Where should I live near Ripon, CA? (Sacramento, Stockton: real estate, apartment)

[mbgallag]

Hi! I just got a job in Ripon, CA and will be moving out there from the east coast in a few months. What towns would people suggest I look for an apartment in based on the info below:

My boyfriend and I will initially be looking to rent until we get settled in so for now, real estate is not a concern and we can afford the rent in any of the Central Valley areas.

I need to live within 30-35 minute commute to Ripon. My boyfriend works construction/road maintenance and will be looking for a job close to wherever we move.

We are in our 20's and enjoy going out so we'd really like to live somewhere that has good food/entertainment nearby but preferably not actually live IN Stockton or Modesto because we'd prefer to be in a more suburban/safer town. We have friends in Sacramento so it would be nice to be closer to Sac BUT we also wouldn't mind living between Ripon & the Bay area.

So far, I've been thinking of either Ripon itself, Manteca or Lodi (is Lodi too far w/ traffic?) or living towards the west in Tracy or Lathrop. What are the pros/cons of these towns. Which have a decent amount of shopping/restaurants/stuff to do in general?
I already know about the fog & the heat so I'm basically just interested in the traffic conditions, what the commute would be like and if there is alot to do in those areas.

[humboldtrat]

Check out Riverbank or Escalon - both sleepy farming communities, but within a close drive of Modesto which has shopping, restaurants, etc. Rent would probably be cheaper there than in Tracy, Lodi or the other places mentioned.

[DMenscha]

Or look into Oakdale as well. All the towns along 99 look the same to me, but I'm sure that the locals would disagree with me.

[mbgallag]

Thanks for your suggestions. I think I've decided to focus on Tracy. I'd like to live in a town w/ shopping/restaurants etc close by but from what I've read in this forum Stockton & Modesto seem kind of sketcy. And, even though Tracy may be more expensive than some of the other towns in the area, it is still alot cheaper than where I live now and I'd rather trade a little extra in rent for a cleaner/safer place. Particularly since I'm going to have to try to find a place before I move out there so I won't have the luxury of visiting the neighborhoods first. Any suggestions on what neighborhoods are nice in Tracy?

[Carolinemoveswhere?]

Tracy is not more expensive because it's safer or any nicer. It's more expensive because it's closer to the Bay area. Its really no more than a bedroom community. If price is really no option, I would suggest the condominiums in the Del Rio area of Modesto. It's actually between Modesto and Escalon. Del Rio is a world in and of itself.
Ripon itself is a nice town. But, I'm thinking that for two young people in their twenties, you would want to live more in the Modesto area. Most young people hang out in the restaurants/bars in downtown. The art galleries are there, as well as the Gallo Performing Arts Center. (you can find it on the web) There is not going to be much entertainment outside of Modesto, until you hit Sacramento. Stockton does have the Bob Hope, but I would not recommend Stockton because of the crime. Yes, Modesto does have crime, but it's not like you have to run to your car in the Target parking lot. There are also lots of younger couples that rent/own in the college area. It's one of the nicest areas of Modesto and maintains it's value well. The streets are lined with magnolias and Modesto Ash trees. It's very historical. Many of the houses have been refurbished, think the Pottery Barn catalog.
If you want to move closer to the Bay, I would recommend Pleasanton. (Tracy isn't far enough west) But, then you might be over your 30-35 minute commute time. However, you would be going in the opposite direction of most of the traffic.
Feel free to post any additional questions. I've lived here my entire life.

[vikkidavis5]

I have lived in Tracy,manteca,Modesto. I currently reside in Ripon. Ripon has easy access to all freeways. Has no crime. Is safe clean and community orientated. No gangs or problems like all the other City's. 15 minutes to Tracy. (Mall and shopping) 8 minutes to Manteca. (Shopping/restaurants)10 minutes To Modesto. Malls/restaurants . Centrally located between mountains and beaches. And if the time comes and you want to raise a family it's perfect.

[chuckmann]

Boy oh boy it's been a while since I've cruised 99. but I have great memories of the food at Barnwood. Unfortunately, it appears that they are out of business or have new owners.