Holiday homes at Lathrop’s River Islands
River Islands in Lathrop offers an unbeatable combination of lifestyle features that makes it one of the most unique masterplanned communities available to Bay Area buyers. With seven new home neighborhoods and 23 model homes, the builders of River Islands offer both single-story and two-story homes, and three to six bedrooms. The River Islands Technology Academy, a K-8 charter school located on-site, has earned great test scores. Parks, waterside trails and play areas are in place, and a waterfront Boathouse Restaurant is open for lunch and dinner. Commuters have several alternatives to driving, including commute trains and buses.
Since its opening in 2014, River Islands has become home to some of the Bay Area’s best homebuilders. Sophisticated architecture and fine living features are the hallmarks of the home offerings, which range in size from approximately 1,800 square feet to 3,900 square feet. Many of the neighborhoods are lakeside-oriented, and waterfront homes offer shared docks. Among the most popular customizing features are California rooms, which provide additional living space in the backyards, some with fireplaces and outdoor kitchens. Home prices start in the $400,000 range and the $500,000 range.
Recreation is a major part of the River Islands lifestyle. Nine lakes have already been built for use by nonmotorized boats such as canoes, paddleboats and kayaks. The first phase of an 18-mile trail system along the San Joaquin River is now open. A major park with sports, picnic and playground areas is a community centerpiece, and a smaller park just next door offers bocce and sand volleyball. In the weeks to come, a number of neighborhood parks will be getting ready for their openings, with such varied features as a softball diamond, basketball courts and a dog park. The Boathouse Restaurant anchors Sunset Point Park, and has just added brunch to its offerings. Residents often walk or bicycle to the restaurant to meet neighbors on its lakeside deck for lunch and dinner.
Back in 2013, before the first home was built, the River Islands Technology Academy opened its doors as a “college bound”-themed charter school. Now a top-scoring K-8 academy with a 1:1 ratio of digital devices per student, the school has recently added 12 new classrooms for its growing student population. Its robotics lab is an all-new facility, with several programs geared toward the students’ ages and abilities. School-age children who live at River Islands and within the local school district have preferred placement in the school.
Bay Area commuters have discovered the ACE (Altamont Corridor Express) Train that connects the Lathrop/Manteca Station to San Jose. A local bus system connects commuters to the Dublin/Pleasanton BART Station.
River Islands is located in Lathrop, just off Manthey Road. The Welcome Center is at 301 W. Stewart Road and is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Visit www.riverislands.com or call 209-808-5168 for more information. From the Bay Area, take Interstate 580 east to I-205 through Tracy; then head to I-5 north and the Mossdale exit. Right on Mossdale to Manthey Road; right again and follow the signs to the Welcome Center.