Stockton made list of best places to live in California. Here's 7 fun facts about the city

Stockton has topped another list and this time it's not a bad thing.

While Stockton's long had a reputation of being one of America's most miserable cities (thanks, Forbes), U.S. News & World Report is shining a positive light on Mudville.

In its 2023-2024 report, Stockton ranked among the best places to live in California. It ranked No. 13, one spot below Visalia and one spot ahead of Bakersfield.

Cities in the rankings are evaluated using data from sources including the U.S. Census Bureau, the FBI, the U.S. Department of Labor, and U.S. News' own internal resources.

"Home to a diverse community of more than 320,000 people, Stockton, California, offers access to everything from Japanese grocery stores to the first Sikh temple in the U.S.," the report stated.

"Stockton's relatively low cost of living compared with some other California metro areas draws many new residents," the report continued, "but it's not uncommon to spot a familiar face along its popular restaurant and retail district, the Miracle Mile."

For those unfamiliar with the city, here are seven fun facts about Stockton:

1. Stockton is located in the heart of California.

Just 83 miles east of San Francisco and 45 miles south of Sacramento, Stockton is smack dab in the middle of the state. It is situated between two major freeways, Highway 99 and Interstate 5, making travel through the Central Valley, to the beach or to the mountains easy. Travelers who want to head to Oregon or as far as Los Angeles wouldn't have to change freeways.

2. Stockton has been named the most racially diverse city in America.

Anyone who has been to Stockton knows that the city is a melting pot of ethnic origins and cultures. That's why it was no surprise when U.S. News and World Report declared Stockton as the most racially diverse city in America in 2020. Stockton's diversity was also highlighted in the outlet's latest rankings.

In Stockton, people of color make up 78% of the population, with those identifying as Hispanic/Latino accounting for more than 40% of the total population. About 35% of the population identifies as White, while 20% Asian and 11% Black.

The richness of Stockton's culture can be seen through entertainment and food offerings, from events like the Diwali Festival and Hmong New Year to popular restaurants like Johnny Wokker and Nena's Mexican Cuisine.

3. Stockton has the largest inland port in the state.

The Port of Stockton is the largest inland deepwater port in the state. The port sits on about 4,200 acres and occupies an island in the Sacramento–San Joaquin River Delta, and a portion of the Boggs Tract neighborhood. It specializes in both dry and liquid bulk cargo, with warehouse storage and handling facilities that can be accessed from either rail or road.

The port leads all the way to the Pacific.

4. Stockton is known for hot summers and the Delta breeze.

Love it or hate it, Stockton is known for short and mild winters, and long, hot and dry summers. The Delta breeze offers some relief during scorching summers, when temperatures often hit triple digits. Temperatures average 76 degrees year-round, according to U.S. climate data.

5. There's a game to catch year-round in Stockton.

No matter if it's spring, summer, fall or winter, there is always a semi-pro game to enjoy downtown on the waterfront.

Sports fans can watch the Stockton Kings at the Adventist Health Arena from November to March. The Kings are the G League affiliate of the NBA's Sacramento Kings.

In the warmer months, fans can watch minor league baseball at Banner Island Ballpark. The Stockton Ports are the Single-A affiliate of the Oakland Athletics. Many notable A's players have played for the Ports, at one time, including Trevor Cahill, Coco Crisp, Josh Donaldson, Sean Doolittle, Sonny Gray, and Stockton native Dallas Braden.

Pro teams are a short drive away in any direction.

6. Stockton is part of the Marvel Universe.

What do Mister Fantastic, Invisible Woman, Human Torch, and the Thing have in common? They all call Stockton home.

Stockton was recognized as the birthplace of the Fantastic Four, a Marvel Comics superhero team, in 1986. That's when Stan Lee — the revered comic book creator responsible for launching Marvel Comics superheroes such as Black Panther, Spider-Man, and the X-Men — stood on the steps of Stockton City Hall and made the proclamation.

Stockton has been mentioned in multiple comic book issues since then, but was not referenced in the 2005, 2007, or 2015 Fantastic Four movies. Visit Stockton launched a petition this year for Marvel Studios to feature Stockton in the next Fantastic Four movie, slated to be released on May 2, 2025. The petition has garnered nearly 6,000 signatures to date.

7. Stockton has a history with Hollywood.

While Stockton hasn't been featured in a Fantastic Four movie yet, the city has a rich history with Hollywood. Throughout the decades, filmmakers have brought cameras and stars to some of Stockton's most iconic landmarks.

The 1949 Academy Award winner "All the King's Men" was shot entirely in Stockton and features several prominent locations, including the historic city hall and Hotel Stockton. The hotel makes a special appearance when titular character Willie Stark becomes the governor. Stark delivers his victory speech from the balcony of the hotel at 133 East Weber Avenue.

Other movies filmed in Stockton include "Cool Hand Luke," "Strawberry Statement," "Raiders of the Lost Ark," and "Flubber." Viewers can see the Stockton Memorial Civic Auditorium and University of the Pacific depicted in those movies.

Record reporter Hannah Workman covers news in Stockton and San Joaquin County. She can be reached at hworkman@recordnet.com or on Twitter @byhannahworkman. Support local news, subscribe to The Stockton Record at https://www.recordnet.com/subscribenow.

This article originally appeared on The Record: California's best place to live: US News ranks Stockton 13th