Living in Patterson CA 🏡 | What to Know Before Moving to Patterson

Have you been searching for a peaceful small town in California's Central Valley? Maybe living in Patterson CA is the right move, a city in Stanislaus County.

Patterson, CA is known for its small-town vibe, agricultural roots, and interesting history. The land that is now Paterson was initially claimed by Samuel G. Reed and Ruben S. Wade in 1855 and sold to the city's namesake, John D. Patterson in 1866.

Today, Patterson, CA is a good place to live for families and those seeking access to nature, quality schools, and an affordable cost of living. Curious about whether moving to Paterson is a viable option? Here is everything you need to know before you relocate to decide if it's the right place for you.

Where Is Patterson, CA?

Patterson is in Stanislaus County, in California's Central Valley. It's within the Modesto metro area and the larger San Jose-San Francisco-Oakland CSA, also known as the Bay Area. Patterson offers tons of transportation options for those who own a car and plan to commute.

California State Route 33 passes through the eastern part of town, and I-5 passes along the western part of the community. California State Route 130 also intersects with both and passes through the southern part of town, providing a route west to San Jose and east to Turlock.

You'll find other smaller communities close by, such as Diablo Grande, Crows Landing, Hatch, Vernalis, as well as larger cities such as Turlock, Modesto, Tracy, and Stockton.

It's 17 miles or a 30 minute drive from Patterson, CA, to Modesto, CA, and 86 miles to Sacramento.

Patterson Population & Demographics

The Patterson, CA population is 24,306. The number of people living in Patterson CA has increased exponentially over the past few decades. In 1980, there were only 3,908 people living in Patterson CA, and by 1990, the population increased by 120%.

The growth has slowed, but it still went up by 16.5% between 2010 and 2020. It has a very spacious, suburban atmosphere with a population density of 3,121.5 residents per square mile.

Patterson is a predominantly Hispanic community that's popular among growing families. Married couples make up 72% of households, and 32% of people living in Patterson CA are under 18. The racial and ethnic breakdown of people living in Patterson CA is 66% Hispanic or Latino, 16% white, 5% Black or African American, 5% Asian, 3% Pacific Islander, and 4% two or more races.

Famous residents who have lived in Patterson include Pedro Tovar and painter Amy Francheschini.

Other Patterson CA demographics:

• The median household income is $93,542, slightly lower than the California median.
• 74.7% of people living in Patterson CA have a high school diploma, and 14.2% have a bachelor's degree or higher.
• The foreign-born population is 21.1%.
• The median age is 30.9 years old.

Living in Patterson, CA is very safe. It has a low crime rate compared to both the statewide and national averages, which is why so many families live in Patterson. Here is a look at how the Patterson crime rate compares to the California crime rate, as well as the rest of the US:

• Total Patterson CA crime rate: 1,645 crimes per 100,000 people, 42.1% lower than the state and 29.2% lower than the country.
• Violent crime rate: 180 crimes per 100,000 people, which is 64% lower than the state and 51.3% lower than the rest of the country.
• Property crime: 1,464 crimes per 100,000 people, which is 37.5% lower than the state and 25.1% lower than the country.

So Patterson is a good place to live if you're concerned with crime. The Patterson Police Department handles crime in the community. You can contact them to report a crime or inquire about law enforcement services.

Cost of Living in Patterson, CA

The cost of living in Patterson CA is very reasonable compared to other parts of California, especially the Bay Area. A great way to assess a community's cost of living is to examine its cost-of-living index. It compares the prices of normal consumer goods to the rest of the country, which is represented by 100.

The COLI for the Modesto area is 108.6, indicating it's about 8.6% above the national average. However, that's still 56% less expensive than the San Francisco Bay Area. The Economic Policy Institute's Family Budget Calculator is also a good resource. It suggests that the typical family of four with two adults and two children needs to make $104,786 to afford the cost of living in Patterson CA.

