Moving to San Joaquin County? Consider These 8 Communities

From bustling Stockton to serene Mountain House, there's a community just right for you in this California region.

By Kelly Rogers on December 20, 2023

Grant Taylor

Just east of the San Francisco Bay Area, San Joaquin County offers a tapestry of diverse and vibrant communities, each with its own unique charm and allure. From the bustling cityscape of Stockton to the serene landscapes of Mountain House, this county is a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be discovered. If you’re thinking about moving to San Joaquin County, here are eight great cities and communities to consider.

1. Stockton

Population: 324,900 | Average Home Value: $428,500 

Stockton is an active hub of excitement and entertainment. Whether you’re looking to catch a game, watch a show or a concert, or fill a day with family fun, options abound in Stockton. 

The Stockton Downtown Marina functions as an entertainment haven and is home to many amazing venues. Sports fans love the Stockton Arena, which regularly hosts basketball games and fun-filled entertainment for all ages. Next door, fans can catch a Stockton Ports minor-league baseball game at Banner Island Ballpark. And nearby, there’s the historic Bob Hope Theatre, a national landmark that offers captivating shows year-round. 

2. Mountain House

Population: 21,000 | Average Home Value: $908,000 

Nestled on the outskirts of Tracy, this planned community embraces a strong sense of belonging moving to San Joaquin County. Residents include college students attending the Delta College South Campus. In fact, the area is renowned for its exceptional schools, especially Mountain House High School, which received the California Distinguished School Award in 2019. 

Craig Kohlruss

3. Lodi

Population: 68,135 | Average Home Value: $502,300 

Lodi is famously known for its wine. Nearly 40% of California’s premium wine grapes are grown in this region. Wine is such a part of the city’s culture that even the police cars have vines painted on them. Travel downtown for a sip of its famous wine, and while you’re there, make sure to also have a meal at a popular local restaurant or stroll through the numerous unique shops. 

4. Manteca

Population: 86,292 | Average Home Value: $583,800 

At the heart of Manteca’s identity lies its deep-rooted connection to agriculture. Visitors can savor the offerings of Delicato Family Wines’ tasting room and revel in the beauty of many public parks. Ramos Country Corner is a great place to sample the area’s fresh, local produce – produce that many local restaurants use. This city also attracts outdoor enthusiasts, thanks to stores like Bass Pro Shops and Manteca Sportsmen Inc. 

City of Tracy

5. Tracy

Population: 99,100 | Average Home Value: $754,600 

Tracy has almost doubled in size since 2000. Outdoor enthusiasts can go off-roading at the Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area or golfing at Tracy Golf & Country Club. Thrill seekers love Skydive California, while athletes find options aplenty at the Legacy Fields Sports Complex. 

6. Ripon

Population: 17,100 | Average Home Value: $654,300 

This region has known many names. Originally, it was called Murphy’s Ferry, then Stanislaus City before the area finally settled on the name Ripon in 1876. The tight-knit community is also known for its scores of flourishing almond orchards, drawing locals and visitors alike during the annual Almond Blossom Festival. Ripon is also home to Lucca Winery, which produces exceptional Tuscan wines. And the idyllic town boasts a very low crime rate. 

Wes Aldridge

7. Lathrop

Population: 33,670 | Average Home Value: $629,700 

Covering 23 square miles, the beautiful town of Lathrop is growing rapidly as one of the fastest growing cities in California. This community embraces efforts to foster innovation and growth. Lathrop, located south of Stockton, is also known for being the home of Dell’Osso Family Farm, which was founded by three Italian brothers in the 1920s and now hosts fun-filled agritourism attractions in the fall and around the holidays. 

8. Escalon

Population: 7,600 | Average Home Value: $570,600 

This picturesque town offers a slice of small-town America. Agriculture thrives here, with the most notable producer being the DeRuosi Nut facility, one of the world’s largest walnut processors. Main Street houses a range of shops, including the legendary Valley Inn. 

Note: Average home values are from Zillow and Redfin (September 2023).