A rapidly growing agricultural city with a revitalized downtown and an artistic culture
Within the San Joaquin Valley, one of California’s breadbaskets, the city of Merced lies among dairy farms and spacious pastures dotted with grazing cows. Merced’s longstanding agricultural industry continues to thrive, although the economy has diversified to support the community’s growth to about 90,000 people. “It’s up-and-coming. They’re redoing a lot of downtown. For a long time, the businesses weren’t doing too good, but now it’s a more vibrant place and people want to be there,” says Realtor Norma Lopez, who works with Keller Williams Property Team and has over a decade of experience in the area. The Main Street business district supports a growing arts scene and quirky local businesses, lending the midsized city a small-town atmosphere. Many of the recent changes can be traced to the University of California Merced’s opening in 2005, which has also created a hot housing market and increasing prices.
Downtown Merced is a vibrant community located in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley.
Productive farmland rests against the edges of South Merced's residential streets.
Residents of Downtown Merced can find farm fresh produce at the Merced Certified Farmers Market.
UC Merced is a major economic and social draw to the Merced area.
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Assorted shopping centers, including a vibrant Main Street and Marketplace at Merced
In downtown Merced, people can find a quaint Main Street of low-rise buildings that house cafes, vintage shops, entertainment and more. “The movie theater was upgraded recently and is a good place to go. Some of the family-owned restaurants have survived and thrived throughout the years,” says Anthony Anderson, resident of Merced for over 40 years. For a fine dining experience, Rainbird is located in the historic El Capitan Hotel, which was recently remodeled. It serves entrees focused on using ingredients from local farms to honor Merced’s history of agriculture. An indoor mall, Marketplace at Merced is being renovated and has been for years. The pandemic interrupted construction, but there are plans to redo the old Sears building, create a new anchor store and put in new fast-food restaurants. For strip malls, residents can go north of downtown to Bear Creek Village Shopping Center and College Green Shopping Center, which are full of big box stores and fast-food joints.
Check out a new movie with friends at the Regal Hollywood Cinema in Downtown Merced.
Stop into Rainbird for a delicious lunch in Downtown Merced.
Bear Creek Galleria is one of many shopping centers in North Merced.
The Marketplace at Merced offers a variety of shops and services in the North Merced area.
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Artsy attractions and theater at Playhouse Merced
Despite being a smaller city, Merced’s arts scene flourishes with multiple cultural venues. “There are a lot of different things on the creative scene, with many visual and performing artists and gems that you have to look for,” says resident Tracy Anderson. One of the most iconic buildings in the city, the Art Kamangar Center at The Merced Theatre features striking Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, a renovated interior and concerts. Playhouse Merced puts on 10 shows a year in a compact space ideal for intimate performances. The Merced Multicultural Arts Center is a gallery with pieces by local and national artists, plus classes and live music events.
Downtown Merced is a vibrant area and the heart of the city's culture.
The Merced Multicultural Arts Center is a great place to see local art in Downtown Merced.
The Merced Theatre is a landmark of Merced's history and culture.
There are many bright murals showcasing area artists in Downtown Merced.
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Eclectic homes, including farms and new
Composed of many single-family homes, Merced has mostly smaller lots in downtown and the suburbs directly north of it. However, there are plenty of multiacre lots available in the city’s rural outskirts. The diverse architectural styles include Queen Anne Victorians, new construction, cottages and farms that come with acres of land. A cottage in need of renovations may go for about $150,000, while a farm that comes with many acres may be priced around $2 million. Much of the new construction is located on the northern edge of the city, especially in the Bellevue Ranch subdivision, which is getting a new fire station expected to be completed within five years. A new contemporary house with three bedrooms may be priced around $450,000. There’s a high demand for housing in Merced, with an influx of students from the University of California Merced. “Investors in the Bay Area have increased the property value, and there’s a housing shortage now,” says Anthony Anderson. On average, homes stay on the market for 41 days in contrast to the national average of 44 days, with a median sales price of $400,000.
