Is Manteca A Good Place To Live? (Find Out Now!)
California is a notoriously expensive state to reside in, with the cost of living often going through the roof to rent or buy property. Manteca, California, can offer people a relatively affordable cost of living while still residing close to major cities. A great school district and plenty of diversity make Manteca an attractive option for residents.
Manteca, California, is a great place to live because it is diverse, features residents of all ages, and has one of the lowest living costs in California. While housing may be more expensive than the national average, it is only 77% of the cost of housing when considering California as a whole. The high elevation makes Manteca an excellent city for hiking, outdoor adventure, and incredible vistas of the Yosemite Valley.
Still, the cost of living can be high, and there are limited options for those with an advanced degree. Acting as a transient and commuter city, much of the opportunity for employment and entertainment reside outside the city. Manteca is just a short one-hour drive to Sacramento and San Jose for those seeking a bigger city.
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Why Is Manteca A Good Place to Live?
As a suburb of Stockton, CA, Manteca is a quiet suburban town with great diversity and even better public schools. This city is appealing to people of all ages, despite its higher than the average cost of living. Compared to other California city options, Manteca has plenty to offer residents, like…
Reasonable Living Costs
Compared to the national average for housing costs, Manteca is significantly more expensive. This fact means that, on average, people are paying nearly 75% more for their housing. The divide is pretty evenly split between people who rent and own property, and the average house price is $405,200. But, compared to California as a whole, Manteca is much more affordable, with California boasting housing costs that are 139% over the national average.
Except for housing, Manteca has reasonable living costs regarding transportation, healthcare, groceries, and utilities. While higher than the average, many of these expenses are just 5-10% higher than the national average and still well below the average for California.
Overall, with housing factored into the cost of living, Manteca will be about 28% higher than the national average but still an affordable and reasonable option for those living in California.
A Scenic Experience
Manteca is technically in the Yosemite Valley, which makes it a stunning place to adventure. Close to Yosemite National Park, visitors can hike and visit many stunning locations, including Yosemite Falls and Spider Caves. Those who are thrill-seekers can explore white water rafting and hiking in Caswell Memorial State Park or take in the sights at San Joaquin River National Wildlife Refuge.
Close to plenty of natural sites, Manteca also has a higher elevation, making it a perfect location to catch breathtaking vistas and views. Consider visiting Dry Creek Regional Park or the San Joaquin River National Wildlife Refuge trails to catch a glimpse of the stunning landscape surrounding Manteca.
Low Crime Rates
Although far below the national average for crimes, Manteca does have some reported violent crimes for the area. Murder, rape, and assault charges are about half of the national average, yet are still reporting about 3.6 murders (compared to the national average of 6.1 murders) per 100,000 people each year.
Property crimes are also much lower than the national average. Burglary is about 57% of the national average rate of occurrence, while theft is 78% of the national average. Still, compared to other areas in California, Manteca boasts low crime rates, making it a safe and inviting city for residents.
Loads Of Recreation
With plenty of beautiful vistas to enjoy and fantastic access to parks and trails, it makes sense that recreation in Manteca is centered around outdoor activities. Those looking to perfect their shot can experience an open shooting range at the Manteca Sportsmen Inc. club. There is plenty of shopping available in Manteca, like the large outdoor apparel and equipment store Bass Pro located in Manteca.
Recently, a new Great Wolf Lodge Waterpark opened in Manteca, giving people of all ages the opportunity to explore the indoor water park. Families with young children rave about the water slides and endless pools to keep kids occupied and entertained. Older adults may like to stroll through the Delicato Family Vineyards, where they will have the opportunity to sample wine while taking in the stunning landscapes.
Low Unemployment
Many of the residents in Manteca are of working age, with nearly half of all residents between the ages of 18 and 55. Still, unemployment is at 7.4%, down from 7.7% reported just months ago. Compared to the national average of 6.1%, this is slightly higher. Much of Manteca’s population is educated, with most people earning their high school degree or Bachelor’s degree, making them eligible for quality, high-paying jobs.
The average salary for Manteca residents is just under $73,000 per year, making this a lucrative location, well above the national average of $62,000 per year. Several industries in Manteca regularly employ people, including retail trade, healthcare, and manufacturing. Working in the utility industry is the highest paying for Manteca residents, with the average employee earning more than $80,000 per year.
What Are The Pitfalls Of Living In Manteca?
Boasting some of the lowest living costs in California and a stunning location with amazing views, Manteca is easily considered a great city for people to reside in. However, many of the attractive attributes in Manteca don’t come without some pitfalls. Some downsides to living in Manteca include…
- Very little entertainment directly in the city. Manteca originated as a farming town, and it follows that there is not much to do in the ways of entertainment directly in the city. Aside from retail shopping or outdoor adventure, recreation is fairly limited.
- Transient, commuter neighborhood with lacking downtown area. Those who are looking for a traditional town center may be hard-pressed to find an urban district. The area lacks a proper downtown location for nightlife, with very few restaurants to choose from.
- Unfriendly younger community. While the older crowd may be friendly in Manteca, many residents report that the younger generation is aloof. It may be difficult for young people moving to this city to make new friends in the immediate area.
- Little opportunity for those with advanced degrees. Compared to other areas in California, there are very limited career options for those with advanced degrees in Manteca. Many job opportunities require a high school degree or can be filled by current high school students.
- Expensive and limited rental options. Although housing is fairly evenly split between those who own their homes and those who rent, finding affordable rentals can be challenging. Many one or two-bedroom apartments will cost $1,200 per month. Renting a larger home is possible, with several three and four bedrooms to choose from, but expect to pay a minimum of $2,300 per month for rent.
What Is The Cost Of Living In Manteca?
You would certainly expect any city in California to be expensive, which is very much the case when compared to the national average. But, for a town close to the main hubs in California, Manteca is exceptionally affordable. Those living in Manteca can expect their living expenses to be…
- The median home price is $405,200. Although the home price is much higher than the national average, it is still only 73% of the average home price in California. About 62% of the population owns a home, while the other 38% rent an apartment or home ranging from $1,200 per month to $2,300 per month.
- Groceries are only slightly higher. Comparing food and grocery prices to the national average, residents will find their overall cost only about 5% higher than the national average.
- Utilities and transportation are higher than average. Residents who live in Manteca can expect to pay about 10% more than the national average for utilities and transportation. Compared to California, costs for transportation are slightly lower, while utilities are slightly higher.
- Healthcare is comparable to the rest of the country. When comparing healthcare costs for residents in Manteca, you will find the price is similar to the national average, with residents only paying 1% more.
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Related Questions
What is the most significant industry in Manteca?
Much of the commerce and industry in California is centered around the major cities, away from the suburbs. Industry in Manteca is limited to trade and retail, with more than 4,000 residents in Manteca working in this industry.
What is the school district like in Manteca?
Despite having a suburban feel and environment with limited options compared to a big urban city, Manteca features top-quality schools. The public school system received high grades, with Sierra High School consistently a top-ranked school. Not only is Sierra High School a solid academic school, but they have a very diverse student population and routinely perform well in athletics.
How far is Manteca to Yosemite National Park?
Although Manteca is technically part of the Yosemite Valley, it is a bit of a drive to be in Yosemite National Park. Expect about a two-hour drive to reach Yosemite National Park. Although a drive, visiting the national park is a very achievable day trip for adventurers.
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