What to Know About Living In Lodi CA 🌴| Moving to Lodi Guide (Cost of Living & Restaurants)

Are you moving to Lodi? Here’s what you need to know! Lodi, CA (pronounced LOH-dye), is a San Joaquin County city located in California’s heart of wine country. The city was incorporated on December 6, 1906, and Lodi is famous for its many notable wineries and friendly atmosphere; its motto is Livable, Lovable, Lodi!

Lodi was discovered by families seeking a suitable area to establish a school; settlers chose Lodi due to its proximity to the Central Pacific Railroad. The city was likely named after Lodi, Illinois. Lodi, CA, is a great place to live for countless reasons! There are many attractions and things to do, the crime rate is low, and the cost of living is reasonable.

Where Is Lodi?

Lodi, California is located in San Joaquin County in Northern California. Armstrong, Woodbridge, Victor, and Armstrong border the city; Stockton, Modesto, and Sacramento aren’t far away either. It’s 16.4 miles from Lodi to Stockton, 35.8 miles from Lodi to Sacramento, and 41.4 miles to Modesto.

The San Joaquin Regional Transit District provides public transportation services to Lodi and other cities in the San Joaquin Valley.

The commuter bus connects to Sacramento and the Dublin BART; the Express service offers quick and convenient transportation within the Stockton Metropolitan Area (SMA); the Hopper bus gets around Stockton and beyond; Paratransit services are for anyone the qualifies under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Hopper Route 93 mainly serves Lodi, and you can access the routes and schedule for Route 93 online.

The Grape Line is the city of Lodi’s public transportation transit system within city limits. Children are free, and adults must pay $1.25 per ride. Routes and schedule information are available online.

Lodi CA Population & Demographics

The Lodi population is 66,348, according to the 2020 census; the population in Lodi, CA, increased by 4,214 people from 2010 to 2020. Lodi is the fourth-most populated city in San Joaquin County and boasts the fourteenth-highest median income. 

Additional Lodi, CA, demographics:

• Median household income: $78,468 (US $75,149)
• Median age: 37.5 years old
• Sex ratio: 51 females to 49 males
• Educational attainment: 85.3% have high school diplomas, and 24.3% have bachelor's degrees
• Foreign-born population: 23.7%
• Veteran status: 7.2%

Lodi has a notable foreign-born population and a relatively young median age.

Lodi racial and ethnic makeup:

• White: 53.3%
• White (non-Hispanic or Latino): 44.1%
• Hispanic or Latino: 39.5%
• Two or more races: 23.3%
• Asian: 11.5%
• Black or African American: 1.2%
• Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander: 0.5%
• Native American or Alaska Native: 0.4%

Lodi, CA, has a large Hispanic and Latino population.

Notable people from Lodi:

• Bill Cartwright
• Bridget Marquardt
• Destiny Rogers

Is Lodi CA Safe?

According to the FBI, Lodi is a very safe place to live! 

Crime rate statistics for Lodi compared to the state and nation:

• Lodi crime rate per 100k people: 2,180
• California crime rate per 100k people: 2,581
• US crime rate per 100k people: 2,346

Lodi’s crime rate is 15.5% lower than the state 7.1% lower than the country.

• Lodi violent crime rate per 100k people: 330
• California violent crime rate per 100k people: 442
• US violent crime rate per 100k people: 388

Lodi sees 25.3% less violent crime than the state and 14.9% less than the country.

• Lodi property crime rate per 100k people: 1,850
• California property crime rate per 100k people: 2,139
• US property crime rate per 100k people: 1,958

Lodi sees 13.5% less property crime than its state and 5.5% less property crime than its country!

Lodi is extremely safe, seeing far less crime than the average US city and state! On the off chance you do need law enforcement assistance, the Lodi Police Department has 71 sworn officers ready to assist you!

Cost of Living in Lodi CA

Lodi has a Cost of Living Index (COLI) of 124, making it 24% more expensive than the average US city; California has a COLI of 149.9. Payscale says housing in Lodi is 46% more expensive than the US average, and utilities are 42%.

According to the Economic Policy Institute, a family of four must earn $113,608 to live comfortably in San Joaquin County.

After moving to Lodi, you’ll want a good idea of what daily expenditures will cost.

