Stockton is an affordable, centrally located Delta city with a reinvigorated downtown—waterfront marinas, farmers’ markets, diverse restaurants, craft breweries, live music and museums—so a multi-week assignment feels like a comfortable base rather than a dead-end posting. Outdoor options (boating, kayaking, nearby trails) and a university-driven cultural scene keep evenings and weekends interesting.
Within easy drives are Sacramento (≈45 miles) for museums, nightlife and big‑city amenities, and Modesto (≈30 miles) for extra dining, entertainment and quick access to the Central Valley and Sierra foothills.