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River Islands in Lathrop, CA

Nestled within the city of Lathrop is one of Northern California’s leading master-planned communities, River Islands. Strategically positioned at an equal distance from the metropolitan hubs of San Francisco, Silicon Valley, and Sacramento, River Islands offers residents the access to major California cities while enjoying the tranquility of a charming suburb.

River Islands, CA: Home of the seven-day weekend

River Islands is a 4,800-acre master-planned community adjacent to the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta. Its location in Lathrop means residents can embrace a tranquil lifestyle while still enjoying all the features of a well-rounded city. From verdant playgrounds to reputable schools, the amenities at River Islands are designed to meet the unique needs of homeowners and families.

The community offers well-maintained recreational facilities, multipurpose sports courts, and 13 blissful lakes for locals to enjoy. A town center and a business park are currently under development, and the complete project is set to include:

  • Over 15,010 thoughtfully designed residential units, including 4,000 condominiums and apartments
  • A 45-acre town center, serving as the vibrant heart of the community and offering an array of amenities, shops, and dining options;
  • A sprawling 325-acre employment center, providing ample opportunities for businesses, both big and small, to thrive;
  • 260 acres of meticulously designed parks and green spaces that allow the community to play, and relax
  • A vast 600 acres of open space, preserving the region’s natural landscapes and giving residents the freedom to explore

A brief history of River Islands

The master-planned community of River Islands has been in the works for more than a decade. Originally, the plan was to build an amusement park that could compete with powerhouses like Disneyland. However, when the tech boom hit California in the late 1990s and early 2000s, it became clear that a theme park was not the right fit for the region.

The plan was revised to include a mix of homes, wildlife parks, a theme park, and an outdoor facility. But locals grew concerned about the environmental hazard of building a large commercial development on flood plains.

To address this, the developers erected wide super-levees strong enough to withstand floods. This led to a series of lakes being created in the community, doubling as a source of nonpotable water and a stormwater retention system.

Today, River Islands stands as a shining example of a community that is dedicated to preserving its natural resources and creating an eco-sensitive environment.

Living in River Islands

Residents of River Islands are treated to a plethora of nature trails, newly-established community amenities, and breathtaking views of the San Joaquin Valley.

Outdoor recreation

River Islands boasts acres of parkland that allow residents to take advantage of the pleasant Lathrop weather. These include:

  • Michael Vega Memorial Park, a beautiful lakeside park featuring vast open playgrounds, a tranquil picnic grove, and well-maintained children’s play areas. This historic park is dedicated to the memory of Lt. Michael Vega, a Lathrop local who served during the war in Afghanistan.
  • Sunset Point Park, a scenic outdoor facility located next to the boathouse. It includes volleyball courts, bocce courts, and horseshoe pits.
  • Tidewater Park, a natural park in Lathrop known for its sports facilities, jungle gyms, and majestic views of Lake Somerston.
  • Summer House Park, a dog-friendly playground with scenic walking trails perfect for jogging.
  • Crystal Cove Park, a comprehensive outdoor recreation center with a basketball court, baseball diamond, and multiple dog parks.

Attractions and amenities

  • Islanders Field | 1051 River Islands Parkway, Lathrop

    Islanders Field is the community’s premier baseball facility boasting a seating capacity of 500. More than just a playing field, the landmark establishment also provides a place for neighbors to come together, support homegrown athletes, and relish the spirit of friendly competition.

  • The Boathouse | 980 Lakeside Drive, Lathrop

    The Boathouse is a dockside restaurant and bar serving contemporary dishes created from scratch using locally-sourced, farm-fresh ingredients.

    As River Islands’ chief dining destination, The Boathouse combines San Joaquin Valley’s finest cooks, bakers, farmers, and winemakers to provide a unique homegrown culinary experience. You’ll find bread from Max’s Artisan Bakery, wines from McManis Family Vineyards, and seafood and produce from local farmers.