Typical Lodi living expenses:

• Inexpensive restaurant meal: $25.00
• Gallon milk: $5.61
• Loaf of bread: $3.64
• Dozen eggs: $4.69
• Pound of local cheese: $4.49
• City of Lodi utilities per month: $307 (per Doxo)

Source: Numbeo

*The above figures are for Stockton, CA, which has a COLI of 123; prices may differ when living in Lodi, CA.

Lodi Estate

Not sure when Lodi, CA, real estate will cost you? The average home price in Lodi, CA, is $480,000, and the market is only somewhat competitive. The median price per square foot in Lodi is $300, and that figure has seen a 0.5% decrease since 2022. 37.1% of houses for sale in Lodi, CA, sell over the asking price.

You will likely have 30 days before your dream home sells, meaning homes for sale in Lodi, CA, sell quickly!

The rental market is abundant and affordable; while some rentals are over $3,000 a month, you will find some as low as $1,000. The average rent in Lodi, CA, is $1,846 per month for am 881-square-foot-rental.

Best Neighborhoods in Lodi CA | Where to Live in Lodi

Before moving to Lodi, you’ll have to find a new neighborhood to call home. Here are the best neighborhoods in Lodi, CA.

Lakeshore Village | Affordable Lodi Neighborhood

While Lakeshore Village does have an HOA, the cost is affordable—especially for what you get! You will find updated single-family homes in this Lodi neighborhood; homes range from  1,200 square feet to 2,900 square feet, and prices currently start at $632,000. However, the median sale price in Lakeshore Village is $402,500. You will pay $50 a month in HOA fees or $600 annually.

Downtown Lodi | Historic Area Ideal for Young Adults

You will find downtown Lodi in the city’s heart, perfectly positioned within walking distance of notable coffee shops, downtown markets, and eateries. Popular downtown Lodi restaurants are Brick House Restaurant & Catering and Mazatlán Cafe.

Some homes, apartments, and condos are newly constructed, but most structures originate from the 1950s, 60s, 70s, and 80s, boasting a vintage or retro feel. Houses in these areas are typically between 1,100 and 1,800 square feet, but some are larger. Home prices vary drastically; you will find some as affordable as low as $389,000 while others are over 3 million. The median sale price in downtown Lodi is $410,000.

Downtown Lodi, CA, has top restaurants and attractions, but this neighborhood is also minutes from Lodi Stadium 12 Cinemas and the Jeremy Wine Company.

Rivergate | Natural Oasis

Rivergate is positioned near Lake Lodi and Lodi Beach, making it the ideal community for outdoor enthusiasts. You can choose a smaller 1,450-square-foot home and 4,913-square-foot mansions; whether your budget is $400,000 or 4 million, Rivergate can accommodate you. Single-family homes, condos, and townhomes are available in Riveragate; the median sale price is 2.1 million, but condos and townhomes are far less expensive.

Lodi Weather & Climate

Lodi, California, has a Koppen climate classification of hot-summer Mediterranean climate (Köppen Csa.) This means the winters are cold and wet, and the summers are hot and dry. If you want to partake in warm-weather activities, the best time of the year to visit Lodi is mid June to late September.

Lodi, CA, weather is enjoyable most of the year! Temperatures will typically stay above 31 and below 102; the coldest month of the year is December, and the warmest month is July. The average annual rainfall here is 19 inches, and snowfall is 0 inches. The city of Lodi experiences the most rain in winter, with an average of 3.5 inches in January.

Overall, the weather for Lodi, California is pleasant. The winters tend to be cold and rainy, but the summers are fantastic!

Things to Do in Lodi

The best shopping in Lodi, CA, is done at Sunwest Plaza, Lakewood Plaza, and at any of the downtown Lodi shops. You will find the top things to do in Lodi below!

Micke Grove Zoo

Micke Grove Zoo is one of the best things to do in Lodi, CA. With 5-acres of animal exhibits and thousands of plant species, there are enough activities to fill an entire day. This family-friendly excursion is a must-do after moving to Lodi!

11793 Micke Grove Rd, Lodi, CA 95240, (209) 331-7400

Lodi Lake

Lodi Lake is the place to be if you enjoy wholesome family fun and the outdoors. You can picnic, hike, swim, fish, and boat at Lodi Lake, CA—the sunsets are amazing, and the park is centrally located! This is definitely one of the most fun things to do in Lodi.

