Stockton has some of the positives of surrounding California cities while dodging many of the negatives. Getting its start as a farming town, Stockton has easy access to organic produce and gorgeous wineries, like Northern California. It’s also one of the most diverse cities in the US and often receives awards for its diverse population. There’s also a ton to do, including the Stockton Symphony, the third-oldest professional orchestra in California, multiple sports teams, museums and historical societies, and outdoor activities. Unlike other areas in CA, Stockton has a relatively low cost of living compared to other cities. With a mix of renters and buyers, it’s easy to have the Bay feel without the price tag!

It’s impossible to read reviews about Stockton without seeing the complaints about crime. The crime rate in Stockton is about 71% higher than the California average. Most attribute this to the 2008 recession and Stockton is just now starting to pick itself back up again after those devastating few years. 



Cali without the price tag.

LookyLOO Review of Stockton

In 2020, US News named Stockton America’s most diverse city! In spite of the crime, Stockton is boasted by locals as a community of people who work hard and care about one another. Unlike other cities, Stockton has a pretty even distribution of ages. The only population that seems to be slightly lower is the 18-24 age range, most likely because recently graduated teens move for school or job opportunities. The wide range of social and community activities means that Stockton has a high population of families with kids under 18 (about 50%). 

To see what locals do for fun in Stockton check out the [**calendar of events**](https://www.visitstockton.org/events/). 

Lifestyle 

Stockton is a city that has been working hard to climb out of the financial crisis of 2008. Because of that, there has been a low amount of industry in the town itself, but the city is working to change that. Top industries in the city include healthcare, the Stockton School District, and city workers. The new Amazon warehouse in Stockton has provided the community with jobs and the hope of getting back on its feet. 


Worklife 

[**Stockton Unified School District**](https://www.stocktonusd.net/) rates a [**"C+" on niche.com**](https://www.niche.com/k12/d/stockton-unified-school-district-ca/). The consensus around the district is that it has dedicated teachers who greatly care about the performance and lives of their students but in many cases work with overpopulation (high student-to-teacher ratios) and students at high risk. 

Students are primarily zoned for the schools in their neighborhoods but they can also apply for open enrollment for schools throughout the district via a lottery system. 

There are excellent schools in the district including:

-[**Stockton Unified Early College Academy**](stocktonusd.net/seca) is the #1 public charter in the region, receiving an [**"A+" on niche.com**](https://www.niche.com/k12/stockton-unified-early-college-academy-stockton-ca/?map). 
-[**Pacific Law Academy**](https://www.stocktonusd.net/pla) is the #4 best public high school in the region and receives an [**"A" on niche.com**](https://www.niche.com/k12/pacific-law-academy-stockton-ca/). 

Schools

Stockton is on the rise again. The effort of the town to claw its way out of the 2008 recession has really started to show in the past year. If you want to move to a diverse, neighborly community where people support their local and small businesses and encourages it’s community to strive for more, Stockton is for you!


On The Rise

Why Move Here Now?

**Dramatic_Zebra4831**
Living in Stockton
2mo ago
🦉🦉🦉

I moved to stockton about two years ago from san francisco, antioch, fairfield areas. i love my house and neighborhood. i have lived in the inner city for a good part of my life - also in nyc. stockton makes me feel like nyc. depends on the block and the area. get to know your neighbors and you’re pretty safe. once in a while you hear about issues. but tbh my block and neighborhood in country club area is really nice. quiet. everyone takes care of their house.  the weather is beautiful in stockton and the change of seasons is awesome people are super nice. great shopping and places to eat. if you like the outdoors plenty of water sports, hiking and biking. lots of people are moving here from SF, LA and Boston in the last few years. don’t be afraid. but someone did say in another post if you’re not already somewhat street smart and comfortable with it, live in lodi, galt or manteca. 
For more reviews of what living in Stockton is like from locals check out: [**The Reviews**](https://lookyloomove.com/locations/stockton/reviews)


Reviews of Stockton from Locals

Brookside is a beautiful neighborhood with great lawns, nice ranch-style homes, and a golf course. It also has several parks for the kiddos and doggos to run around in and has tons of restaurants for the whole family to eat.  
- Brookside
- Lincoln Village
- Spanos West



Young Families

Brookside

Lincoln Village is a beautiful waterfront neighborhood north of downtown with nice big homes and direct access to the water via the Village West Marina. This Marina area also has fun restaurants and bars for enjoying a night out and if you head into Lincoln Center you find fabulous shopping and more restaurant choices. 
- Lincoln Village
- Valley Oak
- Miracle Mile/Pacific



Established Families

Lincoln Village

Stockton

**Dramatic_Zebra4831**
Living in Stockton
2mo ago
🦉🦉🦉

I moved to stockton about two years ago from san francisco, antioch, fairfield areas. i love my house and neighborhood. i have lived in the inner city for a good part of my life - also in nyc. stockton makes me feel like nyc. depends on the block and the area. get to know your neighbors and you’re pretty safe. once in a while you hear about issues. but tbh my block and neighborhood in country club area is really nice. quiet. everyone takes care of their house.  the weather is beautiful in stockton and the change of seasons is awesome people are super nice. great shopping and places to eat. if you like the outdoors plenty of water sports, hiking and biking. lots of people are moving here from SF, LA and Boston in the last few years. don’t be afraid. but someone did say in another post if you’re not already somewhat street smart and comfortable with it, live in lodi, galt or manteca. 



**TopG2oh9**
Living in Stockton
10mo ago
🦉🦉🦉

Stockton isn’t as bad as people make it out to be. I think a lot has to do with your outlook on life and perspective.

It might be a good idea to become friends with a person from here. Preferably someone that has been here for many years.

I met people moved here from the Bay Area and love the weather, communities and people.

There are several great communities as well as terrible ones. This is why it’s probably a good idea to actually establish friendships prior to the move if possible.

Good luck and welcome to Stockton (in advance)!

**marthastewart209**
Living in Stockton
10mo ago
🦉🦉

Brookside, Spanos, Lincoln village west, UOP (south of main campus). There are other pockets, but you are really looking for a gated community with private security. Whether that is an apartment or house.

These neighborhoods are more expensive, but you are a nurse, and I am sure your boyfriend is not a bum. So you can afford it with no problem. Otherwise, commute from Lodi (be careful that has terrible neighborhoods as well)

Here is free crime map from city of stockton (lexus nexus). It does not show data from Lincoln police district or the county sheriff. So you will notice some areas without crime. http://communitycrimemap.com/


Dramatic_Zebra4831
Living in Stockton
2mo ago
🦉🦉🦉

I moved to stockton about two years ago from san francisco, antioch, fairfield areas. i love my house and neighborhood. i have lived in the inner city for a good part of my life - also in nyc. stockton makes me feel like nyc. depends on the block and the area. get to know your neighbors and you’re pretty safe. once in a while you hear about issues. but tbh my block and neighborhood in country club area is really nice. quiet. everyone takes care of their house.  the weather is beautiful in stockton and the change of seasons is awesome people are super nice. great shopping and places to eat. if you like the outdoors plenty of water sports, hiking and biking. lots of people are moving here from SF, LA and Boston in the last few years. don’t be afraid. but someone did say in another post if you’re not already somewhat street smart and comfortable with it, live in lodi, galt or manteca. 

Stockton, California

Full Of Flavor

Looklyloo Score: 75

Brookside

Young Families

Lincoln Village

Established Families