Are you considering moving out of San Francisco? You’re not alone. A recent poll found that nearly half of residents want to leave San Fran. With skyrocketing housing costs, crowded streets, and the yearning for a quieter lifestyle, many Bay Area residents are seeking a fresh start that lets them get away from all that hustle and bustle.
If you’re searching for a place that offers affordability, family-friendly amenities, and a sense of community, Lathrop, CA might just be the hidden gem you’ve been looking for.
There’s a reason why everyone is moving to Lathrop.
Here are seven reasons to move from San Francisco to Lathrop.
Why Move from San Francisco to Lathrop
1. Lower Cost of Living
San Francisco is one of the most expensive cities in the United States with a cost of living that is 145% higher than the national average. The cost of living in San Joaquin County, where Lathrop is located, is 46% lower than in San Francisco. In particular, many enjoy a lower utility cost in Lathrop than San Francisco.
2. Lower Housing Cost
The median home cost in 2024 in San Francisco was between $1.1 million and $1.26 million, while the average home cost in 2024 in Lathrop was between $670,000 and $719,000, according to an average taken from Zillow, Realtor.com and Redfin. Check out homes available in Stanford Crossing.
3. Plentiful Job Opportunities
Residents aren’t the only ones moving out of San Francisco. Several large companies have also sought less expensive areas to operate in and some of those have landed in Lathrop. Among those already here or on their way include Tesla, Ashley Homestore, Del Monte Pacific Foods, Home Depot, UPS, Amazon, In-N-Out and more. There are plenty of job opportunities in Lathrop, with a strong focus on hiring for manufacturing, logistics and retail positions.
4. Beautiful Outdoors to Explore
Lathrop is more open and less compact than bigger cities like San Francisco. The master planned community, Stanford Crossing, in Lathrop is built right along the San Joaquin River, the longest river in Northern California. There are lots of opportunities for fishing, bike rides along the shore, and more. There are also 26 parks in Lathrop, and 3 recreational facilities. Stanford Crossing alone has five parks and a Generations Center with a skate park, parkour course, pickleball courts, outdoor amphitheater for concerts, and a library.
5. Easy Travel
Lathrop is near both the 5 and 205 freeways. The Stockton Metropolitan Airport is just 7.7 miles away. There are also three international airports nearby, including Oakland International Airport (58 miles away), Sacramento International Airport (67 miles away) and San Francisco International Airport (75 miles away).
6. Excellent Education
There are five K – 8 schools and two high schools in Lathrop, including Lathrop High School, which is within walking distance of Stanford Crossing and boasts a 95% graduation rate. There are also three vocational schools, one junior college and three universities, including the University of the Pacific and California State University Stanislaus.
7. Safer Home
Like many big cities, San Francisco struggles with crime and has a large and visible homeless population. Lathrop is very safe to live. It has far less crime and homelessness than San Francisco. The Lathrop Police Department also has zero tolerance for retail theft and strives to respond to calls in less than 5 minutes.
Life in Lathrop vs San Francisco
Lathrop is the #1 fastest-growing city in California. A big reason why is because many are leaving more expensive, crowded urban areas like San Francisco to enjoy the slower pace and more space found just an hour and a half away.
Lathrop blends small-town charm with modern conveniences, all while keeping you within a manageable drive of San Francisco. By moving to Lathrop you’re not foregoing the Bay Area, but rather embracing a more affordable, spacious, and relaxed way of life. It’s not about leaving behind what you love, but finding a place where your opportunities, space, and quality of life can grow. It’s about trading congestion and high costs for more space, comfort, and a balanced lifestyle — all while keeping the Bay Area within easy reach
Take a look at life in Lathrop and see what opportunities await you.
The area is growing quickly and securing your home now increases the likelihood that your home’s value will increase over time. Stop by Stanford Crossing. Tour some homes. Let us show you how good life can be here in Lathrop.