Moving to Stockton... (Lodi, Manteca, Lathrop: apartment complexes, rental, crime)

[GuitarRCGG]

I have been doing endless research into where the good parts of Stockton are because I have to start my new job there on October 15th and live with 20 miles of the city. It seems that the neighborhoods west of I-5 through Brookside and along Mariners drive, northwest corner, and around UOP are alright. I have been advised against Weston Ranch and the southern sector. I have also been looking into the vicinity of Benjamin Holt Drive and the northeast section of the city near Morada. Can anybody help me in finding a decent neighborhood? I have a wife and two little boys and all I care about is that I can go to work and not worry about them being in any danger. Can anybody suggest any apartment complexes that are nice and safe? Are there any new complexes aside from Pavilions? Is the city of Manteca any better? Lathrop? Lodi? For someone who is REQUIRED to live in the area, can anybody help me!!!

[DMenscha]

Try Linden about 15 miles east of Stockton on Highway 26.

[Sherbear59]

I live in Linden and there are not any apartments but there are some rental houses and maybe a duplex or two. Stockton is about 10 miles west of Linden.
I would try and rent a house or duplex in Stockton or Lodi. That way you have a yard for your kids and a garage for yourself. The rent is not that much more. How much rent can you afford? A duplex with 2 bedrooms will cost you about $800 - $950 depending on where it is. A house will cost $900 on up depending on where you want to live. In a nice neighborhood, you are probably looking at about $1200-$1500 for a house. Executive homes can be a lot more.
I've lived in Stockton since 1985 and know it very well. The neighborhoods you are mentioning are good but all of Stockton is very "spotty". It is known for this. You go two blocks and you are in a nice neighborhood...go two more blocks and you hit something less desireable. You will have to drive it and see when you get out here. You will be surprised. I was told all these horror stories before I moved here and when I got here it wasn't even as bad as what I was told. You just have to see it. Also, Lodi is only 6 miles away from Stockton and it is a cute little town. My daughter lives there and loves it.
Good Luck!

[GuitarRCGG]

I went up to the Stockton area to do a little hunting. I found some nice areas but it is so hard to know where are the best places until you move there. I drove down the miracle mile and thought that area was really nice, but I am sure there are a lot of college kids around, not that that is a bad thing however. It seemed that the area around the Train Station was a little dicey, but as you said, Stockton is a very spotty place and I did notice. From someone who lives in the city or is firmiliar with it, would you say that the gangs and reckless juviniles often leave people alone that aren't messing with them, or do they go looking for trouble? I guess that may vary as well. I drove up to Lodi as well and it appeared to be a very nice little town as well. How would the crime in Lodi compared to Stockton? The main reason I care is so that I can feel comfortable with my wife and kids going out while I am away and not have to worry too much about their safety.

[gizmo980]

I lived in Stockton for 3 years, and was never troubled by gangs or "thugs"... but I also didn't wander into the bad neighborhoods, except maybe during the day. I lived first at Feather River Dr. & March Lane, which is just a few blocks west of hwy. 5, and near Brookside. It was a nice area, but couldn't really refer to it as a "neighborhood." Then I had a place on Grand Canal Blvd., which is considered the Grouse Run area... I really liked that part of town, and never felt unsafe there. Generally speaking, the northwest parts of Stockton are best, and campus area is nice too - but obviously full of college students. Bad parts are in the south, particularly near hwy. 4, and the far east isn't too great either. Hope this helps!