    Stretching across 4,000 square meters, the restaurant is strategically located by the dock to offer unobstructed views of the serene lake. Guests can see picturesque sunsets against the Mossdale Bridge, enjoy a friendly game of bocce ball, or rent a boat and explore the waters up-close.

Community events

The River Islands Farmers Market brings the town together to enjoy the finest local produce from the top farmers and small businesses in the region. Here, visitors can sample a variety of fruits and vegetables, try freshly baked artisanal bread, and stock up on meats, cheeses, and dairy, all while supporting local vendors and forging stronger bonds with their neighbors.

Schools

River Islands takes pride in its outstanding educational centers. The River Islands Academies are a group of charter schools offering high quality academic instruction for pupils ranging from kindergarten to high school, including:

  • River Islands Technology Academy (K-8)
  • Next Generation STEAM Academy (K-8)
  • EPIC Academy (TK-8)

The Academies aim to create a learning environment that equips students for a future that is both technologically advanced and culturally rich. Their approach to education is well-rounded and inclusive, focusing on promoting talents and skills across several fields, such as sciences, technology, arts, music, and sports.

One of its key pillars is access to technology. Following a 1:1 student-to-device ratio, the schools equip each student with their own mobile device, allowing them to unlock a world of digital content both in class and at home. This gives all students an equal opportunity to access their digital learning materials.

Homes for sale in River Islands, CA

The River Islands housing market boasts over 2,000 homes that cater to a variety of lifestyles, meticulously designed by renowned developers to blend in with the natural beauty of the San Joaquin Valley.

Lakeside Collection

The Lakeside Collection offers homesites near the 13 lakes of River Islands, featuring clean, contemporary, and customizable designs. Scenic and spacious, these resort-style, single-family properties allow residents to achieve their ideal lifestyle through flexible spaces for work and play, spacious kitchens to unlock their inner chef, and generous living areas for hosting families and guests.

  • The Balboa and Avalon Point collections offer 3 to 5 bedrooms in 1- and 2-story designs. Avalon Point offers properties with up to 4,478 square feet of living space. 
  • The Cove and Veranda homes suit those who require more beds and living space,  They offer 4 to 6 bedrooms, with up to 4,123 square feet of living space.
  • The Skye collection features up to 5 bedrooms and 3,900 square feet.

Parkside Collection

The Parkside Collection offers architecturally distinct properties from renowned developers, including America’s biggest home builder, Lennar Homes.

Prioritizing functionality and value, homes in this collection offer 3-5 bedrooms and up to 4,478 square feet of living space, including spacious backyards, multi-car garages, and luxurious owners’ suites.

  • The Avalon group of homes is situated on the largest homesites in River Islands. 
  • The Hideaway collection has exclusive amenities such as a private pool and spa facility. 

Trailside Collection

The Trailside Collection is a group of luxury 2-story properties exclusively developed by Pulte Homes. The collection showcases two distinct home styles, Laguna and Sanctuary, which will offer access to a brand-new park facility currently under development, as well as a link to the River Islands Trail System.

These luxury homes combine open floor plans, smart home systems, and energy-efficient construction to accommodate the needs and desires of modern homeowners.

  • Homes in the Laguna collection offer 4 to 7 bedrooms with up to 3,400 square feet of space
  • The Sanctuary collection features 3 to 6 bedrooms and up to 2,973 square feet 

Academy Collection

The Academy Collection puts families just steps away from the community’s charter schools.

  • The Catalina II and Sunset designs offer spacious and flexible housing options at diverse price points and sizes, offering anywhere from 3 to 6 bedrooms and 1,900 to 3,177 square feet of living space.
  • Larger families can explore the Cardiff home designs, which feature 5 bedrooms and range from 3,261 to 3,677 square feet.

Each home offers a unique blend of amenities, from smart systems and lofts to guest suites and full kitchens.

Call Jack Klemm for the best homes for sale in River Islands

Step into your dream home in River Islands with the help of Jack Klemm. For information and personalized services, call Jack at 209.321.1094 or send an email.