Park, and Turlock Historical Society Museum.

Population: 72,888 (2024). ZIP codes: 95380–95382. Area code: 209. Elevation: 62 ft (31 m). Area: 16.93 sq mi (43.84 km).

FAQs

Is Turlock, CA a good place to live?

Living in Turlock offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Turlock, there are a lot of parks. Many families and young professionals live in Turlock and residents tend to have moderate political views. The public schools in Turlock are above average.

What is Turlock, CA best known for?

Turlock is mostly known for its agriculture, farming, and ranching. This is illustrated by the many agricultural-based things to do, including the farmer's market, Hilmar Cheese Company, and Pageo Lavender Farm. It is also known for its art museums, arts center, and community theater.

Is Turlock, CA expensive to live in?

Turlock is part of the Modesto Metro metro area, which is ranked 47 out of 273 cities across the US in terms of cost of living. According to C2ER (the Council for Community and Economic Research), the cost of living in Turlock is estimated to be 111.5% of the national average making it one of the more expensive cities in the US. The total monthly expenditure you can expect to incur depends on the cost of housing, food, utilities, transportation, healthcare, and other miscellaneous goods and services.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Modesto

City of Turlock

Turlock’s Recreation and Community Services Department

Planet Fitness

R6 CrossFit 

Brenda Athletic Clubs

Donnelly Park 

Markley Park
Carnegie Arts Center

Donnelly Park

Turlock Historical Society Museum

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