Patterson, CA - are there options??? (San Jose, Stockton: for sale, real estate market, apartment)

[Souternern]

I have just gotten a great, well-paying job with a company in Patterson, CA. It is a good opportunity but I don't know if I really want to physically live in Patterson, an area that seems rather rural and perhaps a bit boring...

My wife and I don't see us being long-term Californians (5-6 years max.) and as a result, view this as a bit of an adventure in a part of the country that we won't live in forever. Northern California has lots to do and see that just isn't present where we are now or really any where else for that matter.

Must HAVES:
We HAVE to find a decent/safe school district for my child and would even think of paying through the nose for a good private one.

We'd like to be somewhere that my wife and child can enjoy shopping/entertainment/civilization.

Housing - If we have to pile in to an apartment or a small rental to be somewhere that fits the above - so be it. (Buying a home from the prices I've seen and the numerous "For Sale" signs don't give me the warm and fuzzy about your real estate market.)

What sort of options are there out there? I am not averse to a 50-60 mile commute on I-580 to I-5 and Patterson. It seems to always be going against traffic on my trips to and from the San Jose Airport the times I have done the drive.....

Are Stockton, Modest, Tracy, or Turlock viable choices?

If you feel like giving me your thoughts I'd be appreciative.....

Thanks

[humboldtrat]

I have been to Patterson a couple of times and there is not much there in the way of shopping or entertainment (no big box stores). It's mainly a quiet farming town.

As for commuting to and from Tracy or Modesto, good luck. You'll spend a lot time on the road. Traffic on I-5 between Tracy and Patterson is usually no problem. Roads between Patterson and Turlock/Modesto area are mainly 2-lane highways. However the San Joaquin valley has lots of pea soup thick ground fog during the winter months. Multiple car/truck pile-ups happen.

I prefer Tracy out of the list you gave, but take your pick.

[Cahatch]

I know sev people that commute from Patterson to Turlock.. of course I live in TURLOCK so I say MOVE HERE... there are some good schools and lots of shopping... I grew up down the road from Patterson.. traveled those roads a LOT.. our thick fog isn't what it used to be.. when I was a kid it seemed the whole winter was FOG... weather has really changed the last decade or so...

we are moving to WA hopefully in 2008... soon as our home sells...

[Souternern]

Would you live in Pleasanton and commute to Patterson? 55 miles

All interstate - speed limit is.....

[humboldtrat]

The traffic at the intersection of I-580/I-680 near Pleasanton is usually bad and the traffic is sometimes bad on I-580 going over Altamont Pass (about halfway between Livermore and Tracy). The pass is about 1100 ft elevation and there are a lot of big rig trucks in the far right lanes going slow.

I would think driving 100+ miles round trip every day would get old in a hurry, but go for it if you want to. Also check out Livermore - which has a nice downtown area and a winery Wente Vineyards.

[DMenscha]

It's the reverse commute direction so traffic shouldn't be too bad you ought to be able to scoot along. The speed limit is 70 just south of the 580-I5 intersection. Go that speed and you'll get run over.

[humboldtrat]

You were asking about shopping in a previous post and there is a large mall in Pleasanton - Stoneridge Mall Simon Malls | More Choices — Stoneridge Shopping Center Information, Stoneridge Shopping Center Gift Cards.

[Luke9686]

I wouldn't live any further west of Tracy unless you like to be snarled by traffic.

My buddy lives in Tracy. Its a decent town. It has all the big box stores and places to eat. It's close to S.F. for weekend trips. The housing market in the East Bay sucks though. You could get a great deal on a REO in Tracy if you look.

[sonarrat]

Originally Posted by Souternern

Would you live in Pleasanton and commute to Patterson? 55 miles

All interstate - speed limit is.....

Yeah, that's the closest place to Patterson I'd actually care to live in, unless I was interested in raising livestock.

[moovin]

I second Pleasanton. Perhaps even Livermore. Patterson and Modesto is all culture-death. You will kill yourself if you live anywhere near there. Pleasanton is your best bet for good public schools (don't bother with private unless you're looking looking for religious teachings).

Originally Posted by sonarrat

Yeah, that's the closest place to Patterson I'd actually care to live in, unless I was interested in raising livestock.