Central Valley community with world-renowned vineyards
Often called the “Zinfandel Capital of the World,” Lodi is a small city of just under 70,000 residents located in the Central Valley region, part of California’s expansive wine country. Founded in 1869 as a new stop along the Central Pacific Railroad, Lodi steadily grew over the course of the following century, eventually pivoting from the railroad industry to agricultural production. Today, the city is known for its vineyards and family-friendly atmosphere spurred by a well-rated school district. “Even though Lodi is a larger town, it still feels small because of its central downtown area, which is very vibrant and walkable; you see a lot of community involvement take place there,” says Sheri Pritchett, a top-selling Central Valley Realtor with Cornerstone Real Estate Group. Lodi is situated approximately 15 miles north of Stockton and 35 miles south of Sacramento.
The City of Lodi is surrounded by vineyards and farmland.
Everywhere you look around The City of Lodi you will see farms and vineyards.
Locals enjoy the serene view of the lake at Lodi Lake in the City of Lodi.
Beckman Dog Park in The City of Lodi is the place to walk pets.
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Annual festivals and parades in Lodi
Each year for more than 80 years, the Lodi Grape Festival comes to the Lodi Grape Festival Grounds, bringing wine tastings, concerts, carnivals and more. The four-day event takes place near the end of harvest and, at its core, is about promoting agriculture and supporting local San Joaquin County businesses. Aside from the festival, vineyards and wine businesses across the city host their own festivities throughout the year. “There are always little events going on at wineries like concerts, community activities and lots of family-friendly events, as well,” Pritchett says. One of the most cherished annual traditions in Lodi is the Parade of Lights, a holiday celebration that takes place every December. “People have chairs lined up in downtown Lodi two days ahead of time for the parade,” Pritchett says.
In downtown Lodi, the World of Wonders Science Museum has hands-on science exhibits and educational programs for visitors of all ages. Just off the Golden State Highway is Parkwest Casino Lodi, a recently renovated facility with entertainment, gaming and dining options for guests. South of Lodi is the Micke Grove Regional Park, a 132-acre outdoor space that encompasses a Japanese Garden, the San Joaquin County Historical Museum, the Micke Grove Zoo and a small water park area.
Lodi Street Fair is a annual event in The City of Lodi.
Lodi Street Fair is a annual event in The City of Lodi.
Lodi Street Fair is a family fun event in The City of Lodi.
The City of Lodi supports its farming community.
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Homes come in all styles and prices
Lodi has a slew of housing options, ranging from historic single-family properties to newer suburban construction. “You’ll see a lot of eclectic Craftsman homes centered around downtown Lodi and lots of single-family homes with midcentury modern elements throughout the rest of the city,” Pritchett says. Other single-family housing styles include Mediterranean homes, bungalows, farmhouses and contemporary-style dwellings. “The average home value ranges from about $500,000 to $600,000 in Lodi; however, newer construction typically costs more and ranges between $650,000 and $700,000,” Pritchett says. “If you can get a place for under $500,000 here, then you’re doing pretty good.” The median home price in Lodi is about $550,000. Overall, the price range for single-family homes in Lodi starts around $200,000 and climbs up to $1.6 million; million-dollar homes are often large, custom-built estates either situated on private land or offering waterfront access to Lake Lodi.
Homes with brick facades are found throughout The City of Lodi.
Craftsman style homes are found near downtown in The City of Lodi.
Custom builds can be found in The City of Lodi.
Some of the million dollar homes are single-story in The City of Lodi.
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High marks for Lodi Unified School District
Approximately 27,000 students in kindergarten through 12th grade are served by the Lodi Unified School District, which receives an overall B Niche score. Pritchett notes that the district is also one of the city’s largest employers, and its well-ranked public schools are a significant draw for families moving to Lodi. The district includes 28 elementary schools, three K-8 institutions, six middle schools and four high schools. Students can also enroll in any of six alternative learning institutions or programs offered by the district. One of the district’s top institutions is Middle College High School, which earns an A-plus rating and was ranked No. 1 on Niche’s “Best Public High Schools in Stockton Area” 2025 list. It was also named one of the top ten Niche Standout High Schools in California.
