For anyone considering life in Northern California, it’s time to take a look at the vibrant town of Oakdale. This intersection of history, culture, agriculture, dining, outdoor recreation, and more offers a unique charm that you simply won’t find anywhere else.

Here are our top 6 reasons to consider making Oakdale, California your new home.

1. History

Founded in 1871, Oakdale has a rich cultural history. It’s widely known as the Cowboy Capital of the World, and for good reason:

On top of its heritage as a vibrant ranching community, Oakdale was the site of the first outdoor rodeo in the Western US, and a number of successful Professional Rodeo Association cowboys have made the town their home.

Today you can still get in on the excitement of a rodeo at the Oakdale Rodeo, or take in some history at the Oakdale Cowboy Museum.

Oakland Rodeo - Make Oakland Your New Home

Be sure to visit the Southern Pacific Railroad depot, and admire the countryside over dinner on the Sierra Dinner Train, featured in movies like Back to the Future III and the Western classic High Noon.

2. Shopping and Dining

Downtown Oakdale - Oakdale First National Bank - Reasons why Oakdale is a good place to live
Downtown Oakdale – Oakdale First National Bank by NoeHill, CC BY-SA 3.0

Oakdale’s charming downtown is teeming with locally owned boutiques and restaurants that you won’t find anywhere else.

Browse antiques and collectibles for the perfect gift, stop by General Store Saloon and Knight’s Ferry Creamery and Sweets, or sample a little bit of everything at the Taste of Oakdale [exhibition] every August.

Beer lovers can delight in the area’s exciting variety of local craft breweries, tasting local brews like Grains of Virtue and Dying Breed Brewing. And you won’t want to miss Oakdale’s annual Chocolate Festival.   

3. The Great Outdoors

Whitewater Rafting the Stanislaus River - Reasons to Make Oakdale Your New Home
Every year rafting and kayaking operators share the whitewater experience with visitors on the Wild and Scenic Stanislaus River – Photo Courtesy of the Pacific Southwest Forest Service

For appreciators of nature and outdoor recreation, Oakdale has it all.

The rushing Stanislaus River offers breathtaking views, thrilling kayaking and rafting, and extensive riverfront campgrounds and hiking trails.

Not to mention gorgeous views and activities at the nine lakes and reservoirs surrounding Oakdale.

For horseback riding enthusiasts, look no further than the beautiful Shady Lawn Ranch.

The historic Knights Ferry Covered Bridge, and Knights Ferry Recreation Area, offer a perfect crossroads between history and recreation.

4. Convenient Location

Residents of Oakdale will find it easy to get where they need to go. With convenient access to CA-120 and CA-108, the bustling attractions of San Francisco, San Jose, Sacramento, and Modesto are all less than two hours away.

Zipping up to Yosemite for the weekend is a breeze, and for travelers, Oakdale Airport and San Jose International Airport are also within easy reach.

5. Agriculture

Agriculture is alive and well in Oakdale, which is particularly known for its cattle ranching and almond orchards.

And the almonds aren’t just tasty to eat: Acres of almond orchards blossom into a stunning array of white flowers every spring.

Oakdale is also home to the Hunts Factory, one of the world’s largest tomato-processing plants.

Head to Oakdale Cheese & Specialties to sample the local Oakdale gouda, and pick up fresh produce for dinner at Oakdale Farmers Market.

Oakdale Almond Blossom Orchard - Reasons to Make Oakland Your New Home

6. An Exciting New Community

New Homes in Oakdale, CA - Carmel Ranch

Carmel Ranch Community

Our beautiful Carmel Ranch community, opening in Fall 2022, features new single-family homes with up to 2,752 sq. ft. of living space. You can rest easy in this tranquil gated community, where reduced traffic means quiet streets with extra safety for your kids to play.

Each home design features sunlit layouts, airy open floorplans, and plenty of customizable space to meet your needs.

Carmel Ranch Looks - New Homes Oakdale, CA

Carmel Ranch will also include our exclusive Looks program: a simplified, transparent way to create a stunning interior. All four options – Elements, Loft, Farmhouse, and Classic – balance welcoming, cohesive aesthetics with opportunities for your own unique style. 

If you make the choice to live at Carmel Ranch, the only thing you’ll love more than your town is your home. Reach out today to learn more!

Last Updated on September 29, 2022