Moving Guide to Stockton

Located in the Central Valley, the heart of California’s agricultural land, is Stockton. The San Joaquin River flows right through the city, and locals take advantage of its proximity throughout the year. Ample golf courses, low cost of living, and easy access to the Bay Area make Stockton a great place to call home.

Cost of living in Stockton

Here are some facts and figures about the average cost of living to keep in mind before moving to Stockton.

• Rent: The median rent in Stockton is $1250 for a 1-bedroom apartment.
• Transportation: Monthly transit passes will cost around $65 on average. 
• Taxes: Combined sales tax in Stockton is 9%.

Utilities

• Utilities: The average cost of utilities for a 915-square-foot apartment is around $209, as of August 2022. For more detailed information on services, visit the utility providers’ websites.
  • Gas and electric: Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E)
  • Water: City of Stockton: Municipal Utilities Department
  • Garbage and recycling: City of Stockton
• Internet: Internet services range from $40-$100. Some of the prominent providers in the Stockton area include:
  • AT&T
  • Frontier FiOs
  • Xfinity

Weather

If you don’t love the winter, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by Stockton’s weather. Winter sees average lows around 48 degrees and no snowfall. Summers can get hot, and the highs still average around 93 degrees. Locals take their boats out on the San Joaquin River and the Delta in the spring and summer, so the warm temperatures are welcomed.

Stockton neighborhoods

Whether you’re looking for a neighborhood that offers shopping, nightlife, or parks, there are plenty of options to choose from in Stockton. Here are a few of the popular areas:

• Lakeview: One of the safest neighborhoods in Stockton, Lakeview is a predominantly residential. It has its fair share of amenities, though, with grocery stores, Sherwood Shopping Mall, and Hammer Ranch Center all within this hood. It’s also home to San Joaquin Delta Community College and Quail Lake.
• Spanos Park: This is a charming neighborhood home to some great schools, Elk Horn Golf Club, and Oak Grove Regional Park, a 180-acre green space with a lake for fishing and paddle-boating, picnic areas, and a disc golf course.
• Pacific: If you’re a student at the University of the Pacific, then you’ll want to live here. Just north of downtown, Pacific features the university, American Legion Park, and ample bars and restaurants along Pacific Avenue catering to both college students and locals.
• Valley Oak: Another residential area with ample amenities, Valley Oak is located northeast of downtown Stockton. It boasts a movie theater, local grocery stores, and some big-box stores, as well. It’s also located right next to Highway 99, making it perfect for commuters.

Don’t miss

Take a stroll through Stockton’s Miracle Mile, a pedestrian-friendly shopping, dining, and entertainment district in the heart of the city. Here, you’ll find 10 blocks chock-full of cocktail bars, restaurants, clothing boutiques, yoga studios, and so much more. Catch a sporting event at the University of the Pacific; with 18 women’s and men’s collegiate sports teams to choose from, you can find a game or match just about every day of the week. Head over to the Haggin Museum, an 85-year-old institution showcasing a vast collection of American and European paintings from the 19th and 20th centuries. Have a picnic at the 132-acre Micke Grove Regional Park, and don’t forget to explore its Japanese Garden which features a Koi pond, Cherry Blossom trees, and a tea house.

Transportation

The San Joaquin Regional Transit Department operates a bus service throughout Stockton and commuter buses to outlying areas. Stockton Station is where locals board the ACE, Altamont Commuter Express, and Amtrak. Between the two rail lines, commuters can get to San Jose, Fremont, Pleasanton, and more.

For those who plan on traveling outside of the immediate area, Stockton Metropolitan Airport currently offers select flights on Allegiant Airlines. You can also fly into Sacramento International Airport, which is just an hour north of Stockton. If you’re driving from within California, Stockton is conveniently located in between both I-5 and Highway 99.

Tips for moving to Stockton

• Don’t: Miss out on the nearby Lodi Wine and Food Festival. Lodi is home to over 80 wineries, and you can sample some of their best stuff at this annual event.
• Do: Get yourself to Stockton Live, a collection of entertainment venues in downtown Stockton. Catch a minor league baseball or hockey game, a concert, comedy show, or a theater show all in the same entertainment area.
• Don’t: Forget your golf clubs. With great weather for golfing nearly year-round and plenty of courses to try, Stockton is a great place for golfers.
• Do: Bring the kids to Pixie Woods. Located in Louis Park, this small amusement park and play space is perfect for young kids.  

Think Stockton is the place for you? With its low cost of living, access to the river, and ample golf courses and shopping plazas, we can see why. Check out our Stockton apartments for rent and get ready to make this place your new home.

*Featured image courtesy of Wikimedia