Country Club/Pacific - Stockton, CA

The area that later became Stockton was originally inhabited by the Yatchicumne people. When settlers first came to the area from the east, they forced this native tribe out. Many descendants of the tribe remained in the area and influenced its culture. The discovery of gold in the 1800s near Sacramento caused the first economic boom in Stockton, with miners settling in the area so they could find gold in the Sierra foothills. Stockton became a major shipping point between the Central Valley and San Francisco in the 1900s, and later became known for its agriculture and vineyards.

Visit The Haggin Museum for a look at famous residents of the neighborhood, and the influence art has in Stockton. Artists frequently show their work at Dragonfairy gallery, a center of the arts scene in Stockton. Check out the Zion Chamber Orchestra Festival and Orchid Fest every year near the neighborhood's center.

Nightlife thrives on Pacific Avenue in Country Club/Pacific, which locals refer to as "Miracle Mile." This central restaurant location also hosts bars, nightclubs, and music venues, making it the perfect spot for a night on the town. For something more hearty, try Smitty's Wings & Things featuring classic soul food and pizza. Order their buffalo wild wings dripping in spicy sauce, or get a punch of powerful flavor with the blue cheese, garlic chili and spicy barbecue. If you're not a fan of spice, grab an order of the famous homemade macaroni and cheese. For a fancy dining experience, make a reservation at Centrale Kitchen & Bar. Start with an appetizer of grilled artichoke, raw oysters or fries drizzled with truffle oil. Order a filet mignon topped with wild mushrooms for your main entree. Polish your dinner off with a signature martini and a twist of lemon. Pub life in the Country Club/Pacific neighborhood combines dive atmospheres with in-house brewing. Stop in at The Abbey Trappist Pub for local beer on-tap. As a tribute to the "Miracle Mile," residents come to AVE on the Mile for fresh food and spirits in a relaxed lounge atmosphere. Sip on a vintage cognac as you recline in one of the comfortable leather couches. Wine connoisseurs find the best selection of more than 150 wines at Mile Wine Company. Join the wine club for exclusive deals on the finest up-and-coming wines.

While this neighborhood thrives on food, music lovers come here to watch national acts at the Stockton Empire Theatre. Fans of classical music visit the University of the Pacific Conservatory of Music during their annual showcases.

Driving remains the most common way to get around in the Country Club/Pacific neighborhood. While it's possible to walk through the residential neighborhoods safely along the paved sidewalks, most residents choose to drive to get to most locations.

When you drive, find free public parking in the residential neighborhoods, or find metered parking along Pacific Avenue. Take Interstate 5 to go south into the main areas of downtown Stockton, or take Ort J. Lofthus Freeway to go west. Get on the Golden State Highway to the west of the neighborhood to go north or south.

If you choose not to drive, take the San Joaquin RTD bus anywhere in the neighborhood or into downtown Stockton. If you don't want to wait for a bus, take a cab around one of the neighborhood's most popular streets, such as Pacific Avenue. Get the Uber app on your phone for a custom ride anywhere in Stockton.

Get around quickly and safely through the neighborhood when you bike. Most major roads have designated biking lanes.

What makes the Country Club/Pacific neighborhood stand out is its dedication to greenery. You find no shortage of parks when you live here.

Visit Madison Park at the heart of the neighborhood for wide fields and playgrounds perfect for families with young children. Take your pet on a walk through this community stronghold.

Go for a jog at American Legion Park and enjoy the views of Yosemite Lake. For more structured entertainment, head over to Klein Family Field to watch one of its frequent baseball games. This park hosts dozens of community events every year, including games by Stockton's finest young baseball players.

For a fee, join Stockton Golf and Country Club located on the east side of the neighborhood. This private club features an 18-hole course with amenities for its exclusive members.

Living in the Country Club/Pacific neighborhood costs about 1 percent less than living in Modesto. With an average rental rate of $633, families find this neighborhood an inexpensive option.

Getting around doesn't cost much in this neighborhood, with a bus trip costing about $1.50 per ride or $4 for an all-day pass. When you drive, expect to pay about 17 percent more for gas than the national average.

Buying a beer at a local pub costs about $4 per bottle, making entertainment in the area a cheap option for residents.

Nearly every shop in Country Club/Pacific sits along Pacific Avenue, the center of commerce for the neighborhood. While you won't find many high-end stores here, you find plenty of local boutiques selling designer clothing and goods.

Head over to Bellissima Boutique for your pick of hand-selected, designer women's clothing at a reasonable price. If you're looking for a gift for a loved one, this shop has handbags and jewelry you don't find at chain stores or shopping malls.

When you live in this neighborhood, you have access to the most convenient grocery store locations in the region. Buy your pantry essentials at S-Mart Foods, Country Club Market or Safeway. Each year during harvest season, make your way over to the Stockton Certified Farmers Market for fresh produce grown by local farmers.