$334,031Average Value$250Average Price per Sq Ft23Homes For Sale
Restored historic hotels and a recovering Main Street
On Main Street, El Capitan Hotel and the Tioga stand proudly — emblematic of the city of Merced. The two statuesque, white landmarks have both seen about a century’s worth of change. Many of the rooms in El Capitan Hotel were remodeled in 2021 but keep the antique style that people experienced in 1912. The Tioga is currently an apartment building after operating as a hotel for many years. Downtown’s ups and downs — now mostly ups — are reflected in these iconic buildings. “The revitalized Main Street is the main attraction. Going through the past ten years, it’s amazing. There are two historic hotels that were run down and now are beautiful, refurbished buildings. There are all kinds of restaurants, art stores, thrift stores and antique stores. There’s a quirky local vibe,” says Library Resource Tech Teresa Bomersbach, who works at Merced County Library.
The Tioga is a historic hotel in Downtown Merced that has been restored.
Check out a new movie with friends at the Regal Hollywood Cinema in Downtown Merced.
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Eclectic small businesses, shopping and restaurants in downtown Merced
Merced’s population has reached approximately 90,000 people, making it a small city with a small-town vibe to match. “Main Street has little mom-and-pop shops and a lot of small businesses that are really cute. Some stores carry vinyl,” says Emerson Chavez, bartender at Native Son. One of these is Tigers & Daggers Records, a treasure trove of audio items, including CDs and DVDs. Neighborhood bookstore Second Time Around has new and used books. A Latina-owned small business, Luna Luna 209 is a collective for local artists and vendors. “They have thrifted clothes that they flip, crochet charms and original art. It’s awesome,” says University of California Merced student employee Kayla McCoy. Supermarket Grocery Outlet is a few blocks away from the retail hub.
Going out to eat is also at the forefront of Merced’s Main Street, with restaurants like Rainbird, an upscale restaurant in El Capitan Hotel. It features a diverse menu, including duck confit and mushroom risotto prepared from locally sourced ingredients. A favorite hangout spot is Mainzer, a restored Art Deco theater, complete with a vintage marquee that advertises the restaurant’s upcoming events, including live bands and drag shows. As patrons watch the entertainment, they can order from a menu built around beer pairings and a self-serve beer wall. Five Ten Bistro also offers ambiance, featuring a patio lit by string lights that sits next to a courtyard garden landscaped with a fountain and palm trees. “It’s more for brunch and on the pricey side, but it’s really good,” McCoy says.
Merced Antique Mall has some of everything in Downtown Merced.
Downtown Merced's Mainzer offers burgers and craft beer for any taste.
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Historic home architecture and the crime rate in downtown Merced
Centered around the Main Street business district, downtown Merced is composed of walkable, grid-style streets of single-family homes. The lots usually have enough space for fenced backyards, and the front yards are often landscaped with palm trees and boxwood shrubs. The area has plenty of street and alley parking. Some of the architecture includes bungalows, ranch-style homes, Victorians and Cape Cods. Downtown Merced features some standout historic homes with their own names, including the Kaehler-Rector House and the Historic Mansion House. Smaller homes range from $300,000 to $550,000, while larger homes range from $650,000 to $800,000. “It’s still one of the most affordable places in California,” says resident Tracy Anderson.
Downtown Merced's CAP Index crime score is a 7 out of 10, significantly higher than the national average of 4 out of 10. The neighborhood has especially high rates of motor vehicle theft and burglary, which are property crimes reflecting the city’s economic issues. In the last few years, rent and property values have skyrocketed due to a demand brought on by the University of Merced California, which opened in 2005. “As the university continues to grow, people won’t be able to live here, and there could be an increase of homeless people. The lack of jobs in Merced isn’t keeping up with rising cost of living,” says Anthony Anderson. Unhoused residents have become a priority for the city, which has outlined the Regionally Coordinated Homelessness Action Plan. Merced aims to create emergency shelters, transitional housing and affordable housing.
