Have you been searching for a family-friendly city with an affordable cost of living, friendly neighbors, and strong sense of community? Then living in Escalon may be the perfect option, a laidback city in Northern California.
Escalon is known for being a major center for agriculture, specifically the production of walnuts and peaches. The city was founded by settler John Wheeler Jones, who acquired a plot in the area for farming after arriving in the area in 1852. He soon named it the town of Escalon, the Spanish word for “stepping stones”, which he came across after reading a book in the Stockton Free Library.
Today, Escalon is a good place to live for those seeking a peaceful, rural community with low crime and reasonably priced homes. Is moving to Escalon the right place for you? Here is everything you should know before starting a new life in this welcoming community.
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Where Is Escalon?
Escalon is in San Joaquin County in Northern California. It’s located east of the San Francisco Bay in California’s Central Valley, south of Stockton. State Highway 120 passes through town and intersects with the BNSF railroad. Public transportation is provided by the San Joaquin Regional Transit District.
It’s ideally situated just outside Yosemite National Park and Stanislaus National Forest, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts living in Escalon. Nearby communities include Del Rio, Alba, Avena, Valley Home, and River Bank.
It’s about 22 miles or a 30 minute drive from Escalon CA to Stockton CA.
Escalon Population & Demographics
As of the 2020 Census, the Escalon CA population is 7,472 residents. An increasing number of people are discovering the fantastic benefits of living in Escalon, and the city has experienced rapid population growth since the 1960s, when it was home to less than 2,000 people.
Although that growth has slowed, the population still increased by 4.8% between 2010 and 2020. Despite its rural feel, the city itself is somewhat densely populated, and it has a population density of 3,261 residents.
It’s a fairly young community with plenty of cultural diversity and many families living in Escalon. In Escalon, 25% of residents are under 18 and 21% are in their 30s. Although the majority of the population is white, Escalon also has a proud Hispanic community with noticeable roots in the culture.
The racial and ethnic breakdown of Escalon residents is 65% white (non-Hispanic), 25% Hispanic or Latino, 1% Asian, and 8% two or more races. A few notable people who have enjoyed the benefits of living in Escalon include journalist Ron Beaton and martial arts actor James Lew.
Other Escalon demographics:
- The median household income is $86,875, which is 10% lower than the rest of California
- The median age is 36.8 years old
- 55% of people living in Escalon are women, and 45% are men
- 87.6% of people living in Escalon have a high school diploma, and 16.3% have a bachelor’s degree or higher
- The foreign-born population is 8.9%
Living in Escalon is safe. Being a somewhat isolated, rural community, it doesn’t suffer from many of the problems of major cities. As a result, the Escalon CA crime rate is significantly lower than the California crime rate and the national average. Here is a side by side comparison:
- Total crime: 1,721 crimes per 100,000 people, 39.5% lower than the rest of the country and 26% lower than the rest of the US
- Violent crime: 318 crimes per 100,000 people, 36.3% lower than the rest of the country and 14% lower than the rest of the US
- Property crime: 1,404 crimes per 100,000 people, 40.1% lower than the rest of the country and 28.2% lower than the rest of the US
So if crime is one of the major factors impacting your decision to relocate, moving to Escalon is a great choice. It’s always smart to be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.
The Escalon Police Department CA handles crime in the community with the help of 12 officers and 2 civilian employees.
Cost of Living in Escalon
Living in Escalon is very affordable by California standards. A good way to get a sense of the cost of living in an area is to examine the cost of living index. It contrasts the prices of normal consumer goods with the rest of the US, which is represented by 100.
According to Payscale, the cost of living in Escalon is about 22% higher than the national average (although that’s 44% lower than the Bay Area). The Economic Policy Institute’s Family Budget Calculator is also a great resource. It indicates that the typical family of four would need to earn $109,819 to afford the cost of living in Escalon.
Typical expenses of living in Escalon
- Hamburger: $6.04
- Carton of eggs: $3.79
- Gallon of milk: $5.01
- Loaf of bread: $4.21
- Gallon of gasoline: $3.94
- Visit to the doctor: $149.07
- Average Escalon monthly utility bill: $296.79
The affordable price of Escalon real estate and property taxes are a major contributor to the low cost of living. Redfin suggests that the median price of homes for sale in Escalon California is $567,000. Although that’s 30% higher than the national average, it’s 32% lower than the rest of California. The median price per square foot of Escalon CA real estate is $317.
You’ll also find plenty of rentals in Escalon CA. Census data suggests that 77% of homes are owner-occupied and 33% are rented out. RentCafe indicates that rent prices in the area start around $1400 for a 1 bedroom and go up to $2400 for three or more bedrooms.
Escalon Neighborhoods | Where To Live In Escalon
Escalon is a rural, primarily residential community with few well-defined neighborhoods. The entire city covers about 2.5 acres, much of which is farmland. However, wherever you go, you’ll find low crime and a family-oriented atmosphere. The most desirable areas tend to be in the northwest, while the most affordable are in the east.
