Southwest Modesto - Modesto, CA Area Guide

As part of the Stanislaus County area, the town of Bystrom came into existence through its inclusion within five Mexican land grants established between 1843 and 1846. Agriculture served as the county's most prosperous industry for several years. The neighboring town of Modesto was a stop on the Sacramento to Los Angeles railroad line, and as the decades progressed, the county saw a significant increase in population that included several commuters from the San Francisco Bay area seeking more affordable housing.

Both the McHenry Museum and the McHenry Mansion serve as the area's main cultural attractions. The museum features a collection of both permanent and rotating exhibits, including artwork, that represents the history and culture of the Modesto area. The mansion gives visitors an in-depth look into the lives of the 19th-century McHenry family.

From Middle Eastern culinary delights to traditional American dishes, Bystrom presents a diverse range of eateries. Most restaurants are specialty bistros with international themes, but residents also enjoy a respectable selection of nationally recognized chain restaurants. Yosemite Boulevard houses a large concentration of restaurants within the area.

Kraving Kebab Pizza presents a unique take on the traditional pizza shop, offering a vibrant menu that includes a combination of Italian and Turkish cuisine and traditional brick-oven pizza. From tender and savory garlic Parmesan wings to purely delectable jalapeño poppers, this family-run restaurant has it all. Customers prefer Kraving Kebab Pizza over most pizza shops in the area because of its top-notch selection of fresh ingredients, near-euphoria-inducing meals and affordable prices. Try the restaurant's signature item, the Kebab Pizza — a New York-style pizza topped with house-marinated kebab meat, authentic Italian pizza sauce and mozzarella cheese.

For authentic Middle Eastern food, residents patronize Beirut Falafel Hut. From traditional baba ganoush to the classic kebab, customers experience a burst of full-flavored bliss in every bite. Try the restaurant's famous gyros, featuring a combination of freshly roasted meat slices, lettuce, onions and yogurt cradled in fluffy pita bread.

Commonwealth provides a casual dining experience, presenting a healthy west coast-centric collection of top-quality craft beers and wines, delectable sandwiches, salads and a few traditional pub classics. Regulars love the restaurant's affordable prices and friendly staff. Try the restaurant's signature 21st Amendment, a hearty sandwich comprised of smoked turkey, brie and apple chutney on watermelon wheat.

Neighboring the expansive Modesto area, Bystrom offers a diverse range of nightly entertainment consisting of everything from traditional bars, lounges, karaoke halls and hookah bars to lively music venues and dance clubs. Swing by Runaround Sue's for a solid fix of karaoke and cheap drinks in a upbeat dive-bar atmosphere. Speakeasy Lounge incorporates prohibition-era style decor, making it a distinguished venue for guests who enjoy live musical entertainment, inviting company and access to a full bar.

Automobiles serve as the most common means of transportation in Bystrom. Stanislaus Regional Transit serves as the area's primary public transportation option, in addition to Greyhound and Amtrak services. Taxis are available in the area but are lightly used in comparison to the more popular Uber service. Most residents in Bystrom utilize free on-street residential parking, but the surrounding area also contains a collection of pay-by-space lots and municipal garages. State Route 99 intersects a small section of Bystrom, providing direct access to nearby cities and communities. Residents enjoy a fairly pedestrian-friendly environment, while cyclists travel an ample number of bicycle routes.

The Bystrom area sits close to a number of quality recreational spots that include everything from classic playground and field areas to nature-centric public parks. Graceada Park serves as the jack-of-all trades within the collection of parks in the Modesto area. The park includes picturesque scenery, tennis courts, a playground and the Mancini Bowl bandshell that hosts a number of exciting performances throughout the year. Dry Creek Regional Park offers a landscape that is ideal for walkers, runners and cyclists, with a paved trail winding over green hills and through lush forests. Both parks are free of cost and pet friendly.

Catch the annual Polar Bear Day held every January at the Modesto Reservoir, where brave participants dive into frigid waters in the name of thrills and bragging rights.

The cost of living in Bystrom is 13 percent higher than that of Modesto. Stanislaus Regional Transit provides direct routes to the city center for as little as $1.50, while gas prices sit at rates 6 percent above the national average. One-bedroom residences rent at an average cost of $562 per month. During your visit to a local pub or bar, order a pint for around $5.

Bystrom presents a colorful assortment of retail outlets, ranging from small specialty shops and boutiques to popular chain retail stores and niche emporiums. Most stores in the area are categorized as affordable, with the exception of a few jewelry and clothing stores. McHenry Village provides a diverse selection of stores covering multiple markets at a broad price range. The majority of commercial outlets sit along the McHenry Avenue area.

Beads of Contentment sells unique beads originating from all parts of the world. The store is a paradise for the creative soul, where customers can browse a vibrant and plentiful inventory while learning a bit in the process. Get in touch with your creative side, and blissfully stroll through the store's well-organized aisles.

Yesterday’s Books is one of the last neighborhood book stores in the county. The store sells a wide range of literature and media, ranging from antique-aged classics to popular modern titles. The store maintains a constantly rotating inventory, so each visit holds the potential for finding a hidden gem in the midst of the store's respectable collection.

Both WinCo Foods and Cost Less Foods provide an affordable selection of groceries. The Modesto Certified Farmers Market offers a healthy collection of fresh local produce in addition to artisan olive oil, honey, fresh bread and much more.