Are you planning to relocate to the Stockton area? Just outside the city limits to the northeast is a small but charming suburb known as Morada. Spanish for “residence,” Morada is a breath of fresh air. Get away from the crowded city landscapes and enjoy a more rural to suburban environment with privacy, space, and a great quality of life that’s hard to find in neighboring Stockton. You don’t need to give up shopping and recreation with all the amenities of the big city just minutes away and a large commercial strip making up the community’s western border with Stockton.
Here’s what living in Morada, California is really like and why it may be the perfect place to call home!
Where Is Morada CA?
Morada is a small census-designated place (CDP) and suburb of Stockton in central San Joaquin County. It’s bordered to the west and south by the Stockton neighborhood of Valley Oak and halfway between downtown Stockton and Lodi. Morada is also bordered to the east by Waterloo, another small CDP. Morada is part of the Central Valley region of Northern California, just east of the San Francisco Bay Area.
It’s just 8 miles southwest from Morada to downtown Stockton and 8 miles north from Morada to Lodi.
Morada Population & Demographics
The population of Morada, CA, is 3,166 according to the 2020 census, down from 3,828 in 2010. The community has a population density of just 1,100 people per square mile.
Morada is part of the larger Stockton-Lodi metropolitan area which covers all of San Joaquin County with a metro population is 779,233. It’s one of the smallest California counties by area and the 76th largest metro area in the country by population.
The Stockton metro area is part of the much larger San Jose-San Francisco-Oakland combined statistical area (CSA) or the Bay Area, the 5th largest CSA in the U.S. with a population of 9 million.
Compared to the greater metro area, Morada is more affluent, more educated, and much older. The community is very affluent with a median household income about 25% higher than the Stockton area and 10% above the California median.
Seniors make up the largest age group in Morada. The community has a median age 18 years older than the metropolitan median with more than double the share of seniors 65 and older. Morada also has a very skewed sex ratio with men far outnumbering women despite the high median age.
A large share of people living in Morada are older, married couples.
The racial and ethnic composition is 74.4% White, 17.7% Hispanic, 10.8% Asian, 1.2% African American or Black, 0.8% Pacific Islander and Hawaiian Native, 0.7% Native American, 6.9% other races, and 5.2% two or more races.
Morada demographics:
- Median age: 52.9 years (metro: 34.8 years)
- Senior population (65 and older): 30% (metro: 13%)
- Sex ratio: 57% male to 43% female
- Median household income: $102,500 (metro: $82,837)
- Marital status: 72% married (metro: 49%)
- Homeownership rate: 96% (metro: 60%)
- Educational attainment: 34% bachelor’s degree or higher (metro: 20%)
- Foreign-born population: 8.8% (metro: 24%)
- Veteran population: 7.6% (metro: 4.8%)
Cost of Living in Morada
While the cost of living in Stockton is about 25% higher than the national average, you can expect an even higher cost in Morada. This is largely due to high home prices in this affluent suburb.
Homes for sale in Morada CA have a median list price of $664,000. That’s down 54% year-over-year but still far higher than the Stockton median home price of $440,000. You’ll pay about $307 per square foot.
There are no apartments for rent in Morada and it’s overwhelmingly owner-occupied. That drives up the Morada cost of living even higher.
You can explore Morada CA homes for sale to get an idea of what you can afford in the area.
Neighborhoods in Morada California
As a small semi-rural suburb, Morada doesn’t have much in the way of actual neighborhoods. You’ll find a wide variety of manufactured homes, modest Craftsman and Mediterranean style homes, ranch homes, and larger estates called “ranchettes.” Many homes in the neighborhood have privacy fences or decorative iron gates with large, wooded lots for added privacy.
There are several tiny subdivisions in the Morada community worth exploring. Shippee Home Ranch is a great example. This well-established community of just six homes features large lots and large Cape Cod style homes situated around a private wooded park area. It’s one of the best places to live for families!
Morada Weather & Climate
After moving to Morada, CA, you’ll enjoy a pleasant Mediterranean climate typical of the Central Valley with short, wet, and mild winters and hot, dry summers. The community has an average summer high temperature of 93°F with an average winter low of 38°F. You’ll get just 17” of annual rainfall while living in Morada.
The best time to visit Morada is April to May or October to enjoy warm weather and outdoor activities without the high temperatures of summer or the rainy days of winter.
Things to Do in Morada CA
Morada is a mostly residential community, but there’s plenty to do within just a few miles of home! Here are just some of the fun things to do close to Morada, California.
Stockton Soccer Complex
This premier soccer facility offers well-maintained playing fields for all skill levels with 6 youth and 6 adult soccer fields with spectator viewing areas. It’s home to the Stockton Youth Soccer Association and Stockton Storm Futbol Club.