There are restored Victorian style homes located in Downtown Merced.
Craftsman style homes come in a variety of styles and colors in Downtown Merced.
Newly built contemporary homes are available in Southeast Merced.
Ranch style homes on large lots are common throughout the Bellevue area of Merced.
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Birdwatching and water recreation in a warm climate
Surrounded by natural landscapes, Merced offers outdoor recreation galore. At the Merced National Wildlife Refuge, birdwatchers can gather to watch flocks of waterfowl and sandhill cranes migrate to conserved grasslands and wetlands. For water recreation, Lake Yosemite County Park provides a reservoir ideal for swimming, launching kayaks and fishing from docks. It’s considered the most popular park in the city. Nicknamed the “Gateway to Yosemite,” Merced is about 70 miles from the world-famous Yosemite National Park, with hiking trails through sequoia canopies and the Sierra Nevada Mountains. On average, Merced has 262 sunny days per year in a semidesert climate, where summer days can go up to 100 degrees. There’s severe heat risk in the area, but the winter temperatures rarely go below freezing, allowing residents to go outside throughout the year.
Lake Yosemite offers outdoor activities like boating and fishing in the Merced area.
Lake Yosemite is a great spot for fishing near the Bellevue neighborhood of Merced.
Bird watch on the observation deck at Merced National Wildlife Refuge in Merced County.
Residents of North Merced can take a day trip to Yosemite and other national parks.
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Merced school districts, higher education and major employers
Students are served by the Merced City Elementary School District, which earns a C grade on Niche. Serving around 11,000 students from kindergarten through eighth grade, the district’s student-teacher ratio is 26-to-1. After completing middle school, students can transfer to Merced Union High School District, which has a B-plus rating, nine high schools and also has a student body of around 11,000. There are also higher education institutions like Merced College, a community college, and the University of California Merced. The university is known for its carbon neutral campus and has been responsible for many of the city’s changes, like the rise in housing prices. The Merced City School District, Merced College and the University of California Merced are all some of the biggest employers in the city, along with Golden Valley Health Centers and Merced County.
John Muir Elementary School serves grades K-6 in Merced.
Herbert Hoover Middle School serves grades 7-8 in Merced.
Merced High School serves grades 9-12 in Merced.
Merced College offers a variety of classes and programs for students in Merced.
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Commutes to Fresno and more transportation
Merced commuters can reach several big cities in California. They can drive to Fresno in around 60 miles and San Jose in about 120 miles from Merced via California 152, typically a two-hour drive. Public transportation includes the Merced County Transit System for bus services, while Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System provides rides to Yosemite National Park. Amtrak provides rail services and is one of the more popular methods of travel. The city also has a Station Area Plan for a high speed rail station in downtown, expected to be completed between 2030 and 2033. For medical services, residents can go to Dignity Health Hospital - Mercy Medical Center. The closest minor airport is Merced Regional Airport, while the closest major airport is the Fresno Yosemite International Airport in Fresno.
Merced crime
According to some recent data from the FBI, the violent crime rate has increased from 2022 to 2023. The rate rose from 99 to 223 per 100,000 people. During the same period, the property crime rate also increased from 215 to 237 per 100,000 people. Unhoused residents have become important to Merced, which aims to help with the Regionally Coordinated Homelessness Action Plan. It will create more transitional housing, emergency shelters and affordable housing. The city also has a program called Merced Area Crime Stoppers that gives callers anonymity when reporting a crime.