Escalon Weather & Climate
The weather in Escalon CA is relatively mild throughout the year. It has a Mediterranean climate according to the Köppen classification system. That indicates hot, dry summers and cold, snowy winters. The temperature typically ranges from 30°F to 103°F, though it occasionally dips to 30°F in winter and reaches 103°F in summer. The best time to visit someone living in Escalon is usually from June to September.
Snow won’t be a major concern if you plan on moving to Escalon. However, it does average about 13 inches of snow every year. So be sure to bring an umbrella.
Things to Do in Escalon
Even though it’s mostly a quiet, residential community and nightlife is somewhat limited, you’ll still find plenty of things to do in Escalon CA to stay busy. It’s very close to several national parks if you’re looking to do some camping or fishing.
You’ll find plenty of shops and boutiques along State Route 120, including Heck of a Deck Mercantile, Pencie and Ginger Boutique, and the Escalon Food Center. The Vintage Fair Mall in Modesto is also close by if you’re looking for more brand-name outlets. Other than shopping, here are some of the best things to do in Escalon.
Escalon Historical Society
The Escalon Historical Society is a local history museum showcasing a range of artifacts, exhibits, and other attractions that document the town’s history from its founding to the present day.
1630 Main St, Escalon, CA 95320 (209) 838-8070
Zinc House Farm
Zinc House Farm is an organic, family-run farm that sells fresh produce and hosts community events along with its sister business, Clark Ferrera Winery.
20679 CA-120, Escalon, CA 95320 (209) 838-7000
Escalon Community Center
The Escalon Community Center in Escalon CA is the city’s main social hub and features a state-of-the-art clubhouse and park featuring picnic tables, barbecue pits, horseshoes, and a playground.
1055 Escalon Ave, Escalon, CA 95320 (209) 691-7372
Additional Attractions In Escalon
Looking for more fun things to do in Escalon? The City of Escalon Recreation Department hosts a youth baseball league and other sports.
Escalon Restaurants
While not known as a major culinary destination, you will find plenty of great local restaurants in Escalon California. Here are a few of the best places to eat within walking distance.
D’boni’s Pizza
D’Boni’s Pizza is a laidback, local pizzeria serving salads, burgers, pies, and cold beer in a familiar setting.
2249 Jackson Ave, Escalon, CA 95320 (209) 838-1700
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Happy Gardens
Happy Gardens is one of the best restaurants in Escalon CA if you like sushi. The family-run establishment serves a variety of rolls, sashimi and bento boxes in a no-frills setting.
1205 Plaza Ave, Escalon, CA 95320 (209) 838-8688
Waffle Factory
Waffle Factory is a popular Escalon CA restaurant serving classic breakfast food like omelets and chicken-fried steak with fresh coffee and a kids’ menu.
2253 Jackson Ave, Escalon, CA 95320 (209) 838-8888
Jobs in Escalon
A large portion of the economy of Escalon is centered around agriculture due to all the fertile farmland surrounding the city. It’s most notable for its walnut production, and it’s home to DeRuosi Nuts, one of the largest walnut processing facilities in the world.
Most jobs in Escalon CA are at local nut processing plants and other major agricultural producers. More businesses that contribute to the local economy include DeRuosi Nut, GoldRiver Orchards, Grower’s Choice, and Roche Bros. It’s also home to several small businesses, medical facilities, and industrial areas, including Liberty Business Park.
Major employers in Escalon:
Payscale suggests that the average hourly rate in the nearby city of Modesto is $22.70 per hour. So workers living in Escalon can expect to earn about that much.
Employment seekers will find plenty of great Escalon jobs in positions such as sales associate or administrative specialist. City of Escalon CA jobs with the local government are also available if you’re looking for competitive pay and full benefits. Stop by Escalon City Hall for more information.
Escalon Schools
Students living in Escalon will get a great education at the schools in the Escalon Unified School District. It operates four elementary schools, one middle school, one comprehensive high school, one continuation high school, and one charter school.
The elementary schools are Collegeville Dual Language Immersion, Dent, Farmington, and Van Allen, and the middle school is El Portal.
Students in grades 9-12 living in Escalon will attend Escalon High, which ranks 20th in the Stockton area and features a 95% graduation rate. Escalon Charter Academy is also a transitional kindergarten through 12th-grade charter school offering a personalized program that blends classroom and homeschool.
All residents living in Escalon are also invited to stop by the Escalon Branch of the San Joaquin Public Library System.
Escalon Statistics & Information
- County: San Joaquin County
- Escalon area: 2.35 square miles
- Escalon zip code: 95320
- Escalon area code: 209
- Escalon elevation: 118 ft
- Escalon time zone: Pacific Time Zone (UTC-7 and -8)
- Closest airport to Escalon: The Stockton Municipal Airport (SCK) is 18 miles away.
Escalon CA Map
Explore more activities, attractions, and fun things to do in Escalon CA with this map.
Find Out What Living In Escalon Is Really Like
Ready to see for yourself what living in Escalon is really like? When you’re ready to make the transition, you can trust the dependable Escalon CA movers at Mother Lode Moving to make your relocation simple and stress-free. Call (916) 631-4285 today for a free quote from the top Sacramento moving company.