There are a wide variety of vintage home styles in the Downtown Merced area.
Homes in Downtown Merced feature a wide range of landscaping.
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Merced’s cultural cornerstones: the Merced County Courthouse Museum and a flourishing arts scene
Central to downtown, the Merced County Courthouse Museum is as historic as it is eye-catching. Designed to look like a palazzo, the Italian Renaissance building was completed in 1875. The local history museum has permanent and changing exhibits, some covering topics like the California gold rush and photography of Yosemite National Park from the early 1900s. Some locals have notable family heritage in the museum. “My grandfather’s name is Bruce Huddleston, and he was the first African American deputy sheriff in Merced County and worked during Jim Crow times. If you check the museum, there’s pictures of him there and pictures of our family store,” says Anthony Anderson, resident of Merced for over 40 years.
Downtown Merced’s creative scene continues to blossom, with a variety of visual and performing arts venues. Merced Multicultural Arts Center, the community gallery, showcases pieces by national and local artists. It also hosts events, including plays and live music like ukelele jam sessions. At the gallery, locals can take painting, drawing and dancing classes, some taught by the Merced Civic Ballet. One of the grandest buildings in the city, the Merced Theatre is a recently renovated Mediterranean structure that seats about 1,600. Performances include musicals, standup comedy and concerts for famous musicians like the Drifters and Josh Turner.
Downtown Merced's County Courthouse Museum is dedicated to preserving area history.
The Merced Multicultural Arts Center is a great place to see local art in Downtown Merced.
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Merced public schools, Merced College and the University of California Merced
John Muir and Fremont elementary schools both have C-plus grades on Niche. Herbert Hoover Middle School also has a C-plus, while Merced High School has a B. At the high school, there’s a diverse course catalog, with welding, accounting and sports medicine classes. For higher education, Merced College is a public community college that has an Agricultural and Industrial Technology Complex. This new building houses classrooms and lab space for horticulture, agribusiness and more. The University of California Merced has 60 undergraduate programs, including majors in biology, mechanical engineering and public health.
Welcome to Merced High School in Merced.
Welcome to Herbert Hoover Middle School in Merced.
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Applegate Park and Yosemite National Park
Applegate Park, on the northern edge of downtown, is best known for the Applegate Park Zoo. It has about 75 rescued animals native to California, including an albino boa constrictor named Lemon. Next to the zoo lies an amusement park section, where children can ride a rollercoaster and a train. The park also has a skatepark and a playground. One of the city’s nicknames is the “Gateway to Yosemite,” since it’s about 70 miles away from the world-famous national park. El Capitan Hotel is named after one of the park’s well-known rock formations.
Kids love the playground at Applegate Park in Merced.
Merced serves as a hub for travelers on their way to Yosemite National Park.
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Popular events in downtown Merced
The annual Original Merced Criterium Velo Promo bicycle race follows a route that goes past the Merced County Courthouse Museum and the Merced County Library. The event celebrated 37 years in March of 2024. More of the city’s downtown events include 5ks and fundraisers like the 2024 Walk to End Alzheimer's in October. “If you look, there’s always something to do every weekend: taco festivals and beer festivals downtown,” says Realtor Norma Lopez, who works with Keller Williams Property Team and has over a decade of experience in the area. One of her favorites is the Santa Stumble — where attendees walk to bars dressed as Santa and receive specials on food and drinks. The city has similar events for Halloween and St. Patrick’s Day.
Walkability, transit stations and a convenient Central Valley location
Downtown Merced is a walkable neighborhood, with plenty of public transportation, including an Amtrak train station on West 24th Street and a Greyhound bus station on West 16th Street. The neighborhood’s also next to U.S. Route 99, known as the Golden State Highway, which goes to Modesto, Fresno and links many other California highways. “One thing I love about this place is that I can go a few hours away to the South Bay, Monterey and Yosemite. It’s the elbow of California, so it’s a couple hours away from everything,” Tracy Anderson says. Only 3 miles north of downtown, the Dignity Health Hospital - Mercy Medical Center serves the community. Fresno International Airport, the closest major airport, is located 60 miles away.
