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.
Craftsman style homes can be found throughout The City of Livingston.
Well manicured lawns can be found in The City of Livingston.
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.
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.
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.
There is a stage at Livingston Memorial Park in 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.
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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.
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.
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.
The City of Livingston has historical and agricultural roots.
Ernest and Gallo have a grape pressing plant near 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.
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