1101 W Turner Rd, Lodi, CA 95242, 209-333-6742

Lodi Stadium 12 Cinemas

If a movie night is in order, there is no better movie theater in Lodi, CA, than the Lodi Stadium 12 Cinemas. You can watch the latest films while enjoying a hand-crafted cocktail and delicious concession snacks.

109 N School St, Lodi, CA 95240, (209) 339-1900

Additional Attractions in Lodi

• Lodi Bowling Lounge & Bar
• Dancing Fox Winery & Brewery
• Emerson Park

While Lodi wineries (like Wine & Roses) are the city’s most popular attraction, its parks and entertainment businesses aren’t far behind. The Lodi Parks and Rec Department maintains the Lodi parks and hosts most of the community’s events. When living in Lodi, you should closely monitor the special events calendar.

Lodi Restaurants

Lodi, California, is known for its exquisite wine rather than a specific food. However, delicious cuisine is also one of this city’s strong suits. You will find various options in varying cultures; Italian is popular amongst the locals, and brunch in Lodi is beloved by all. Below are some must-try restaurants in Lodi. 

Pietro's Trattoria

Pietro’s Trattoria is an authentic Italian farm-to-fork restaurant in Lodi, CA. It serves familiar favorites like Chicken Parmaganio, but you’ll also find many reconstructed classics, like its pappardelle with ox tail ragu.

317 E Kettleman Ln, Lodi, CA 95240, (209) 368-0613

Golden Ox Family Diner

Golden Ox Family Diner boasts an old-school vibe and serves traditional favorites. It is one of the many Lodi, California, restaurants known for its prompt service and friendly atmosphere. The eggs benedict and chicken fried steak are raved about in the reviews!

410 W Kettleman Ln, Lodi, CA 95240, (209) 333-0146

Habanero Hots

Habanero Hots is a Tex-Mex eatery that offers top-notch service and mouthwatering cuisine. Established in 1981, this joint has been serving scrumptious chimichangas and thirst-quenching margaritas for nearly 40 years. Habanero Hots is a must-try Lodi restaurant. 

1024 E Victor Rd, Lodi, CA 95240, (209) 369-3791

Jobs in Lodi CA

Alongside the thousands of established businesses in Lodi Calif, the city has three major projects in the works (Reynolds Ranch, Sunwest Village (retail center), and Rose Gate (master-planned housing project.) Lodi has seen a 2.2% job market increase since 2022 and has a 10-year projected job increase of  34.3%. Lodi jobs are abundant, whether you work in the city’s leading industry or not!

Manufacturing, logistics, energy, and agriculture are the leading industries in Lodi, and Lodi Unified School District, Pacific Coast Producers, Adventist Health Lodi Memorial, and Blue Shield of California are the top employers. With over 300 employees, the City of Lodi (jobs) is also a prominent employer.

After moving to Lodi, you’ll likely earn a great living. The average hourly rate in Lodi is $20.76, and the average salary is $80,000.

Lodi Schools

Lodi Unified School District (LUSD) serves the K-12 students living in Lodi. Notable schools within Lodi, Cali, are Lodi Middle School, Lodi High School, and Ellerth E Larson Elementary (the best elementary school in the LUSD and one of the best Lodi elementary schools.)

Lodi schools are known for their inclusivity and small classroom sizes. The student-to-teacher ratio is 21:1, and 87.9% of teachers are certified. The high school graduation rate in Lodi is 79.2%. 47% of students are economically disadvantaged, and the districts minority enrollment is 80%

Not only is Lodi a great place for young children’s education to flourish, but the city is located near notable colleges, too! University of San Francisco - Sacramento Campus and National University - Stockton, California Campus are both within 50 miles of Lodi, California. Lodi Public Library provides additional educational resources to people living in Lodi.

Lodi Statistics & Information

• Lodi, CA County: San Joaquin County
• Lodi, CA area: 13.86 square miles
• Lodi zip code: 95240–95242
• Lodi, CA area code: 209, 350
• Lodi elevation: 35 feet
• Lodi time zone: Pacific Standard Time (UTC−8)
• Closest airport to Lodi, CA: Sacramento International Airport (SMF) is 46 miles from Lodi

Lodi California Map

Explore more of this great city with this map of Lodi, CA!

If you’re moving to Lodi, call Grace Moving at 209-551-7772; we have qualified Lodi movers ready to make your transition stress free and easy!