Escalon, California. A Local's Guide

Whether you’ve lived in Escalon for generations, pass through annually on your way to Yosemite, or have just stumbled on this page wondering where in the world Escalon is- I hope you find a wealth of knowledge on this gem of the Central Valley, and my personal home town. Escalon is a desirable community to live in. But why? Just a few of the many desirable features include quiet neighborhoods, beautiful agricultural land and orchards, and award winning, close knit schools. In many ways, it seems that Escalon’s charm and quaint nature have been frozen in time.

The simpler times of knowing your neighbors well, cheering on the high school football team on friday nights, and attending church on Sunday morning are very much still alive and thriving here in Escalon. If you’ve lived here your entire life, all these wonderful aspects may seem normal to you, but in an increasingly stressful world, the charm and beauty of a community like Escalon is hard to find. In this post, we dive into features and facts about Escalon you may or may not know, and discover what makes it so unique and desirable. Continued below are snapshots of weather, housing and population data, school info, and Escalon’s other notable features.

Population- 7,538

Escalon population growth has been modest, growing from 7,106 in 2011 to 7,538 in 2019.

Housing data:

In December 2020, the median list price of homes in Escalon, CA was $447K, trending up 12.2% year-over-year. The median listing price per square foot was $252. The median sale price was $467.5K.

Weather:

On average, Escalon gets 13 inches of rain annually, and about 56 rainy days. The hot season lasts for 3.6 months, from June 5 to September 23, with an average daily high temperature above 87°F. The hottest time of the year is July, with an average high of 95°F and low of 64°F.

The cool season lasts for 2.8 months, from November 23 to February 15, with an average daily high temperature below 62°F. The coldest time of the year is December, with an average low of 39°F and high of 54°F.

Schools

Escalon Unified School District is made up of 4 elementary schools (Collegeville Dual Language Immersion, Dent, Farmington and Van Allen), one middle school (El Portal), one comprehensive high school (Escalon High), one continuation high school (Vista) and one charter school (Escalon Charter Academy/Gateway Home School).

One unique aspect about this district is the Dual Immersion program at Collegeville Elementary. Dual Language Immersion (DLI) Programs integrate speakers of different languages in the same classes. All students acquire a second language as they learn grade level content. Using a proven dual immersion model, the program will promote and provide opportunities for students to acquire the subject matter knowledge, cultural understanding, and linguistic skills needed to become attentive and responsive to the world around them and beyond.

This specialized program is an asset to the district, and definitely a great option available to families in Escalon.

Parks:

Escalon’s Community Center is a beautifully renovated building available for public and private use.

Hogan Park, and Hogan Sports Fields include baseball and softball fields, covered barbeque and picnic area, as well as spacious grass areas and horseshoe pits.

Main Street park is opposite the shops on Main Street, features a parked train car, an outdoor stage, and spacious grass areas. Christmas on Main Street and Park Fete are events annually held at this park location.

There are lots of beautifully maintained residential parks throughout town, and can be found here: List of Escalon Parks

Escalon Golf Course:

Escalon Golf Course is a long time favorite, located at 17051 Escalon-Bellota Rd. It features a driving range, and course, and hosts different leagues and tournaments.

Things to do/Shops:

-Happy Artists- Alicia Johnson is the owner of Happy Artists Children’s Creative Studio, located at 1900 McHenry Avenue, Suite 203

Escalon, CA 95320. This spacious and open studio serves children in providing many artistic avenues to express their creativity. Courses include painting, workshops, fiber crafts, dollhouse design and birthday party packages, among many others. Also offered, are virtual art camps, and craft kits available for purchase. This studio is a hidden gem in Escalon, and provides high quality, personalized experiences for children of many ages.Alicia has two remaining Spring Sessions for her 5-week “Makers Gonna Make” art classes. More info on those here:

https://www.happyartistscreate.com/spring-session-2

Summer 2021 Workshop schedule: https://www.happyartistscreate.com/summer-21

-Butler’s Pantry:

The Butler’s Pantry can be found at 1730 Main Street Escalon, CA; near the middle of Main Street. The Butler’s Pantry is Jamie Butler’s Kitchen and Home shop that sparks so much inspiration, and boasts only the best products. Pre-Covid, the store hosted many events and workshops in their full size test kitchen; and have continued to offer fun interactives to their customers, including a make at home Cioppino kit! The staff are experts in all products, and always helpful in putting together a custom gift. Wedding Registries are available for couples looking for the best and most unique home gifts. One of the best things about following the Butler’s Pantry on Instagram, is the weekly cooking tutorials, always featuring such fun and creative recipes, some utilizing products sold in store.

