1. You Get A Whole Lot Of House For Your Money
Stockton has some of the least expensive housing rates for a city of its size and location. It’s a bedroom community but it’s sometimes nice to get away from the hustle and bustle of bigger cities. Especially since it’s…
2. A Great Place To Get In Touch (And Taste) With Nature
If you’re a fan of open spaces or farm-to-table eating it’s not going to get better than the Central Valley, the fruit bowl and bread basket of California. Downtown hosts a weekly farmer’s market on Fridays from May to October but don’t be shy about getting out and finding the farms for yourself.
3. Stockton Has Faced Some Hard Times But It’s A City On The Rise
Stockton was hit pretty hard by the financial crisis but now the city that can’t be kept down is getting back on its feet. The city recently passed a tax to increase police patrols after cutting the police force by 20 percent in 2012. In addition, the town has rallied in recent years to increase city pride with mural projects. Stocktonians don’t give up that easily!
4. Miracle Mile Will Make You Believe Again
Case in point of Stockton’s revival is the Miracle Mile, a strip of businesses and restaurants that opened in 1921 and is still booming today. The strip shows how the city is on the up. While you’re there check out…
5. Catch Live Shows At The Stockton Empire Theater
This post-war era theater on Miracle Mile has changed hands several times through the years, but since a recent renovation has become an a destination for film screenings, live shows, and musical performances ranging from jazz to ballet. Or you can…
6. Get Nostalgic Warm Fuzzy Feelings At The Bob Hope Theater
This old theater, known as the Fox, is a fantastic venue. Recently renovated, it hosts dances, live musicians and stand-up comedy. Check out the mosaics, murals, and the pipe organ before heading in for a classic movie screening. Perfect for those warm summer evenings.
7. Expand Your Mind At The Hidden Academic Gem That Is The University Of The Pacific
Stockton is home to UoP, one of the top 100 universities in the U.S. and the first chartered university in California. Though it has a quiet reputation for excellence in higher education you’ll probably recognize it as Dr. Henry “Indiana” Jones’s stomping grounds in “Raiders of the Lost Ark” and “The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.”
8. Get Out Your Aggression At Zaps Zone
Zaps Zone isn’t your average laser tag joint. The arena is multilevel and covers over 6,000 square feet and is perfect for kids’ parties. Don’t forget to check out the fantastic arcade and the bouncy castles! Or sign up for an all-night lock in with your pals.
9. Grab A Fan Or Crank Up The AC Because It Is Hot Here
Sure you’re thinking to yourself, what’s a little heat in the summer? But Stockton, like many towns in the Central Valley is especially rough in the summer. Those same flat plains that make for excellent farming also offer little relief in the summer when temperatures hit the ‘90s on average. On the plus side, everything is air conditioned.
10. Commuting To The Capital Is A Breeze
Commuting is just a fact of life in California so get used to it. However, Stockton is ideally located within an hour’s drive to major economic hubs in Sacramento, Oakland and San Jose.
11. P-2000 Super Store Has Your Fast Fashion Fix
Want to play around with the latest trends but don’t want to spend a lot of dough? Head to P-2000, where they carry an assortment of fashion trends for low prices. They also carry other odds and ends like accessories, makeup and even car chargers?! Get it all in one spot.
12. Say Hello Kitty! At Sakura Japanese Market
Looking for that hard-to-find Asian import? Head to Sakura to pick up bento boxes and accessories, Japanese snacks and candy, and Japanese make up. This small but welcoming shop is a grocery store and a snack bar so don’t be shy about trying some of the sushi rolls before picking up your tuna and rice noodles.
13. Happy Hour Is The Best Hour At Abbey Trappist Pub
If you’re a fan of craft brewing don’t bother going all the way to Oakland. Stop in at the Abbey on Miracle Mile for pint night when they tap a new brew for showcasing or try one of the regional brands like Rogue or Speak Easy. They also host the best trivia night in town and offer an asparagus sammy around harvest time. Not digging the on-tap selection? They’ve got fridges full of bottles to try in the back.
14. Beer Not Your Thing? Try Wine Tasting Instead
Everyone knows about Napa and many even know about Sonoma as the wine regions of California but vineyards can be found up and down the dry, hilly landscape of the Central Valley. Head out of town and check out one of the hundred wineries, like Sorelle Winery, located around Stockton. Or stay in town and visit Fine Wines of Stockton for an urban tasting.
15. Find A Surprising Variety Of Cultures
We’re not just talking demographics here, though Stockton is has quite a diverse population. But this town is also home to the first Sikh temple, the Gurdwara Sahib, in the United States as well as several Buddhist temples, like the Wat Dhammararam Buddhist Temple with larger-than-life hand painted statues.
Stockton also hosts several cultural festivals throughout the year including Chinese and Cambodian New Year celebrations (in February/March and April respectively), Cinco de Mayo, Black Family Day, Stockton Pride, and the Filipino Barrio Fiesta, just to name a few.
16. Dive Into The Stacks At Friends of the Stockton Public Library
Breathe in that old book smell at this quaint little shop. Used books here start as low as 75 cents for paperbacks and many are gently or hardly used at all. Despite the size, the place is neat and books are easy to browse, plus the staff on hand are always friendly and willing to chat. Sales go towards helping out local public libraries but beware—it’s cash only.
17. Tepa Taqueria Has Fast Mexican Food On Lock
Satisfy your burrito craving at Tepa! Low prices and a wide variety of Mexican entrees make this a perfect lunchtime spot. Have some chips and salsa while you wait for your tasty tostada. A perfect spot for lots of food for little money.
18. Get Out On The Delta For Fun In The Sun
Stockton grew out of its port on the San Joaquin Delta so it’s no wonder the water is a popular destination. Water skiing, jet skiing, boating, fishing, tubing, swimming—there’s something for everyone to try. If you’re less athletic, take a delta cruise or a peaceful stroll along the waterfront.
19. The Haggin Museum Is A Hidden Gem
An art and history museum with stunning architecture, the Haggin Museum is an under-the-radar spot in California with a wonderful collection of American and European artists. Tickets are cheap (just $8 per adult) and admission is free on the first Saturday of every month. Current exhibitions include a collection of watercolors and the work of comic book artist, Alex Ross.
20. Make Summer Magical With Free Outdoor Concerts
Victory Park hosts a series of 12 outdoor concerts each summer that are sure to bring some joy to those warm nights. It’s a bit of Americana with a lineup of swing, big band, bluegrass and rock’n’roll with a bit of disco theatrics at the end with a traditional ABBA tribute. The concerts are free and picnicking and lawn chairs are encouraged but get there early for the best spots.
Feature Image Source: Abbey Trappist Pub via Facebook
What do you love about living in Stockton? Tell us in the comments below!
