Tracy, CA

Tracy, a hidden gem in the Central Valley, sits across the Altamont Pass and occupies a unique spot at the center of a triangle formed by three major interstates. A bustling city with a small-town atmosphere, Tracy offers a full spectrum of attractions and activities showcasing its vibrant culture, history, and lifestyle.

Tracy, CA: The central valley’s friendly little city

With a total land area of 21 square miles, Tracy is one of California’s smaller cities. It has an estimated population of 98,601, which marks a nearly 40% increase since 2000. It sits right between two prominent regions of northern California: the Bay Area and the Central Valley, giving it a unique culture as well as access to the region’s thriving business, economic, and agricultural hubs.

Surrounding the city of Tracy are Mountain House, Lathrop, and Manteca. From here, residents can reach major cities such as San Francisco and San Jose in just an hour.

A brief history of Tracy, CA

Tracy, largely known as a “railroad town,” has its origins dating back to 1868 when a new railway line connecting Oakland to Martinez was constructed. This line, initially built to bypass hilly terrain, passed through what is now Tracy, marking the city’s rise as a prominent railroad center.

The city was officially founded on September 8, 1878, named after railroad director Lathrop J. Tracy. Tracy absorbed the nearby Ellis coaling station and the railroad headquarters located in the neighboring town of Lathrop.

In 1910, Tracy became an officially incorporated city. In 1915, its primary irrigation district was established, shifting its focus toward agriculture. This transition ensured Tracy’s success even as railroad operations declined.

Living in Tracy, CA

In keeping with its moniker as Central Valley’s Friendly Little City, the community website calls itself a place “where neighbors and local merchants greet you by name and the welcoming never stops.” A place, the website enjoins, where “tradition, charity and prosperity abound.”

Here’s a closer look at life in Tracy, CA.

Attractions

• The Grand Theatre Center for the Arts stands out as a remarkable cultural facility that combines professional arts, education, and community engagement. It also offers diverse fine arts programming, including live performances and a comprehensive arts education. The theater holds a unique history – in the 1920s, it was a popular vaudeville half-house that then became a premier cinema. Today, the facility spans more than 37,000 square feet and accommodates over 50,000 guests a year.

• Tracy’s Historic Downtown area is a marriage of past and present, accomplished through a seamless combination of pre-1930s architecture, newly-opened eateries, and an outstanding lineup of boutiques, cafes, and breweries. There’s no better place to enjoy some of the community’s most popular annual events, including the Wine Stroll, Vintage & Antique Faire, Craft Beer Tasting, Pumpkin Patch, and Light Parade Ceremony.

• Tracy Golf and Country Club is a par 72, 18-hole championship course developed by Robert E. Baldock. The course spans 6,852 yards and includes beautiful water features, challenging terrain, and lush fairways. It’s friendly enough for novice golfers while still managing to keep more seasoned players on their toes.

• The Tracy Historical Museum is a curated collection of artifacts and photographs that showcase the history of Tracy and the Tulare area. The historical significance of the building and the dedication of the West Side Pioneer Association make it an enriching destination for anyone interested in exploring the local heritage of San Joaquin County. The museum’s location in the former Tracy Post Office building also adds to its charm and historical value, providing a unique backdrop for the museum’s exhibits.

Schools

Tracy is served by the Tracy Unified School District, which encompasses a total of 69 schools within the San Joaquin County region.

Among its most highly-rated grade schools are:

• Jefferson Elementary
• Monticello Elementary
• Tom Hawkins Elementary

GreatSchools cites the following as the top secondary schools in the city:

• Millennium Charter School
• John C. Kimball High School

Shopping and dining

Tracy’s central location puts residents within an hour’s drive of renowned metropolitan destinations, such as San Francisco and Palo Alto, but there are countless options for those who want to stay within the city.

• West Valley Mall houses more than 75 retailers and one 14-screen cinema. It offers a diverse selection of fashion, lifestyle, sports, and beauty brands, as well as a variety of dining options and entertainment. It anchors Macy’s, Charlotte Russe, Claire’s, and Vans.

• Downtown Tracy is known for its lineup of local boutiques, flower shops, specialty stores, and antique shops. Here you’ll find Melissa’s Flower Shop and the Flower Pavillion, clothing stores such as Elaine’s Boutiques and My Best Friend’s Closet, and specialty home items from Mia Bella’s Boutique.

• Northgate Village is home to a mix of commercial spaces, from restaurants to local retailers and co-working establishments.

New development project

• Tracy’s upcoming facility, Legacy Fields, is set to become a standout attraction in the region. Spanning an impressive 166 acres, it will feature 9 baseball fields, 8 soccer fields, and various designated sports areas. It has an estimated annual attendance of over 350,000 guests, catering to the increasing demand for sports facilities in the area and cementing the city as a hub for sports and recreation. The park is currently open, and 10 baseball fields and 8 soccer fields are available for public and private use.

Homes for sale in Tracy, CA

Whether you’re looking for spacious family homes with expansive yards or convenient and low-maintenance living options, Tracy’s housing market provides a wide variety of properties to suit different lifestyles and needs. Primarily consisting of single-family homes, the city also features a small selection of condos and townhouses in an array of sizes, features, and price points.

Here’s what you can expect from a single-family home in Tracy:

• Expansive lots with ample space for outdoor activities
• Thoughtfully designed floor plans for families of different sizes
• Updated kitchens with open layouts, seamlessly connecting cooking and living areas
• Welcoming family rooms and living spaces, providing ideal settings for relaxing or socializing
• Additional living units such as studios or accessory dwelling units (ADUs)
• Outdoor retreats featuring built-in BBQ and bar areas, play zones, swimming pools, spas, and lush lawns
• Spacious garages with multiple-car capacity
• In some communities, access to amenities like boating, swimming, and tennis
• Convenient features like security gates and full-fencing for added peace of mind
• Spacious warehouses for more storage space

Call Jack Klemm for the best homes for sale in Tracy, CA

For more information about Tracy, CA and nearby communities, get in touch with Jack Klemm today! Jack is a real estate agent serving Northern California, specializing in the counties of San Joaquin, Alameda, Contra Costa, Stanislaus, and Sacramento. To avail of personalized real estate services, call 209.321.1094 or send an email.