Written By
Anna Anderson
Video By
Melinda Anselmo
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On average, homes in Merced, CA sell after 41 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Merced, CA over the last 12 months is $409,825, up 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Beautifully Maintained Home in North Merced! This stunning 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom home offers nearly 3,000 sq. ft. of comfortable, elegant living space, complete with a 3-car garage and convenient street parking. Thoughtfully designed, it features three spacious living areas: a formal living room, a cozy family room w/gas fireplace, and an inviting upstairs loft. A main floor bedroom and full
Welcome to this beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom homeclean, inviting, and move-in ready! From the moment you arrive, the pride of ownership is clear. The front and back yards are meticulously manicured, offering a stunning curb appeal. Inside, you'll find a comfortable layout with a well-kept living space, spacious bedrooms, and thoughtfully updated details throughout. The kitchen and
Holy cow! Here we go again! Move in Ready! Still looks and smells like new! Ideal for you who wants to live in a nice neighborhood close to Hwy 99 and Santa Fe. Open Floor plan. Cathedral Ceilings. Pantry, Walk in Closet in Master Bedroom. Electric Tankless Water Heater. Owned Water Softener System. Low Maintenance back yard. Lots of natural light and Spacious. 4 Bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Come.
Alicia ZamoraRealty Executives of Northern California
Look no further! Beautiful home built in 2004 - 2 bedroom, 2 bath, approx. 1230 square foot with carport and lovely porch. Enter into the living room and sitting area that could be converted into a third bedroom or office. Love to entertain or cook? This eat-in kitchen with lots of cabinets, pantry and built in china cabinet is ready for you to make those amazing meals. Primary bedroom with
Corner lot in the gated Paseo community of Bellevue Ranch. This well-situated 3 bed / 2 bath home features a bright, versatile layout with open living, a comfortable primary suite, and a private, low-maintenance outdoor area—great for work, guests, or rental flexibility. Enjoy the ease of gated entry and HOA-maintained common areas while being minutes to UC Merced, Mercy Medical Center, Yosemite
14 unit apartment complex. Possible rents are the following 2 one bedroom one bath units rent for $1050. There are 4 two bedroom one bath units rent for $1300 there are 8 three bedroom one bath units rents for $1400 all units have their own laundry rooms. Complex is downtown across from Amtrak station and a easy walk to shopping and schools.
5 units each 1 bedroom 1 bath and each rent for $1000 a month. Units are low maintence, window AC with pump heaters. each unit is estimated at 600 sq ft. Possible monthly income of $ 5,000 a month. Each unit has it's own electric and gas meter. Owner pays water, sewer garbage.
Incredible Opportunity in Prime Northside Location! Imagine building your dream custom home in North Merced — Near parks, restaurants, and UC Merced. Whether you're an investor, developer, or future homeowner, this is your chance to create something truly special. With potential for an additional dwelling unit (ADU) or even a duplex, the possibilities are endless — live in one, rent the other, or
Welcome to this beautiful 3-bedroom, 2-bath home nestled in a peaceful north-Merced neighborhood! With 1,454 sq. ft. of inviting living space, this residence perfectly blends comfort, charm, and resort-style living. Step inside and be greeted by bright, open spaces filled with natural light. The spacious living room is ideal for family gatherings, while the well-appointed kitchen offers plenty of
OWN YOUR TOMORROW IN MERCED!!! Unlock an exceptional investment opportunity with this 24.5-acre property, offering prime Highway 99 visibility within 15 minutes of UC Merced, one of the fastest-growing universities in California. With 5 acres designated for General Commercial use in the General Plan, and commercial on both sides, this site is perfect for retail centers, office spaces, or
TENANT IS OUT, SELLER CLEANING AND PAINTING. Located in the the pristine area of "Ragsdale". This home has 3 bedrooms and 2 baths, and is 1,588 sq. ft. Dual pane windows, Nice Hard Wood floors. Nice fireplace in Living room. Home has a nice kitchen with tile flooring and granite counter tops. With lots of cabinets. Built -in- Hutch and eating area in kitchen area. Kitchen has an Electric stove
Incredible Opportunity in Prime Northside Location!Imagine building your dream custom home in North Merced Near parks, restaurants, and UC Merced. Whether you're an investor, developer, or future homeowner, this is your chance to create something truly special.With potential for an additional dwelling unit (ADU) or even a duplex, the possibilities are endless live in one, rent the other, or
The Hub Merced provides modern student living with fully furnished floorplans ranging from studios to four-bedroom apartments, each with private bathrooms and in-unit laundry for convenience.Community amenities include a rooftop lounge, study areas, a fitness center, and social spaces designed for connection. Just minutes from UC Merced, The Hub blends style, convenience, and
Great location in central Merced. Open concept design with large living room, separate family or dining room, all bedrooms upstairs. Shopping, restaurants and schools (UC Merced, Merced JC) all nearby. Neat, clean and move-in ready!
