Amid the bustling pace and high cost of living in the core Bay Area, many residents may be looking to relocate to an area that offers greater value and a more relaxed way of life. For these individuals, it may be worth considering River Islands, Northern California’s premier master planned community.
River Islands is located in the city of Lathrop, just past Tracy. Comprised of 5000 acres of land next to the San Joaquin River and 30 years in the making, this master planned community is an example of forward-thinking land planning, using the most up-to-date technology for water conservation, energy savings and habitat restoration.
River Islands has been planned for 11,000 households that will be walking distance from their own charter schools, future downtown retail, and a business park, all within its borders. Approximately 1500 residences have been occupied since its opening in mid-2014.
The community is ideal for families, who get the benefits of large, all-new homes with flexible floorplans for home offices, children’s study areas, and multi-generational family suites. Parents can enjoy access to quality education for their children: Two schools already built in River Islands are highly-rated charter K-8 institutions, with a high school currently in the planning.
At housing prices about half the cost of what one would pay in the core Bay Area, these homes — ranging from 3-6 bedrooms and from approximately 1,800 sq. ft. to more than 4,000 sq. ft. — are perfect for grandparents, parents and kids to occupy together.
But the community isn’t just for families.
“One third of our buyers are Boomers, either pre-retirees or retirees, who see River Islands as a way to cash in on the equity in their Bay Area homes and move to a home at about half the price,” explains Susan Dell’Osso, President of River Islands Development.
The idyllic location of River Islands is a draw to more adventurous individuals as well. Sportier residents enjoy lakeside homes with shared decks that provide access to community lakes, where people partake in paddleboarding, kayaking and pedal boating.
The San Joaquin River Trail gets people close to the water’s edge, where they can see the native flora and fauna of the San Joaquin Delta. River Islands community members of all ages appreciate the easy access to Yosemite, the Gold Country and the Lodi wine country.
Safety is paramount to the planning of River Islands. Area homebuyers are attracted to the security afforded by the community fire station, as well as the police headquarters now under construction. And because there is so much open space within the community, people have no problem getting outdoors yet remaining six feet apart.
“River Islands is called ‘the home of the 7-day weekend’ because of the amount of recreational opportunities within the community,” says Dell’Osso. “After working in the Bay Area all week, residents enjoy the change of pace that the River Islands lifestyle offers.”