Moving to Tracy, need advice.... (Stockton, Modesto: houses, colleges, camp)

[alexx579]

Hi everyone, I am taking a new job at an automotive supplier in Stockton. I am moving in like 2 weeks to this area of California. I was looking at other cities to live within a 30 mile drive of Stockton. I went there to check it out a month ago and know I don't wanna live in Stockton. Can anyone recommend an area where it is a safe city and I don't have to worry about gang problems. I was looking into Tracy/Mountain House. Is this a decent area? Any other recommendations?

[greatbasinguide]

If you like boats, find something in the Delta. If you like the hills, look at Angels Camp

[mrvgs]

Originally Posted by alexx579

Hi everyone, I am taking a new job at an automotive supplier in Stockton. I am moving in like 2 weeks to this area of California. I was looking at other cities to live within a 30 mile drive of Stockton. I went there to check it out a month ago and know I don't wanna live in Stockton. Can anyone recommend an area where it is a safe city and I don't have to worry about gang problems. I was looking into Tracy/Mountain House. Is this a decent area? Any other recommendations?

I have a relative who lives in I think it's called Paridise Valley east of Stockton. It is hill country but they do have a golf course and a nice resturant if you want to stay away from the crowds. Tracy/Mountain House is ok but the most expensive place that close to Stockton. Discovery Bay is also expensive but nice. It's all in what you can afford.

[humboldtrat]

Manteca is a closer commute than Tracy or Mtn House and the town is more or less like Tracy. Mountain House is a new developement sort out in the middle of no-where (but won't be for long). It's halfway between Tracy and Byron and I don't remember seeing any stores or anything else but houses when I was last there. If you like small towns, check out Waterloo, Lockford and/or Clements on Hwy 88, east of Stockton. Further east on Hwy 88 are some lakes and further, the Sierras. Also, the higher the eleavation (mountains east of Stockton), the cooler the summers. The San Joaquin valley can get very warm in the summer.

[Poppy]

Originally Posted by alexx579

Can anyone recommend an area where it is a safe city and I don't have to worry about gang problems. I was looking into Tracy/Mountain House. Is this a decent area? Any other recommendations?

I grew up in Tracy and lived in Stockton for about a year. You are wise not to try living in Stockton if you are unfamiliar with the area. Don't get me wrong if you choose to look for positives there are some wonderful things about Stockton. I just don't recommend it as a place for younger families to live. We lived there for 13 months which was too long.

Nearly all of the valley communities of any size have gang problems to some degree. Tracy is certainly no exception. Stockton and Modesto both have colleges which is good if you have older children. The closer you get to the bay area the higher the cost of everything will be. Manteca used to be very much a farm/horse town. It is much less so today. Ripon is a quiet but growing community. I have always considered it more religious than many in the area.

humboltrat offered some good advice: "If you like small towns, check out Waterloo, Lockford and/or Clements on Hwy 88, east of Stockton. Further east on Hwy 88 are some lakes and further, the Sierras. Also, the higher the eleavation (mountains east of Stockton), the cooler the summers. The San Joaquin valley can get very warm in the summer." If I were to ever move back to California I would go for the Sierra foothills.

At least you are coming to California with a job. My family left last year for the deep south due to a lack of jobs that would pay well enough to allow us to remain in our hometown of Tracy. Good luck.