Woodbridge sits between a nature preserve and Lodi-area vineyards
Woodbridge is a collection of subdivisions north of Lodi, some of which back up to a nature preserve and a golf course. Its downtown area spans less than four blocks and mostly consists of restaurants. “It’s really small but really cute,” says Nathan Flood, a Realtor with Cornerstone Real Estate Group. “It has some really old brick buildings with lots of charm and character.” Though Woodbridge has its own micro food scene, it’s more notable for its location in California wine country. “Lodi is very well-known for our wine. We have close to 100 wineries, and it’s the main industry in Lodi,” he says.
New Traditional homes in the communities that compose Woodbridge
The subdivisions that make up Woodbridge consist of minimal traditional snout houses and New Traditional homes, many with Spanish Revival influences. Most were built between the 1970s and the 1990s, fetching anywhere from $385,000 to $900,000 today. Those in the gated Woodbridge Greens community come with monthly homeowners association fees of around $320 that go toward weekly front lawn care and amenities that include a pool, a hot tub and a clubhouse. Woodbridge has a CAP Index Crime Score of 2 out of 10, which is lower than the national average of 4.
Pi Bar and the unique history of the Woodbridge Crossing building
Woodbridge’s dining scene is concentrated on about two blocks near the riverfront. Pi Bar’s name alludes to its signature offering, and tossed or dry-rub wings are also available. Though it has a casual food menu, Pi Bar’s craft cocktails are anything but, and many come with creative garnishes. Nearby, Woodbridge Crossing inhabits a historic brick building that’s been several things over the years — it started as Bentley’s General Merchandise Store in 1865 before it became a Wells Fargo stage stop, a saloon and a pool hall. Now, it doubles as a live music venue most Friday nights and serves hand-cut steaks and craft cocktails. Valley Food Market is about a mile south for the essentials.
Fishing and hiking near the Woodbridge Wilderness Area and Lodi Lake
Homes in northern Woodbridge back up to the Woodbridge Wilderness Area, a riparian habitat on the banks of the Mokelumne River, where anglers often wait for a tug from trout, black bass and catfish. “That’s what’s nice — it’s not a destination for people around Lodi. It’s mostly people who live in the neighborhood,” Flood says.
On the other hand, Lodi Lake draws a bigger crowd, with people often kayaking or paddleboarding on its tranquil waters. “I am so grateful that Lodi has something like that. It’s a beautiful asset,” Flood says. A few trails trace the banks of the lake and the nearby Mokelumne River. “People like to hike the trail. I saw a brand-new baby deer on my run there last week.” The lake charges a daily entrance fee, though annual passes are available for more frequent visitors. The Woodbridge Golf & Country Club offers an idyllic setting with mature trees and ponds for golfers to practice their swings.
Advanced Placement, dual credit and education courses at Lodi High
Children in Woodbridge may begin their education at Woodbridge Elementary School, which scores a C grade from Niche. They may then advance to Millswood Middle School, which receives a B-minus, and Lodi High School, earning a B-plus. Lodi High students interested in pursuing careers in child development can enroll in the school’s Academy for Preparing Professional Leaders in Education, known as APPLE. More than 20 Advanced Placement (AP) courses are offered, including AP Macroeconomics, AP Environmental Science and AP Computer Science, and dual credit is available through a partnership with San Joaquin Delta College.
On the outskirts of Lodi, with interstate access to Stockton
Woodbridge is situated between California state Route 99 and Interstate 5, both of which lead south to Stockton, about 20 miles away. Downtown Lodi is about 4 miles from Woodbridge. While there’s no public transportation immediately within the community, the GrapeLine runs throughout Lodi, a few miles away. The Stockton Metropolitan Airport has daily flights to and from Phoenix and Las Vegas.