-Pencie & Ginger:

Just down Main Street, is Pencie and Ginger, a women's and children's boutique that specializes in "Mommy and me" fashion, gifts for all ages, children's accessories and specialty items, and much more. This boutique is locally owned, and is an Escalon gem for locals and travelers, alike. Whether you need outfits for family pictures, a thoughtful birthday gift, or even a personal pick-me-up, Pencie and Ginger has it all.

-Powerhouse Dance:

Powerhouse Dance is a dance and fitness studio in Escalon. They offer a wide variety of classes for all age groups and availability levels.

-Escalon Fit

Escalon Fit has three locations all within walking distance on Main Street. The Studio specializes in classes such as Yoga, Pilates, and Barre. Wellness by Escalon Fit is a one stop shop wellness center on Main Street. Services they offer include medical spa, spray tans, hair styling, brows, massage, and more in a relaxing and modern space. They also have a traditional gym space, with all the gym equipment you could want, as well as classes.

-Fruit stands/Farms

River Road Produce at 25180 E River Rd

Baba Bazaar at 16569 E, CA-120

Zinc House Farm at 20679 CA-120

Poot’s Cactus Nursery

Lorina’s Edible Garden at 17397 Enterprise Road

Escalon, California 95320

-Big Dipper- The Big Dipper is a fun, eclectic Ice Cream Shop with small batch, homemade ice cream, other sweet treats, and local artisan products. You can’t miss the colorful lounge chairs at the building’s entrance!

-Events and Parades-

Christmas on Main, Park Fete, and the annual list of parades, including Homecoming, and Veteran’s day parades are local events that take place on Main Street throughout the year, and truly showcase Escalon’s close knit charm.

-Ace Hardware- Ace isn’t just a hardware store, they have a ton of plants, flowers, and gardening supplies, and tons of clothing, and local products like Mobaak, local snacks and great products for gifting.

-Small Town Roots Farmers Market-

This seasonal, local certified farmer’s market features local produce, artisan products, vendors, and food trucks. It typically operates on Saturdays in June-October.

-Zinc House Farm

Zinc House Farm is a fascinating blend of modern simplicity and historic importance. It is named for a little prefab building shipped in 1850, from New York to the Port of Stockton. It made its way to Escalon by a 6-horse wagon team to a site on French Camp Road, near Highway 120. The farm was a stopping place for dozens of wagons and horse teams transporting supplies to the Mother

A wooden barn was built on the property to serve the horse teams and drivers carrying supplies to and from the Mother Lode. Records show that in 1853, 70 wagons, pulled by 6-horse teams laden with 5-8 tons of supplies passed, daily, between the Port of Stockton and Gold Country with a stop at Zinc House Station.

Now, Zinc House is an expansive farm, hosts chickens, beautiful flowers, covered gazebos, and beautiful historic outbuildings. Perhaps the best part about Zinc House Farm, is the fresh seasonal produce grown on site. It is owned and operated by a foursome of Franzia siblings, with great passion for community roots, wine production, and agriculture.

-Escalon Historical Museum

The Escalon Historical Society was formed in 1989 by a group of citizens concerned with the preservation of Escalon's history for future generations. The society owns, operates, and maintains the Escalon Historical Museum at 1630 Main Street in Escalon. The museum is filled with historical documents, pictures, and antiques from Escalon, and gives you a glimpse into the rich agricultural history of the community.

Escalon Historical Museum Website

Of all the things Escalon can boast; the sense of community, safety, and local treasures rise to the top. If you are considering Escalon as a place to live, or even visit, be sure to check out some of the shops and features above, and enjoy the laid back and welcoming atmosphere that Escalon has to offer.