What is (or are) the safest area(s) to live in Stockton, California? (San Jose: middle-class, crime)

[sarcastistic]

I'm moving from the Bay Area (specifically San Jose) to Stockton and it's hard to get definite or recent answers. I'm a paranoid, easily nervous person, so don't do well with feeling uncomfortable, intimidated, or unsafe wherever my home is. I've heard enough about Stockton's crime and danger levels, what with being on the FBI's Top 25 Most Dangerous Cities in the US list, but I don't want to jump too far to conclusions given the Bay Area has its crime, too (though it doesn't even appear on top 100 lists). So here are my questions:

- What areas in Stockton are the safest to live in? Any specific neighborhoods or even streets?

- Sorry if it's ridiculous to ask, but are there racial tensions, such as African Americans living amongst Caucasians or vice versa, etc. in Stockton, or maybe in certain areas?

- Are there good ways to prevent the type(s) of crime that Stockton gets its reputation for from happening to you, whatever the crime may be?

[DCMann2]

If you're nervous about crime and living in a less than safe area why the hell would you choose Stockton of all places to live?

[sarcastistic]

Originally Posted by DCMann2

If you're nervous about crime and living in a less than safe area why the hell would you choose Stockton of all places to live?

Unfortunately it was the only place closest to the Bay Area that I could reasonably afford. I know there's good reason for that, but it was more of a take what you can get sort of deal.

[MediaArtist]

What about Vallejo?

[Hawk J]

Rio Vista was pretty nice years ago. Maybe it still is. Rio Vista, California - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[A girl from Stockton,CA]

I live in Stockton right now and I think I can help you out with your question. You want to live out north or on the north side of town, of course. Like country club area, off of pershing, march lane, and off the pacific avenue, these areas are all pretty decent. Some parts going down town and off california street are good too, it just depends. I will say that crime has gotten to where it really doesn't matter where you live in town but its not murders everyday here. A lot of the crime is petty like busted windows or something taken out of your yard but thats not frequently happening. Most of the murders are gang related so if your not a gang banger you should be okay. There really isn't racial tensions of any that I see, I mean it can get annoying if you see someone doing something that makes you look bad(smoking weed in public). Stockton's hired a lot of police which is alittle comfort because last year it was like the wild west here. I just go to work, go to places I frequent normally and come home. Stay away from the deep south or south side, don't stay down town and don't roam around late at night. I grew up here and i'm still alive so I must be doing something right but I also keep to myself. Also don't wear gold in public or any flashy jewelry, lock your car always and keep an eye on your surroundings.

[humboldtrat]

Originally Posted by A girl from Stockton,CA

I live in Stockton right now and I think I can help you out with your question. You want to live out north or on the north side of town, of course. Like country club area, off of pershing, march lane, and off the pacific avenue, these areas are all pretty decent.

I agree with this. The north and northwest areas of Stockton along I-5 and Ben Holt Dr., March Lane and Country Club Blvd. are nice. The Univ. of the Pacific and San Joaquin Delta College are in this area.

[Billy Millennium]

Have you considered Lodi? It's near Stockton. I personally haven't been there but it looks like a decent city; good sized and has a downtown. Saw a good amount of commerical stuff; so most of your daily necessities will be in town. I google mapped it and parts look very liveable. From what I've read, the lesser part of town is separated by train tracks. If for whatever reason I was moving to San Joaquin County, I'd definitely check Lodi out. From posts here in C-D, Lodi seems to have a fine reputation.

[DMenscha]

Linden. Short commute, country living.

[Malloric]

Originally Posted by A girl from Stockton,CA

I live in Stockton right now and I think I can help you out with your question. You want to live out north or on the north side of town, of course. Like country club area, off of pershing, march lane, and off the pacific avenue, these areas are all pretty decent. Some parts going down town and off california street are good too, it just depends. I will say that crime has gotten to where it really doesn't matter where you live in town but its not murders everyday here. A lot of the crime is petty like busted windows or something taken out of your yard but thats not frequently happening. Most of the murders are gang related so if your not a gang banger you should be okay. There really isn't racial tensions of any that I see, I mean it can get annoying if you see someone doing something that makes you look bad(smoking weed in public). Stockton's hired a lot of police which is alittle comfort because last year it was like the wild west here. I just go to work, go to places I frequent normally and come home. Stay away from the deep south or south side, don't stay down town and don't roam around late at night. I grew up here and i'm still alive so I must be doing something right but I also keep to myself. Also don't wear gold in public or any flashy jewelry, lock your car always and keep an eye on your surroundings.

WTF?

Country Club and California Street?

They're not the absolute worst areas... well, California Street is close. Country Club ranges from lower-class to working-class. The close to UOP (Pacific) and the farther away from Country Club Dr the better it is. There's a little pocket of Country Club (North of Alpine, East of Telegraph) that's even middle-class and it deteriorates pretty quickly from there. The area just south of UOP (east of Pacific Avenue/Country Club) is gorgeous, but it's not the safest neighborhood, bad schools. But that income bracket most of the school-aged kids are going to St. Mary's anyway.

Safest neighborhoods are Brookside (the part north of March, south along Brookside Dr it's crap), Lincoln Village West, Spanos, Morada.

For the most part, it's pretty easy to tell. If it's run down and everyone has chain link fences (ala most of South Stockton, probably not the greatest neighborhood.