Dogtown in northeastern San Joaquin County is focused on agriculture
Dogtown is a rural, census-designated place in the northeastern part of San Joaquin County. The population is about 3,200, according to U.S. Census estimates. The Mokelumne River is to the south and some areas have views of the Sierra Nevada mountains to the northeast. "In Dogtown, you're out in the country. There's a lot of livestock and just a lot of agriculture here in this area," says Dixie Waechter, a broker associate with Century 21 Select Real Estate.
Agricultural businesses and several dog breeders
The economy is mainly based on agriculture, though there are also some industrial companies. "I think probably the majority of people are farmers or growers of some kind," Waechter says. "Almonds are one of the biggest crops, and there are a lot of olives. And then there are grapes, of course, for wine." Other businesses include ranches, dairy producers, nurseries, equestrian services and dog kennels. Dog breeders include those specializing in Dalmatians, mini Aussies and Labradors.
Many ranch-style, contemporary and custom homes on multiacre lots
Multiacre lots are the norm in Dogtown, and many are between 2 and 5 acres. Ranch-style homes from the 20th century are common; some older homes are cottages or farmhouses. Contemporary and custom homes from the 1990s on often exceed 2,000 square feet. There also is a limited supply of manufactured homes.
Prices range from about $640,000 to $1.5 million, with age, square footage and acreage as factors. The median sales price is about $800,000.
The CAP Index Crime Score in Dogtown is 1 out of 10; lower than the national average of 4. Dogtown is in a part of the county with a moderate wildfire risk as well.
A car-dependent area, with towns at least 5 miles away
Dogtown is a car-dependent area, bisected east-to-west by Jahant Road. State Route 88, south and east of Dogtown, connects to state Route 12 outside Clements, a community about 5 miles southeast. Another town, Lockeford, is about 5 miles to the south. Adventist Health has medical facilities in Galt, about 11 miles away, or in Lodi, about 13 miles away. It's about 30 miles to the Stockton Metropolitan Airport, where Allegiant Air has flights to Las Vegas, Phoenix and Denver. Sacramento International Airport, about 50 miles away, offers more than a dozen airlines.
Several school districts serve the Dogtown area
A little more than half of the area, primarily toward the north and west, is zoned to Oak View Elementary School for kindergarten through eighth grade. Oak View earns an A-minus grade from Niche and is in its own district. Galt High School, which receives a B-plus, has a troupe in the California Thespians, an educational theatre association affiliate. The school is part of the Galt Joint Union High School District.
The remaining area corresponds to schools in the Lodi Unified School District. Students may attend B-minus-rated schools, including Victor Elementary and Lockeford Elementary, a K-8 school. Lodi High School has a B-plus. The district also includes Joe Serna Jr. Charter School, a K-8 school focusing on English and Spanish proficiency. Valley Robotics Academy offers STEM education at all levels and collaborates with San Joaquin Delta College. Both specialty schools are rated B.
People might go to Clements or Lockeford for stores and eateries
There aren't stores or restaurants in Dogtown, so people often travel outside the community. Clements has Webster's Country Burger Drive-In, which has been open since 1963. The Old Corner Saloon draws regulars for craft beer, pool tournaments and live music nights. Clements Ridge Produce and Bakery is a family owned farm store with seasonal produce, ready-to-eat lunch items and pies baked with fruit grown on the property.
Lockeford is another option for shopping and dining. People driving there from Dogtown via Elliot Road will pass within a mile of Acquiesce Winery. Acquiesce has a wine club and a tasting room and hosts harvest tours, sunset socials and events with wine/food pairings.
A fish hatchery and waterside recreational sites
Stillman Magee Regional Park in Clements is one of the recreational sites on the Mokelumne River that's popular for rafting, fishing and camping. About 9 miles east of Dogtown is the Mokelumne River Day Use Area, a mile-long stretch of the river where people fish, swim and walk the trails. The Mokelumne River Fish Hatchery is a draw during the fall and early winter salmon-spawning season. The hatchery is by the Camanche Dam and the west shore of Camanche Reservoir, an artificial lake with more than 50 miles of shoreline. People visit the reservoir for hiking and equestrian trails, camping, fishing and boating.
In addition to water features, the area is known for its proximity to mountain wilderness sites. "The nice thing about the area is we are about an hour from the mountains. To go to Tahoe, you go over the Sierra Nevada," Waechter says.
Written By
Robin Silberman