Stockton Soccer Complex, 10055 CA-99, Stockton, CA 95212
Micke Grove Zoo
This small, five-acre animal preserve is one of the best things to do near Morada for families. There are plenty of attractions for kids and regular events plus over 170 animals from 51 species.
Micke Grove Zoo, 11793 Micke Grove Rd, Lodi, CA 95240 (209) 331-7400
View this post on Instagram
Panella Park
One of the best parks in Stockton for families, Panella Park is home to a brand-new playground plus 18 acres of walking paths, sports facilities, and more.
Panella Park, 5758 Lorraine Ave, Stockton, CA 95210 (209) 937-8206
Best Restaurants in Morada
The main commercial area of Morada is along the Golden State Highway (SR 99) and E Morada Lane as it runs into Stockton. It’s here you’ll find all the shopping and restaurants in Morada, California. Here’s just a sample of some of the best places to eat in the area!
Don Luis Mexican Restaurant
With happy hour specials, a full bar, authentic Mexican cuisine, and American classics, it’s easy to see what makes Don Luis one of the most popular places to grab a bite in Morada. It’s also one of the longest-standing restaurants in the area!
Don Luis Mexican Restaurant, 5940 CA-99, Stockton, CA 95212 (209) 931-9163
View this post on Instagram
Toyo Sushi
One of the highest rated Morada restaurants, Toyo Sushi will quickly become one of your favorite stops for lunch!
Toyo Sushi, 4011 E Morada Ln, Stockton, CA 95212 (209) 473-1688
Burgerim Gourmet Burgers
This burger joint serves up a unique burger concept with 100% halal burgers, falafel, veggie burgers, and chicken wings.
Burgerim Gourmet Burgers, 4027 E Morada Ln, Stockton, CA 95212 (209) 689-3332
Jobs in Morada CA
Located in the heart of San Joaquin County and just 8 miles from Lodi and downtown Stockton, living in Morada gives you easy access to a wide variety of employment opportunities.
One of the largest and fastest growing industries in the region is transportation and logistics with the country’s second highest concentration of warehousing and transportation employment. Amazon is the largest private employer in the area with several fulfillment centers including in Stockton.
Healthcare and education are also top industries. There are more than 35,000 people working in health care services in the country with seven hospitals.
Major employers in San Joaquin County include:
- Amazon (jobs)
- Adventist Health Lodi Memorial (Lodi)
- Ashley Lane LP (Stockton)
- Blue Shield of California (Lodi)
- Dameron Hospital (Stockton)
- Lodi Health Home Health Agency (Lodi)
- Lodi Unified School District (careers)
- Stockton Unified School District (jobs)
According to the California Employment Development Department, the average weekly wage in San Joaquin County is $1,076 across all private industries and $1,577 in government jobs. Here’s the average weekly wage in the most common industries:
- Transportation and warehousing: $1,110
- Health care and social assistance: $1,138
- Warehousing and storage: $1,117
- Education services: $821
- Retail: $782
Ready to explore career opportunities ahead of living in Morada? You can start with the San Joaquin County job board and see hundreds of nearby jobs in Morada CA on Indeed.
Morada Schools – Public & Private Schools and Nearby Colleges
After moving to Morada, California, you will be served by the Lodi Unified School District (USD). Lodi USD covers 350 square miles and serves more than 28,000 students in over 50 schools. The highly rated district boasts an award-winning Gifted and Talented program, many Career Technical Education programs, and joint higher education efforts with local colleges.
Schools serving Morada include:
- Davis Elementary School
- Morada Middle School
- Ronald E. McNair High School in Stockton, the newest school in the Lodi district
Aspire Public Schools also serves the area. Their network of K-12 charter schools serves more than 15,000 students in 16 schools in the Bay Area, Central Valley, and Los Angeles. Aspire Vincent Shalvey Academy (TK-5) is located in Morada while Aspire Benjamin Holt Middle School (6-8) and Aspire Benjamin Holt College Preparatory Academy (9-12) are just minutes away on E Morada Lane. The schools are sponsored by Lodi USD.
Aspire Benjamin Holt College Preparatory Academy is ranked as one of the best high schools in the Stockton metro area!
View this post on Instagram
Pursuing higher education? There are two major options within five miles of Morada: University of the Pacific and San Joaquin Delta College, a public community college.
Morada Statistics & Information
- Morada county: San Joaquin
- Area: 3.0 square miles
- Morada zip code: 95212
- Morada area code: 209
- Elevation: 43 feet
- Time zone: UTC-8 (Pacific)
- Closest airport to Morada CA: Stockton Metropolitan Airport (SCK), 14 miles away
Morada CA Map
Looking for a great place to live near Stockton with low crime, beautiful homes, and privacy? You’ll love living in Morada! When you’re ready to start planning your move, give the best Morada movers at Southbay Moving Systems a call for a free, personalized moving quote.
