Lincoln Village - Stockton, CA

The area in which Stockton and Lincoln Village now occupy used to be home to Miwok Native Americans. The extensive network of waterways allowed them fish and navigate the inland parts of the land. Once Europeans came to the area, they too made use of the waterways. During the California Gold Rush, the San Joaquin River was instrumental in getting diggers in and out of the area quickly. The area quickly became the region's transportation hub, extending into World War II and the Civil War eras.

The Haggin Museum just south of the Lincoln Village has a number of exhibits on local history in addition to galleries with paintings by noted 20th-century artists. The area also has a music venue at the Stockton Symphony. With frequent performances throughout the year, this really is a local gem.

Pacific Avenue, the eastern boundary of Lincoln Village, serves as a major thoroughfare of the area and is where most of the best restaurants are. Specifically, Lincoln Shopping Center is the place to go. Once there, head to Bud's Seafood Grille where chowder, pasta, and burgers reign supreme. Go for the lobster special or seafood combination plate, or, if you're not feeling like seafood, Bud's beef is every bit as good as his seafood. For dessert, don't miss the pots de creme. The relaxed atmosphere and the patio seating makes for a great dining experience.

If you're looking for more Mediterranean flavors, check out Papapavlo's Bistro & Bar. The food menu is extensive, as is the wine list. Pay them a visit on Mondays for wine nights where they feature a different winery every week. For your entree, you can't go wrong with the Mediterranean chicken pasta or the lamb. The bar area is always fun as well. The locals are always open for a good chat.

In addition to Papapavlo's, the Cigar Loft & Lounge offers a great selection of stogies in a no-pressure environment. A lot the locals have become regulars and hang out in smoking lounge in the back of the shop. Seating is comfortable and classy yet approachable. Everyone here remains very down to earth and welcoming.

Lincoln Village is a predominantly driving-dependant neighborhood, although there are local buses that serve the area. Running along the outer edge of the community, the San Joaquin County RTD buses are a reliable option for public transportation commuters. Amtrack and Acerail also run large regional trains out of the downtown Stockton train station just 5 miles to the south.

Walking and biking, while not that common, are options as well. While no true bike lanes exist in the neighborhood, most streets are bike-friendly. The only other non-driving option would to be cab. Instead of regular metered cabs, locals opt for Uber cabs which are much more convenient for the same price. The company's Sacramento service stretches down to Stockton, so for getting around the city or up north into Sacramento, Uber is the way to go.

Otherwise, driving proves very convenient. I-5 serves as the community's western boundary, so access could not be an easier. Just a couple miles east lies the Golden State Highway, another major roadway running north and south. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard runs through downtown Stockton just south of Lincoln Village as well. Within the neighborhood, street parking is easy to come by. Most residents park in their driveways or carports, leaving the street fairly open. Commercial parking lots can get full during high shopping season, but locals generally don't have parking issues.

Swenson Park is the lone neighborhood park, but it has everything you need. Old oak trees cover the large lawn, ensuring that finding a well shaded area is never a problem. The park is ideal for weekend picnics and barbecues. The basketball and handball courts also provide something for athletes. Kids love the playground or just running around the field. It's also right next to the Swenson Golf Course, so you could even hit a bucket of balls before heading to the park. Although the park doesn't host any annual events, it provides year round fun for the whole family, dogs included.

One of the biggest perks of Lincoln Village living is the low cost of rentals. A one-bedroom apartment in this neighborhood goes for an average of $686 per month. The same goes for 27 percent more throughout Stockton, at about $946 per month.

Gas prices, on the other hand, remain slightly higher. Locals pay about 16 percent more at the pump compared to national averages. Regular adult fare for a one-way ride on the RTD buses costs $1.50. Frequent riders purchase a month pass for $65 which saves a little per ride. Seniors and students receive discounted rides as well.

Dining out costs remain on par with other neighborhoods in this area. An entree at a decent restaurant will go for $12 and a beer costs another $4.

A great shop for vintage items is Crossroads Trading Company. Consignment clothing for both men and women go flying off the half off rack which rolls out regularly. Those who love thrifting can find great deals here.

For major commercial retailer shopping, head to Sherwood Mall Shopping Center and the kitty corner Stonecreek Village. Big names likes Target, Office Depot, Old Navy, Pac Sun, Express, Best Buy, REI, Ross Dress for Less, Loft, T.J. Maxx and Pier 1 among others exist here.

For groceries, locals head to the Safeway on Pacific Avenue or the Costco just a couple minutes away on Hammer Lane. Locals also benefit from three separate farmer's markets in the area: San Joaquin Certified Farmers Market, Stockton Certified Farmers Market and Stonecreek Village Farmers Market. San Joaquin is the most popular, but any one will do just fine for healthy farm fresh produce