Typical expenses of living in Patterson CA:

• Gallon of milk: $5.49
• Loaf of bread: $4.62
• Hamburger: $6.63
• Gallon of gas: $4.19
• Visit to the doctor: $178.01
• Bunch of bananas: $0.87
• Average Patterson CA utilities per month: $349.26

Source: Payscale

Looking to purchase a home? Patterson CA real estate is also very affordable, which is why it's a popular destination for growing families. According to Redfin, the median price of homes for sale in Patterson, CA, is $469,750. While that's 6.8% higher than the US median, it's 47% lower than the California median. The median price per square foot of Patterson real estate is $218.

Also note that California properties are subject to a special assessment called a Mello Roos tax, which funds public infrastructure projects and services. So make sure to leave room in your budget if you're planning on moving to Patterson, CA.

Most people living in Patterson CA own a home. Census data suggests 74% of properties are owner-occupied, and 26% are rented out. According to Rentcafe, rent in Patterson, CA starts around $ 2,500 and goes up to $ 3,400 for a 3-bedroom.

Patterson Neighborhoods | Where to Live in Patterson CA

Regardless of where you choose to settle down, you'll find spacious homes, quiet streets, and a low crime rate in Patterson, CA. However, naturally, some communities are more highly regarded than others.

Walker Ranch | A Family-Friendly Neighborhood With Well-Priced Homes

Walker Ranch is a peaceful neighborhood popular among families living in Patterson CA which is known for its well-maintained streets and competitive home prices.

Patterson Gardens | An Upscale Community With Friendly Neighbors

Patterson Gardens is also a pleasant, residential neighborhood featuring elegant homes, lush parks, and a close-knit community of residents living in Patterson CA.

Creekside Meadows | An Affluent Neighborhood In a Central Location

Creekside Meadows is a newer community situated off Baldwin Road that features larger homes with a higher median sales price compared to the rest of the city.

Patterson Weather & Climate

Patterson CA weather is fairly mild year-round. It has a hot, dry Mediterranean climate, which indicates dry summers and wet winters. It gets plenty of sunshine, low humidity, and mostly rain in the winter.

The temperature usually fluctuates between 40°F and 96°F, though winters can drop to 31°F and summers can reach 105°F. The best time to visit a friend living in Patterson CA is from June to September. Snow won't be much of a concern, though it gets about 12 inches of rain each year. So it may be smart to bring an umbrella.

Things to Do in Patterson

While it's mostly a rural, residential community without many exciting attractions, you'll still find plenty of fun things to do in Patterson. Shoppers living in Patterson CA will find a few local businesses in downtown Patterson, such as The Boutique at Serendipity, Kimbo House of Fashion, and Village Skate. It also hosts an annual Apricot Festival every spring, with craft vendors, food, and other exciting entertainment. Aside from shopping, here are a few fun things to do in Patterson, CA.

TW Patterson Sports Complex

TW Patterson Sports Complex is a local park and recreation center featuring a dog park, baseball diamond, hiking and biking trails, a playground, and other amenities for families living in Patterson CA.

16651 Ward Ave, Patterson, CA 95363 (209) 895-8000

Lopes Orchards De Paul Center

The Lopes Orchards De Paul Center is a local event center featuring an 8,000-square-foot main room, a 1,200-square-foot kitchen, a dining area that seats up to 480 guests, and an outdoor recreation area. It’s a popular social hub for people living in Patterson CA.

505 M St, Patterson, CA 95363 (209) 404-9160

Fantozzi Farms Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch

Fantozzi Farms Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch is a seasonal farm serving fresh apricots at their farm stand in the summer and a corn maze, pumpkin patch, and hay rides in the fall. It’s a popular fall time event for families living in Patterson CA.

2665 Sperry Ave, Patterson, CA 95363 (209) 690-7739

Additional Patterson Attractions

• Ambercot Park
• California Aqueduct Vista Point
• Patterson Community Stadium

Looking for more fun things to do in Patterson? The city of Patterson's Recreation and Community Services Department maintains a list of recreational facilities and athletic programs for residents living in Patterson CA.

Patterson Restaurants

You'll find a diverse range of restaurants in Patterson serving everything from burgers to Indian food. Here are a few of the best restaurants in Patterson CA.

