Livingston

Livingston

Located in Merced County

$417,150 Average Value
$353 Average Price per Sq Ft
10 Homes For Sale

Historic agricultural roots in the San Joaquin Valley

Life in Livingston means being surrounded by vineyards, almond orchards and fields of sweet potatoes. The city of 14,000 is about 10 miles northwest of Merced and 30 miles southeast of Modesto. “It’s managed to grow a lot compared to what it used to be, but it’s still very much a quiet, country town in a lot of ways,” says Judy Caton, Realtor with Reed Realty who grew up in Livingston. “It’s a nice slice of that agricultural lifestyle – there’s farms all around, and it’s definitely sweet potato country.”

The city is named after the famed 19th-century African explorer, Dr. David Livingstone, whose disappearance and discovery was a worldwide sensation. However, the city's application for a post office inadvertently left off the "E" in his last name, and that typo lives on as the city's official spelling.

Traditional homes with modern features and plenty of space to stretch out

More established sections of Livingston, such as those near Main Street, feature single-story ranch homes built in the mid-20th century. Many properties feature larger lots with space for fruit trees or small gardens. North of downtown, newer subdivisions are home to craftsman-inspired and modern ranch-style residences on slightly smaller lots. Many homes incorporate energy-efficient features like solar panels. “It’s a nice mix of old and newer places,” says Caton. “But it’s definitely traditional in style, for the most part.” The median home price rests around $430,000, notably lower than state's median price.

Homes with stucco facades can be found in The City of Livingston.
Homes with stucco facades can be found in The City of Livingston.
Craftsman style homes can be found throughout The City of Livingston.
Craftsman style homes can be found throughout The City of Livingston.
Well manicured lawns can be found in The City of Livingston.
Well manicured lawns can be found in The City of Livingston.
The City of Livingston offers several types of housing.
The City of Livingston offers several types of housing.
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The Livingston Union and Merced Union School Districts serve the area

The Livingston Union School District serves kindergarten through eighth grade, with the Merced Union High School District serving high schoolers. These districts earn C-plus and B-plus ratings on Niche, respectively, and collectively serve over 4,500 students. Private K–12 options, such as Central Valley Christian Academy in Ceres, are within driving distance. Merced College, approximately 15 miles away, provides associate degrees, certificates, and transfer programs.

Yamato Colony Elementary School in The City of Livingston is a great public school option.
Yamato Colony Elementary School in The City of Livingston is a great public school option.
Livingston High School in The City of Livingston offers classes across several buildings.
Livingston High School in The City of Livingston offers classes across several buildings.
Students attend Central Valley Christian Academy in Ceres near The City of Livingston.
Students attend Central Valley Christian Academy in Ceres near The City of Livingston.
California State University Merced is where locals go for higher learning near The City of Livingston.
California State University Merced is where locals go for higher learning near The City of Livingston.
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Choose between the Merced River or the Sierra Foothills

Livingston Memorial Park offers playgrounds, ball fields, and picnic sites that often host youth leagues and family events. Arakelian Park features further open areas. The nearby Merced River supports limited fishing and other water-based activities, while the Sierra foothills are within a day trip. The Livingston Sweet Potato Festival, typically held each September, is a three-day celebration of one of the region's most important crops.

Kids enjoy the slides at Arakelian Park in Livingston.
Kids enjoy the slides at Arakelian Park in Livingston.
There is a stage at Livingston Memorial Park in Livingston.
There is a stage at Livingston Memorial Park in Livingston.
See murals by local artist in the downtown area of The City of Livingston.
See murals by local artist in the downtown area of The City of Livingston.
The Merced River in the City of Livingston provides limited fishing and water based activities.
The Merced River in the City of Livingston provides limited fishing and water based activities.
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Mom-and-pop eateries highlight small-town charm

Downtown Livingston exudes an old-school, small-town charm with its local selection of eateries and shops, many of which are family-owned and have been around for decades. Groceries and some hardware and farm supplies can be found within the city, however larger commercial hubs in Merced or Modesto offer expanded retail and dining choices. “There’s really not a whole lot once you get past the mom-and-pop places to eat,” says Caton. “It’s a really quiet little place – but you can find shopping without having to go too far in Turlock, about 10 miles away.”

Downtown City of Livingston is where the locals go for there grocery needs.
Downtown City of Livingston is where the locals go for there grocery needs.
Get your produce at one of many of the produce stores in The City of Livingston.
Get your produce at one of many of the produce stores in The City of Livingston.
Punjab Sweets and Restaurant offers a tasty menu in the downtown area in The City of Livingston.
Punjab Sweets and Restaurant offers a tasty menu in the downtown area in The City of Livingston.
Livingston Hardware Supply in The City of Livingston is where locals go for all there farming needs.
Livingston Hardware Supply in The City of Livingston is where locals go for all there farming needs.
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Agriculture drives the economy in Livingston

Agriculture remains a cornerstone of Livingston’s economy. Foster Farms, which is headquartered here, operates a major poultry processing plant and is one of the city’s largest employers. Ernest and Gallo have a grape pressing plant near the city. Livingston's sandy soil makes it ideal for growing sweet potatoes and 90% of those produced west of the Mississippi River come from this region. Similarly, fruit-packing facilities and distribution centers also rank among key local employers. “A lot of people live and work at Foster Farms, and it’s a huge part of the city's identity,” says Caton. “Outside of that, you have some people commuting as far as the Bay Area for work.” City officials collaborate with the Merced County Workforce Development Board to diversify employment.

Agriculture drives The City of Livingston's economy.
Agriculture drives The City of Livingston's economy.
The City of Livingston has historical and agricultural roots.
The City of Livingston has historical and agricultural roots.
Ernest and Gallo have a grape pressing plant near The City of Livingston.
Ernest and Gallo have a grape pressing plant near The City of Livingston.
Foster Farms is headquartered in The City of Livingston.
Foster Farms is headquartered in The City of Livingston.
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Highway 99 connects to nearby centers

Highway 99 is Livingston’s primary route, connecting to nearby Merced and Modesto. State Route 140, which is south of the city, takes travelers toward Yosemite or connects with Interstate 5 for broader travel. The Bus—Merced County’s transit service—offers limited public transportation. The Merced Regional Airport, about 14 miles away, provides some regional flights, while the Sacramento Airport is 95 miles away. The Livingston Community Health Center and Livingston Medical Group on Main Streets serve the community.

Crime

Crime rates in Livingston are slightly lower than state and national averages, with recent numbers showing a continuing downward trend.

Gerald Withers
Written By
Gerald Withers
Jeff Carnie
Photography Contributed By
Jeff Carnie
Michael Carey
Video By
Michael Carey

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Fernando Jimenez-Valeriano, an experienced agent in this area.

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Livingston Housing Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$459,475
Median Sale Price
$424,500
Median Single Family Sale Price
$415,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$522,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
2%
Last 12 months Home Sales
80
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-$6
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$353

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes for Sale
10
Months of Supply
1.50

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value



Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

Livingston Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
15,432
Median Age
34
Population Density
89 ppl/acre
Population under 18
29.6%
Above the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
12.6%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$61,581
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$69,721

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
61.2%
Significantly below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
10.2%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
1%
% Population in Labor Force
66%
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
Livingston