Looking for a peaceful city with diversity and a thriving local culture? Then you should think about moving to Manteca. Manteca is a laid-back city in the San Joaquin Valley.
Living in Manteca CA, offers a family-friendly environment with more affordable housing than many nearby Bay Area cities. Residents enjoy a strong sense of community, a small-town atmosphere, and easy access to outdoor recreation. It’s a great option for those seeking space, value, and a slower pace of life.
Nicknamed the “Pumpkin Capital of the West,” Manteca is recognized for its significant contribution to the agricultural industry, particularly in pumpkin production. Originally inhabited by the Yokuts, the city was founded by a settler named Joshua Cowell, who purchased 1,000 acres in the area. Residents living in Manteca CA originally called it “Cowell’s Station“; however, Cowell’s brother had already established another settlement with the same name near Tracy.
To avoid confusion, residents agreed to call the community “Monteca”; however, the railroad misprinted the name “Manteca,” the Spanish word for lard. The mistake was never corrected, and the city has been known as Manteca ever since.
Today, it’s a thriving community, and Manteca is a good place to live for growing families, outdoor enthusiasts, and young professionals seeking affordable homes near the Bay Area. Convinced this is a great place for you? Here is everything you need to know before living in Manteca CA.
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Where Is Manteca?
The city of Manteca, California, is in San Joaquin County of California’s Central Valley within the Stockton–Lodi metro area. It’s located in a very central area, halfway between Stockton and Modesto, and approximately an hour and a half from the Bay Area. Drivers living in Manteca CA will find plenty of transportation options. California State Route 120 and 99 intersect in southeast Manteca.
Route 120 also connects with I-5 just west of town, providing a connection to other major thoroughfares. Surrounding communities include Atlanta, Ripon, Banta, Lathrop, and French Camp. The city of Manteca also operates a bus service. Visit their website for the real-time bus schedule in Manteca, CA.
- Manteca CA to Stockton CA: 15 miles or a 22-minute drive.
- Manteca MA to Modesto CA: 32 miles or a 35-minute drive.
Manteca Population & Demographics
As of the 2020 census, the Manteca CA population is 83,498 residents. More and more people are realizing the fantastic benefits of living in Manteca CA, and the population rose by 24% between 2010 and 2020. It has a relatively dense urban atmosphere with a population density of 4250 residents per square mile.
Manteca is a very diverse, family-friendly community that attracts residents from all walks of life. It’s mostly Hispanic people living in Manteca CA, and its proud heritage is evident through its many authentic restaurants and cultural events. Although it also has sizable white, black, and Asian communities.
The racial and ethnic breakdown is 46.8% white (36.1% white, non-Hispanic), 39% Hispanic or Latino, 14.1% Asian, 3.5% Black or African American, and 20.5% two or more races.
A few notable people who have experienced the firsthand benefits of living in Manteca CA include NASCAR drivers Eric and Ethan Nascimento, and actress April Bowlby.
Other CA Manteca Demographics
- The median household income is $91,533, which is 4% lower than the median in California
- 50% of the Manteca population is male and 50% is female
- The median age is 37.3 years old
- 86.4% of residents living in Manteca CA have a high school diploma, and 24.1% have a bachelor’s degree or higher
- The foreign-born population is 19.5%
Living in Manteca CA is safe, with crime rates that are lower than those of both California and the US as a whole. It’s also considerably safer compared to larger cities nearby, like Stockton, San Francisco, and Modesto, which is why it’s attracting so many new people. Here is a look at the crime rates in the city:
- The total Manteca crime rate is 2,154 crimes per 100,000 people, which is 24.2% lower than the California crime rate and 7.3% lower than the rest of the country.
- The violent crime rate is especially low, at 46.5% lower than the national average and 27.8% lower than the rest of the US.
- The property crime rate is also relatively low at 19.4% below the national average and 3.4% lower than the rest of the country.
So, overall, living in Manteca CA is safe for a city of its size. The Manteca Police Department handles crime in the city with the assistance of 104 employees, including 75 officers and 29 civilians.
Cost of Living in Manteca CA
Living in Manteca CA is also relatively affordable compared to other parts of California, especially the Bay Area. A good way to gain a solid understanding of the Manteca cost of living is to reference the cost of living index. It compares the prices of typical consumer goods to the rest of the US, which is represented by 100.
