5 Reasons to Move to San Joaquin County Right Now
Everything you need is located right here in Stockton and the surrounding communities of California's Central Valley.
If you ask residents of San Joaquin County what they love most about their pocket of California, they will usually point out the fact that everything you need is right here, from fantastic career opportunities to thriving downtowns and scenic wineries.
They will also mention the diversity of the place, which comprises people of all cultures and walks of life and is reflected in the restaurant and festival scene.
On top of all that, this region of California’s Central Valley is simply practical for raising a family, with great schools, relatively affordable living and parks brimming with amenities like the Micke Grove Regional Park in Lodi that has a zoo, Japanese gardens, disc golf, and more fun things to see and do. So if you are thinking about relocating for work or play, here are five great reasons to move to San Joaquin County.
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1. Central Location
The region is central to the West Coast, and cities like San Jose – or Silicon Valley – and Sacramento are less than 90 minutes away. The San Joaquins train, operated by Amtrak, makes cross-state trips much more convenient.
Recreation destinations like Bay Delta, Yosemite National Park, Lake Tahoe and the San Francisco Bay are all within easy reach, says Maria Valenzuela, CEO of the Tracy Chamber of Commerce. You can easily venture to the beach or mountains, depending on which direction you drive.
2. Ideal Climate
Over the course of the year, San Joaquin experiences around 260 sunny days, with temperatures that vary between 39 and 98 degrees.
With ideal weather conditions, the region is the perfect place for taking advantage of outdoor activities, from having a drink on a winery patio to boating through the Delta.
3. Friendly People
The region has a majority-minority population, with the largest ethnic group being Hispanic or Latino and making up 43% of the population.
The San Joaquin County Hispanic Chamber has more than 350 members, representing 28,000-plus employees, says CEO Lisa Sunday Vela.
Numerous festivals take place throughout the year that celebrate the area’s rich agriculture and honor its many cultures, with events including Chinese New Year, a Diwali Celebration, Cinco de Mayo, Black Family Day Culture Fest and a Jewish Food Fair.
But, Sunday Vela says, culture is something that’s celebrated every day of the year in San Joaquin County, with shared food and music traditions.
More than three dozen languages are spoken in San Joaquin County, and 23% of its residents are from another country. “There’s a strong sense of community here,” Sunday Vela says.
4. Prioritized Safety
The San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office, along with other law enforcement agencies in the region, is committed to enhancing the quality of life of residents by striving to make individuals and their communities safe.
The department’s strategic plan outlines priorities that include leadership development and community relations.
Community outreach initiatives come in the forms of video messages from the sheriff and community surveys to best understand what the public needs.
5. Vibrant Areas
The region’s communities have vibrant city centers that are adopting public arts initiatives and promoting small businesses by creating downtowns that offer opportunities to shop, dine and be entertained.
“The City of Tracy, for instance, still maintains a small-town feel and is very proud to continue with a thriving agricultural community while embracing the innovative growth of our industrial and commercial industries,” Valenzuela says.
Similar to Tracy, Lodi blends historic charm with modern restaurants and retail concepts. “Lodi provides a quality of life that is unique in California and the Central Valley,” says John Paul Doucette, president and CEO, Lodi Chamber of Commerce. “The small town feel of Lodi is what draws people who grew up here back to start their families. … We gather constantly at community events and support each other’s philanthropic efforts.”
Lodi also offers wine-tasting rooms and an artisan chocolate factory. While some downtowns are more historic, others – like in Lathrop and Mountain House – feature newer developments with mixed-use living options.
So, no matter your stage of life, it’s clear to see that making a move to San Joaquin County meets you where you are, offering opportunities to build your career, family or social circle.
Get to Know San Joaquin County
Want to learn more about living and working in San Joaquin County? Check out the latest edition of Livability San Joaquin County, California.
