Firstly why Stockton, California?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Stockton
• State: California
• Population: 320,804 people
• Stockton’s quick summary would be Known for its vibrant waterfront and the historic Bob Hope Theatre.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 50,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 18,000 annually
• Net Migration: 32000 more people in (net) annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 5,000
• Number of Homeless people: 2,000

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it offers diverse cultural experiences and affordable living appealing to various residents

Perk #1: Stockton Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 31%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 47%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is Hispanic
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly Hispanic
• The median income is (and growing)  $58,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Stockton is $58,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $0 neutral cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Stockton’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 110 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $3,837
• Property Tax %: 1.24%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,600
• Rent for an average house: $2,600
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Stockton
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Stockton, Lodi, Tracy, Manteca, and probably could include Ripon
• Avg. Age of Homes in Stockton: 43 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 1.9%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Stockton’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Stockton are  Transportation, Manufacturing, and Retail
• Stockton Job Scene: moderate job market in healthcare and education
• The General Tech Scene: emerging tech scene with focus on logistics and community technology , ,
• Stockton Resident’s pay $1,600 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Stockton: 10.25%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 160 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 15

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Stockton

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $120 on average per person
• Freeway Access: I-5 provides critical access through Stockton toward the Bay Area
• Commute Time: 29 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: heavy traffic on the 5 Freeway
• Transportation Score: 42 out of 100 described as Some Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Stockton: 95,000
• Cars registered per Person: 0.3
• No. of Car Washes: 10 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Stockton: dmv.ca.gov
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 62 of 100
• Local Airport: Stockton Metropolitan

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Stockton’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Earthquakes
• General Weather in Stockton is best described as experiences hot dry summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 100°F and mild winters with occasional rainfall
• Winter Weather in Stockton i’d describe as cool and dry
• Spring Weather in Stockton can be described as warm and dry
• Summer’s in Stockton are mostly hot and dry
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Stockton is usually warm and dry
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 45 days in summer
• Days in a row in Stockton below Freezing: 0
• Average Annual Rainfall: 12 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually moderate air quality affected by urban pollution
• Stockton Winter Air mixed air quality with seasonal pollution spikes

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Stockton Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Stockton 10
• While the number of trade schools inside Stocktons’s city limits are 4
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Stockton-San Joaquin County Public Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Stockton Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 10 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Stockton only Doctors is about 120
• Local Hospitals here is  6
• Full-time Stockton only Police Officers is about 300
• Crime Rate Index: 75/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Stockton’s Monthly utility bill average is $140
• Stockton’s Monthly Gym Membership: $51
• Stockton’s Water Quality Score: 62

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Stockton

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 10 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: diverse city with a mix of cultures and activities
• You might enjoy performances at the Stockton Arena
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Stockton  features a mix of casual bars and vibrant dining options where locals can unwind in the evenings

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Stockton

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Includes chain restaurants and a blend of local favorites
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 80 scattered around Stockton
• The Popular Sports Team is Stockton Kings
• Top Level Political Climate in Stockton can be described as diverse urban area facing socio-economic challenges and inequality
• Stockton’s Longer standing religious establishment is Stockton First Baptist Church

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Stockton Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Stockton has 50 Parks?
• Webster Park is Stockton’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Stockton Farmers Market normally open Saturday 8am-1pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, biking, and nature preserves

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Stockton Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Stockton can be described as lively urban environment with rich cultural diversity
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Stockton community events visiting parks hiking local trails
• The Cities people commute to from Stockton are Lodi 16 miles away Tracy 15 miles away Manteca 19 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Stockton or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: heavy traffic on the 5 Freeway. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Stockton’s Earthquakes risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Stockton is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Stockton are Lodi 16 miles away Tracy 15 miles away Manteca 19 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 75 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Stockton has 0 days in a row below freezing and 45 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Stockton people have an average (positive or negative) $0 neutral cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   2,000 homeless people living in Stockton. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general diverse urban area facing socio-economic challenges and inequality could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Stockton.

Retiree & Senior Life in Stockton

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can can receive property tax credits aimed at assisting with housing costs
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is Atria Bay
• Stockton Senior Center provides recreational activities meal programs and wellness resources

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Stockton, California?

If Stockton, California ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Stockton, California, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!