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
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Robin Sexton,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Applegate Park
Stephen Leanard Park
Court House Square Park
McNamara Park
Bob Hart Square
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Downtown Merced
US
Homicide
7
4
Sexual Assault
7
4
Assault with Weapon
7
4
Robbery
7
4
Burglary
9
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
8
4
Larceny
7
4
Crime Score
7
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Downtown Merced Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Downtown Merced, Merced sell after 49 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Downtown Merced, Merced over the last 12 months is $330,000, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to 276 E 21st Street, Merced, CA 95340! This beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home offers 1,630 sqft of living space on a generous 10,019 sqft lot, providing ample room for outdoor activities or the potential addition of an ADU. Step inside to discover a freshly painted interior and exterior, new flooring throughout, updated hardware, and brand-new appliances that enhance the
Charming Two-Story Home Just Minutes from Downtown Merced. This beautifully maintained 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home offers warmth, space, and character in a convenient Merced location. From the moment you arrive, you'll feel the inviting charm that makes this residence stand out. Inside, enjoy attractive wood flooring throughout and two versatile living areas that provide comfort and room to unwind
Fully Renovated Home in the Heart of Merced. Welcome to this beautifully updated 3-bed 2 bath gem in the heart of Merced! With 1,000 sqft of thoughtfully designed living space, this home blends modern upgrades with classic charm. Fresh interior and exterior paint job, brand new flooring, and a modern electric fireplace that adds warmth and style to the living area. Fully remodeled kitchen
Nestled in the heart of Merced, this exceptional multifamily property is a rare gem for investors seeking high returns. With 10 spacious units, each offering 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, and in-unit laundry hookups, this property is thoughtfully designed to meet the needs of modern amenities. The interiors are tastefully upgraded, featuring granite countertops, elegant backsplash tile flooring, and
More Space, means More Possibilities in Merced! This 9,375 sq. ft. residential lot in Central Merced offers a rare opportunity—a larger lot size than any in this price range! Zoned R-1 and in an established neighborhood, this parcel gives you plenty of space to design the home you’ve been dreaming about, with room for a backyard, garden, or even a pool. Utilities are at property, and you're just
A prime investment opportunity in Merced! This professionally maintained 10-unit apartment complex is ideally located near Downtown Merced, shopping, dining, public transportation, and UC Merced making it a highly desirable option for tenants. Nine units features 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom and one is 2 bd 1 bath, with built-in bookshelves, a functional eat-at kitchen counter, attractive wood
Recently renovated and updated! With updates to flooring, paint, cabinets & counters, AC & heat, and so much more, you will love this rental! All stainless kitchen appliances included (dishwasher, microwave, stove, refrigerator) along with washer & dryer. Schools are Wright Elementary, Hoover Middle, and Golden Valley High. Landscaping, water, sewer, and garbage are included. Tenant pays all
Beautiful, 2 bed, 2 bath cottage apartment!! With 2 bedrooms and 2 full baths, tile floors, granite counters, washer, dryer, and all kitchen appliances included, you are set to move right in. As a bonus, it is separate from the other apartments, so you do not have any shared walls with your neighbors. Also, it is gated, and solar, landscaping, and pest control are included! Schools for this home
Great studio in downtown Merced! You will love this furnished and remodeled beauty. With great upgrades throughout, including off street parking in a fully gated yard, you are set to move right in. While the tenant has to pay for gas and electric, the owner is including internet, water, sewer, garbage, landscaping, and monthly housekeeping. Minimum lease is 3 months.
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Robin Sexton,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
10,241
Median Age
35
Population Density
8 ppl/acre
Population under 18
28.1%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
15.2%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$24,967
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$45,888
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
73.9%
College Graduates
14.8%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
6%
% Population in Labor Force
47.9%
Below the national average
65.1%
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
67/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
84/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
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.
