A railroad town in the late 19th century, Tracy, named for Ohio railroad man and grain merchant Lathrop J. Tracy, was a blossoming and thriving community as it still is today. Train crews and passengers lived in and around the Tracy area establishing a town that then consisted of a string of small hotels, restaurants and taverns had sprung up in what is now historic Front Street.
Centrally located within an hours drive from San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, Sacramento and Stockton many Californians have relocated to Tracy, commuting to and from work on the extensive system of interstate freeways developed in the area. The newcomers have joined long time residents in creating a new, larger Tracy while still maintaining its hometown feel.
Prospective homebuyers will find a variety of housing options in Tracy including custom-built two-story split-levels, traditional ranch-style homes and historic turn of the century farmhouses.
From its humble beginnings as a railroad town, Tracy has continued to grow and develop with the addition of new industries, the development of highly productive irrigated farming, and the building of homes, schools, a hospital, businesses, and churches. Lodges, service clubs, and other community organizations have been formed to serve the town and its residents.
Today Tracy is a community that prides itself on a family-friendly atmosphere and a belief in education, safety and quality of life. Tracy residents are often civic-minded and worked together in many cooperative projects establishing a community owned hospital, rebuild the local high school football stadium and providing food, shelter, and services to the poor and elderly.
Quality education is a priority in Tracy. New and magnet schools have been added to the Tracy Unified School District as the community has grown specializing in music education, science and engineering, and agricultural sciences. GATE or Gifted and Talented Education is also available for students in addition to the Tracy Learning Center, a partnership between the district and San Joaquin Delta College offering continuing education. The Tracy Adult School also offers a variety of classes. Tracy is also close to several four-year universities including the University of Phoenix and University of the Pacific.
In February 2010, the average home sales price for a single family home or condo in Tracy was $227,735. While this data is collected from the MLS and deemed reliable, it is not guaranteed.