At Merced Station, live without limits. Enjoy a study session on your balcony. Take a dip in the resort-style swimming pool. Gather in the Clubhouse on Friday nights. At Merced Station, great living takes center stage. You'll love being right in the heart of an outdoorsy community, giving you the opportunity to explore on weekends while keeping you conveniently close to the University of
Charming 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home offers 1,559 square feet of recently renovated and well-appointed living space. With granite countertops in the kitchen, newly renovated bathrooms and beautiful hardwood flooring this single-story gem has all of the modern amenities. A well designed floor plan provides a convenient flow that's perfect for both day-to-day living and entertaining. The two
EXPERIENCE THE DIFFERENCE AT VILLAGE LANDING APARTMENTS Exclusive North Merced location. We offer 1 & 2 bedroom apartments with five different spacious floor plans that have beautiful views of our lush landscape and ponds. Village Landing keeps you in mind and includes features that ensure the quality and comfort you expect in an apartment home. Every apartment home comes equipped with
Charming 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home offers 1,559 square feet of recently renovated and well-appointed living space. With granite countertops in the kitchen, newly renovated bathrooms and beautiful flooring this single-story gem has all of the modern amenities. A well designed floor plan provides a convenient flow that's perfect for both day-to-day living and entertaining. The two secondary
Experience Merced living at Castle Apartments with the Respect and Tranquility you deserve. We provide a friendly, professional, and bilingual environment that sets us apart from other apartment complexes. We offer one- and two-bedroom apartments with walk in closets on selected units and one entrance to the property. Only 3 Miles to UC Merced, CAT Track is accessible and FREE to UC students. We
Home for Rent – 3 Bed, 2 BathWell-maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bath fully electric home featuring a front and back yard with professional landscaping, sprinkler system, and proper drainage. Home includes washer and dryer, solar, and an electric stove.Non-smoking property. No pets allowed.Comfortable layout with outdoor space, ideal for long-term renters seeking a clean and energy-efficient
Brookdale Gardens is a beautiful garden-style community in a quiet, residential community located in Merced, CA. We have spacious studios, 1 & 2 bedroom apartments and is in an very desirable location. UC Merced is just a 3 mile drive and there is a CatTracks stop very close to the property. Other nearby amenities include the Merced Mall, restaurants, and many retail shops. The property sits
Great established location and park-like neighborhood of North Merced, offering open, roomy home design with high ceiling family room, gas fireplaces for chilly winters, and inviting natural lighting and brightness during daytime. Spacious kitchen including microwave, electric range, dishwasher, refrigerator and connected laundry room with almost new washer/dryer. Enjoy the green and soothing
Sahara Apartments is a beautifully landscaped community nestled in a tranquil neighborhood located in Merced, CA. This property offers spacious 1 & 2 bedroom apartments and is in an unbeatable location. UC Merced is only a short 3 mile drive and Cat Tracks is easily accessible. We are also very close to the Merced Mall, premier area restaurants, and other fine retail shops. Our apartment homes
Fully renovated Studio for Rent! They are Approximately 500 Square feet, new appliances, Luxury Vinyl floorings, Brand New Kitchen cabinets and sinks and faucets, updated shower, freshly painted and ready to move in! Very nice community in a wonderful Multi unit Complex.
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