The COLI for Manteca is around 148, indicating it’s about 48% more expensive than the typical US city. However, that also means the cost of living in Manteca CA is 18% lower than in San Francisco.
The Family Budget Calculator, created by the Economic Policy Institute, is also a fantastic resource. It reveals that a typical family of four, consisting of two adults and two children, would need to earn approximately $109,819 per year to afford the cost of living in Manteca CA.
Typical expenses of living in Manteca CA:
- A gallon of milk: $5.01
- Carton of eggs: $3.80
- Hamburger: $6.05
- A gallon of gas: $4.31
- Bunch of bananas: $0.79
- Visit to the doctor: $656.03
Source: Payscale
Manteca real estate is also fairly affordable by California standards. According to Redfin, the median listing price of homes for sale in Manteca CA is $620,000. Although that’s 44% higher than the median home value in the US, it’s 20% lower than the median home price in California and 59% lower than San Francisco. The median price per square foot of Manteca, CA, real estate is $318.
Although the majority of people living in Manteca CA own a home, renters will also find plenty of options. In Manteca, 76% of homes are owner-occupied, and 24% are rented out. According to Rentcafe, the average rent in Manteca, CA, is $2,126.
In Manteca, 13% of apartments are located in high-rise buildings, 39% are in smaller apartment complexes, and 47% are in single-family homes. The median rent in Manteca starts around $1,500 for a one-bedroom apartment and increases to $2,700 for a three-bedroom apartment.
Tenants moving to Manteca should check out these buildings:
Manteca Neighborhoods | Where To Live in Manteca
Manteca is full of fantastic neighborhoods offering spacious homes, desirable amenities, and a unique local culture. Here are a few of the best places to check out if you plan on moving to Manteca.
Chadwick Square | A Family-Friendly Neighborhood With Park Access
Chadwick Square is a quaint, family-friendly neighborhood located within walking distance from the park of the same name that offers tree-lined streets, large homes, and a suburban atmosphere. As a result, it’s perfect for families living in Manteca CA.
Woodward Park | A Safe Neighborhood With a Tight-Knit Atmosphere
Known for its safe environment and tight-knit community, Woodward Park is a popular neighborhood of new-construction homes featuring plenty of playgrounds, walking trails, and close proximity to shopping. It’s ideal for anyone living in Manteca CA who wants new homes with access to amenities.
Union Ranch | An Upscale Master-Planned Community With a Retirement Home
Union Ranch is an upscale, master-planned community offering large homes, desirable amenities, and access to Highway 99. It’s also home to The Commons at Union Ranch Manteca, a popular retirement community and memory care center that’s great for seniors living in Manteca CA.
Manteca Weather & Climate
Manteca has a very mild climate throughout the year. According to the Koppen classification system, it has a hot-summer Mediterranean climate that indicates hot, dry summers and mild winters.
Temperatures typically range from 39°F to 95°F, although winters can drop as low as 30°F, and summers can reach as high as 103°F. You’ll typically want to visit a friend living in Manteca CA between June and September.
Snow won’t be much of a concern among those living in Manteca CA. However, the city averages about 15 inches of rain every year. So it may be wise to bring your umbrella.
Things to Do in Manteca
Although you won’t find much action and nightlife, there are still plenty of outdoor activities and other fun things to do in Manteca, CA. Residents living in Manteca CA will find a variety of shopping and dining options and a movie theater at the Promenade Shops at Orchard Valley, Stadium Center, or Mission Ridge Plaza.
The Manteca Crossroads Street Fair is also a popular event that takes place every summer, attracting over 50,000 visitors. In addition to shopping, here are a few other popular attractions among those living in Manteca CA.
Great Wolf Lodge Water Park
The Great Wolf Lodge is an indoor water park and resort featuring 95,000 square feet of state-of-the-art slides, splash pads, and other aquatic activities. It has a 500+ room hotel and other family-friendly activities like a ropes course, bowling alley, and miniature golf course, making it one of the best things to do in Manteca with kids.
2500 Daniels St, Manteca, CA 95337 (888) 966-9653
Manteca Historical Society
The Manteca Historical Society operates a free local history museum detailing the city’s fascinating past and what living in Manteca CA was like over the years with lectures, tours, exhibits, and more.