There is learning and growing at Ellerth Elementary in the City of Lodi.
There are around 830 students at Millswood Middle School in The City of Lodi.
Tokay High School offers exceptional educational options in The City of Lodi.
Lodi High School is a great public school option in The City of Lodi.
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Wineries and a bustling downtown
When it comes to shopping and dining, residents have plenty of options. “In downtown Lodi, they’ve kept older buildings that now house smaller restaurants and boutique stores, while the bigger shopping centers with stores like Walmart and Costco are all on the outskirts of the city,” Pritchett says. Between May and August, downtown Lodi hosts a farmers market every Thursday evening with more than 60 vendors selling local produce, artisan crafts and other goods. Lodi is also known as the birthplace of A&W root beer, and residents can head to an A&W Restaurant on East Lodi Avenue that sells memorabilia in addition to soda and fast food. “There are great places to dine all throughout Lodi,” Pritchett says. “Pietro’s Trattoria is a popular Italian place; the last time I was there, they had a garden where they would grow vegetables to use in the food they served.”
Lodi is packed with over 85 wineries ranging from established venues to new operations. For a relaxed atmosphere, Jessie’s Grove Winery features countryside scenery and barns that are part of the vineyard’s heritage. The family-owned Michael David Winery has more of an upscale vibe; it's been cultivating grapes since the early 1900s and offers shaded seating areas in landscaped gardens. Wine & Roses is a popular luxury resort and hotel in the heart of Lodi’s wine country where guests can enjoy an on-site restaurant, spa, café and market.
Wineries surround The City of Lodi.
The original A&W restaurant in downtown City of Lodi is a popular place to grab lunch.
Many of the Downtown City of Lodi locals head to the Five Window brewery after work.
Wine and Roses is an upscale hotel and spa in the City of Lodi.
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Outdoor adventures at Lake Lodi
Thanks to the region’s Mediterranean-like climate, Lodi residents can enjoy year-round outdoor recreation. “Lodi feels less urban and has proximity to the country, so people here like to go out in nature,” Pritchett says. “Lots of people go to Lodi Lake for boating, hiking, swimming and biking; they also do fireworks there on the Fourth of July.” Additional water recreation includes paddle boarding or launching kayaks, which people can guide into the connecting Mokelumne River. Pritchett also says that Lodi has access to numerous deltas -- manmade waterways that were originally made for irrigation purposes and now often used for fishing and other recreation activities. The city’s Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services Department oversees 28 parks encompassing more than 350 acres of land; amenities include athletic facilities, playgrounds, picnic areas, dog parks and community centers.
Commuting in and around Lodi
California State Route 99 – also known as the Golden State Highway – is a major north-south thoroughfare running through the eastern half of Lodi. Commuters can take this highway to travel 15 miles south to Stockton or 35 miles north to Sacramento. Approximately 8 miles west of the city, commuters can hop onto Interstate 5, another major West Coast artery traveling north-south. Public transit options include Lodi GrapeLine for bus services and the Amtrak San Joaquin rail line, which stops at the Lodi Transit Station and allows residents to travel to the Bay Area or Sacramento without needing to commute by car. Fifty miles north of Lodi, Sacramento International Airport offers dozens of direct flights to cities across the United States and the world.
Health and safety in Lodi
According to the Lodi Police Department, there were a total of 2,622 crimes incidents reported in the city in 2022. Over 80% of these reported crimes were incidents of larceny, burglary and vehicle theft, indicating that property crime is far more common in Lodi than violent crime.
Lodi is home to Adventist Health Lodi Memorial, a general hospital and, according to Pritchett, one of the city’s most notable employers. Adventist Health has a 24-hour emergency services department and offers a range of additional healthcare services, including cardiology, pediatrics, senior care, gastroenterology and cancer services.
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