The Old Water Office

The Old Water Office is an upscale eatery and one of the best Patterson, CA restaurants if you want Spanish-inspired dining, modern cocktails, and a relaxed setting.

22 N Del Puerto Ave, Patterson, CA 95363 (209) 545-9232

Royal Chaat (Indian Cuisine)

Royal Chaat is a popular Indian restaurant in Patterson, CA, serving classic dishes like chicken tikka masala, paneer wraps, and curry dishes, as well as vegan options.

2965 Annamarie Ave, Patterson, CA 95363 (209) 695-7727

L&L Hawaiian Barbecue

L&L Hawaiian Barbecue is a local, island-themed chain with a location in Patterson that serves a wide selection of plates and mouthwatering meats, including BBQ and chicken teriyaki.

1010 W Las Palmas Ave A, Patterson, CA 95363 (209) 894-7088

Jobs in Patterson

The job market in Patterson is primarily rooted in agriculture. It's known as the apricot capital for its prolific production of apricots, along with other farm goods such as almonds, walnuts, tomatoes, and row crops.

In recent years, it's become more diversified with many jobs in Paterson, CA emerging in fields like logistics and distribution, construction and retail, and healthcare.

Several major companies operate distribution centers providing jobs in Patterson, CA, including Amazon, CVS, and Grainger.

Major employers in Stanislaus County:

• Emanuel Medical Center
• Conagra Brands
• Foster Farms
• Frito Lay
• Walmart

Payscale suggests that the Modesto average hourly rate  is $23.22. So you can expect most Patterson, CA jobs to pay around that much. You can find a wide range of Patterson jobs in professions such as acupuncture and video editing. City of Patterson jobs with the local government and the Department of Education are also available.

Patterson Schools

Kids living in Patterson CA will attend respected schools. The Patterson Joint Unified School District serves more than 5,669 students across four elementary schools, one middle school, and two high schools. Apricot Valley, Las Palmas, Northmead, and Walnut Grove are the main elementary schools in Patterson, CA. It also features 5 state pre-schools and 1 fee-based pre-school.

Creekside is the sole middle school. The two high schools in Patterson CA are Del Puerto and Patterson High School. Patterson High School is generally considered the best and features a 95% graduation rate. Del Puerto is a continuation high school. Patterson also features 5 state pre-schools, 1 K-8 school, and 1 dependent charter school.

There are also a few Catholic schools in Patterson, Sacred Heart Catholic School, and Berean Christian School. Residents living in Patterson CA are also invited to stop by the local branch of the Stanislaus County Public Library.

Patterson Statistics & Information

• County: Stanislaus County
• Paterson area: 7.87 square miles
• Paterson zip code: 95363
• Paterson area code: 209
• Paterson elevation: 115 ft
• Paterson time zone: Pacific Time Zone (UTC -7 and -8)
• Closest airport to Patterson CA: The Stockton Metropolitan Airport (SCK) is 30 miles away.

Patterson FAQ

Is Patterson CA a Nice Place to Live?

Patterson, CA is a good place to live for anyone seeking a warm, family-friendly community with affordable housing compared to the rest of the Bay Area. You may want to consider moving to Patterson if you enjoy outdoor activities, park access, and a strong sense of community.

Is Patterson CA Expensive?

Living in Patterson CA is relatively inexpensive compared to other cities in the Bay Area. The cost of living index suggests that it's about 8% more expensive than the typical US city, but 56% less expensive than San Francisco. The median home price is also about $469,750, making it a popular choice for homebuyers seeking an affordable community in Northern California.

What Is Patterson Famous for?

Patterson is known as "the Apricot Capital of the World" for its robust production of apricots and other agricultural products, such as almonds and walnuts. Many people living in Patterson are employed in agricultural work.

Patterson CA Map

Explore more activities, attractions, and fun things to do while living in Patterson CA with this map.

Thinking About Moving to Patterson?

Ready to find out what living in Patterson CA is really like? When it comes time to make the move, you can trust the dedicated Patterson movers at Grace Moving to make your moving day easy and stress-free. Call (209) 551-7772 today for a free quote from our award-winning Modesto movers.