600 W Yosemite Ave, Manteca, CA 95337 (209) 825-3021
Bowlero Manteca
Bowlero is a trendy 48-lane bowling alley featuring blacklight lanes, an arcade, laser tag, and other fun activities, making it great for birthday parties or families living in Manteca CA.
1251 E Yosemite Ave, Manteca, CA 95336 (209) 824-2889
Additional Manteca Attractions
Are you on the hunt for more fun things to do in Manteca, CA? The city of Manteca Parks and Recreation Department has a list of public facilities and a community events calendar on its website.
Manteca Restaurants
For a relatively small city, you’ll find an assortment of delicious restaurants in Manteca, CA, serving everything from casual bites to fine dining. Here are some of the best places to eat in Manteca.
A Table Wayne’s Kitchen
A Table Wayne’s Kitchen is a popular Manteca, CA restaurant serving tonkatsu ramen and other authentic Asian dishes in a casual setting.
293 W Louise Ave, Manteca, CA 95336 (209) 328-1130
Noni Vita Ravioli Company
Noni Vita is a laidback Italian restaurant and delicatessen serving handmade ravioli and sauces made with secret family recipes, with outdoor seating and catering options. It’s perfect for anyone living in Manteca CA looking for classic dishes made with care.
823 S Mellon Ave, Manteca, CA 95337 (209) 823-7946
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Ernie’s Food & Spirits
Ernie’s Food and Spirits is a delicious fine dining restaurant and one of the best restaurants in Manteca CA serving surf and turf, plus sophisticated menu items like braised bison ribs with an extensive wine list and upscale atmosphere.
1351 N Main St, Manteca, CA 95336 (209) 239-3351
Jobs in Manteca
Looking for work after moving to Manteca? Regardless of what line of work you’re in, you’ll find plenty of jobs in Manteca, CA. Its central location and rapid population growth attract businesses, and it’s a driving force of the economy in the Central Valley.
Although historically an agricultural community, residents living in Manteca CA will also find employment in various industries, including retail, healthcare, social assistance, and manufacturing.
The local government has made significant strides in revitalizing the downtown area and invested over $160 million in infrastructure improvements. The city also hosts offices of major corporate names, including Ford Motor Company, Frito-Lay, Medline Industries, and Amazon.
Major employers in San Joaquin County:
- Amazon Fulfillment Center
- Dameron Hospital
- San Joaquin General Hospital
- Walmart Supercenter
- OG Packing and Cold Storage
According to Payscale, the average hourly wage in Stockton is $21.71, while in Modesto it’s $22.50. So workers living in Manteca CA can expect to earn around that much.
From acquisitions manager to environmental educator, you’ll find plenty of fantastic Manteca jobs available. Employment opportunities with the city of Manteca are also available for those looking for work with the local government.
Manteca Schools
Kids living in Manteca CA have the opportunity to get a great education. The Manteca Unified School District not only covers the city itself, but it also serves students living in Lathrop, French Camp, and the Weston Ranch neighborhood of Stockton. There are over 30 schools in the Manteca School District.
Some of the top elementary schools in Manteca, CA, include Nile Garden, Mossdale, and George McParland. There are four high schools in Manteca, CA, although there’s also one in Lathrop, one in Weston Ranch, a continuation school, and a technical high school that is all in the same district. Sierra High School is generally considered the best and features a 99% graduation rate.
The city is also home to several private schools, including Central Valley Christian Academy and St. Anthony Catholic School. For those seeking higher education, San Joaquin Delta College also has a Manteca Campus, a 155-acre site dedicated to agricultural education.
Anyone living in Manteca CA is also welcome to visit the local branch of the San Joaquin County Public Library system to borrow books and other media.
Manteca Statistics & Information
- Manteca County: San Joaquin County
- Manteca area: 21.41 square miles
- Manteca zip code: 95336 & 95337
- Manteca area code: 209
- Manteca elevation: 36 ft
- Manteca time zone: Pacific Time Zone (UTC -7 and -8)
- Closest airport to Manteca: Stockton Metropolitan Airport (SCK) is 10 miles away.
Manteca CA Map
Discover more activities, attractions, and fun things to do with this city map of Manteca.
Learn What Living In Manteca CA Is Really Like
Ready to see for yourself what living in Manteca CA is really like? Trust the reliable Manteca movers at Mother Lode Moving to make your upcoming move easy and efficient. Call (916) 631-4285 today for a free quote.
