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 57 days. The median sale price for homes in Merced, CA over the last 12 months is $414,990, up 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This single-story, three bedroom, two bathroom home offers approximately 1,230 square feet of living space with an open-style living room and adjoining kitchen and dining area that are perfect for entertaining. The kitchen features shaker-style cabinetry, quartz countertops with backsplash, a walk-in pantry, a center island with pendant lighting and snack bar, and Whirlpool® stainless-steel
Step inside this cheerful two story home at 1220 Fig Avenue in Merced and feel the difference. This light filled 2 bedroom, 1.5 bath residence boasts modern updates blended with personality. The open-plan living and dining areas feature fresh vinyl flooring and designer touches, while the kitchen shines with a stainless steel gas range and Bosch 300 Series Wi-Fi-enabled dishwasher. A crisp
This single-story, four bedroom, two bathroom home is enhanced with 9’ ceilings and offers approximately 1,509 square feet of living space with an open-style living room and adjoining kitchen and dining area that are perfect for entertaining. The kitchen features shaker-style cabinetry, quartz countertops with backsplash, a walk-in pantry, a center island with pendant lighting and snack bar, and
Welcome to this beautifully maintained, move-in-ready home that feels just like a new buildonly better, with all the extras already done for you. Featuring 4 bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms, and a spacious upstairs loft, this home offers a thoughtful and functional layout with only one bedroom downstairs, complete with a full bathroom and a generously sized walk-in closetperfect for guests or
Located in the desirable Historic Ragsdale neighborhood, this charming home offers classic character and a great opportunity to make it your own. From the moment you arrive, you'll appreciate the timeless appeal and established surroundings that make this area so sought after. Inside, the home features beautiful wood flooring and a wood-burning fireplace that adds warmth and character to the
Teri Kleinen
Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Everything Real Estate
Needs TLC. Records show only 1 bathroom it has 2. Nice size 2 Bedroom, 2 bath 1,212 sq ft home on 7,500 sq ft lot. Home needs work, but has good bones and hard wood floors. Nice down town older part of Merced. This for a project home for a Flipper, contractor or handy man. Home built in 1922.
Great Area! 3 Bedrooms, 2 Bath 1,708 sq ft home built in 2003, on a 9,115 sq ft corner lot. Property has a 3 Car garage! Tile roof, great room, tile counter tops, dishwasher and space saver microwave. This home had long term tenants. Be aware: video camera may be in place. Home is in a wonderful convenient location, near walk/bike pathway, near table 59 strip mall, and North Hwy 59.
Welcome to this beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom manufactured home offering 1,214 sq. ft. of comfortable living space in the heart of Merced. Step inside to an inviting open floor plan featuring updated laminate/PVC flooring that flows seamlessly throughout the home, providing both durability and modern style. The spacious living area is perfect for relaxing or entertaining, while the
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
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
Located at the end of a desirable court, this spacious home offers the perfect combination of space, flexibility, and convenience. Featuring 4 bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms, plus a loft that can be converted into a 5th bedroom, this home provides plenty of room for a growing household, guests, or a dedicated home office. The well-designed floor plan provides comfortable living spaces that are
Modest home, needs TLC, 3 Bedroom, 1 Bath 1,120 sq ft home Built in 1944, as per public records. As is, Where is sale! DO NOT GO TO THE DOOR. Long term tenants that would like to stay.
3 Bedroom, 2 bath 1,568 sq ft., on 6,214 sq ft lot. Built in 2004. Nice open floor plan, tile floors, cathedral ceilings, nice open kitchen, gas fireplace and bay window. In the 2 car garage is a laundry room, off of it on left side Low maintenance yard. Great Location in North Merced close to Dr.s offices, shopping, restaurants and schools.
Great Established Neighborhood. 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath, 1201 sq ft Home on a 6,187 sq ft lot. Home has dual pane windows, bath room has a separate tub and a walk in shower, like the old days. Large corner lot, fireplace in Living room. Extra room has been used as dining room, was that way when owner bought it. Big back yard. Home built in 1941. Possible ring / video cameras on site.
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
The Hub Merced provides modern student living with fully furnished floorplans ranging from studios to three-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
The Grand Resort Apartments offer peace, tranquility and affordability. From our beach sand hammocks, to the poolside picnic area, to the elegant cabanas, The Grand Resort offers something for everyone. Whether you live in one of our secluded cottages, a Sunset Bungalow or Perimeter Cottages you can relax next to our club style pool encompassed by gently swaying giant birds of paradise and
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
Large 2 bedroom, 1 Bath Apartment - All Downstairs, 3 Available April 15, 2026 Only $1450-$1525Open House Every Saturday 9-12. Contact for a weekday appointment, Usually between 11am-5pmDeposit $1450Pets Allowed upon approval Central Air Conditioning and Heating HVACSwimming PoolWalk in Closet Master BedroomLaundry RoomReserved Covered ParkingFREE BASIC
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
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
Enjoy the privacy and comfort of living in style at Northwood Village Apartments, one of Merced's finest apartment communities. We offer spacious 1 & 2 bedroom apartments that include private patios or balconies to fit your needs. We are located across from Merced Junior College, within walking distance to UC Merced CatTracks and minutes from fine dining, and shopping. If you are
Village Terrace Apartments, Merced's most luxurious apartment community, features lavish interiors, classic yet contemporary architecture and beautifully landscaped surroundings, making this a truly exceptional place to live. We offer 1, 2 & 3 bedroom floor plans to choose from, featuring the most luxurious amenities such as granite and cultured marble interior finishes, modern kitchens with
Experience Merced living at Swiss Colony. Located at 3075 Park Ave in Merced, this community has much to offer its residents. Let the professional leasing staff show you everything this community has to offer. This apartment community provides a wide selection of amenities including: convenient on-site parking, 3 sparkling pools, a park-like setting and easy access to Highway 99. Here at Swiss
$495 First Month Move In Special. Request to Apply Now! Click on 3D Virtual Tour Link for a tour. Market rent for these units is $895. Marketing pictures are representation of the upcoming units.Clean 1-bedroom/1-bathroom unit with an excellent open floor plan located in a small apartment complex near central Merced. Great location, fresh paint, new solid flooring, and shared laundry
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