$326,728Average Value$259Average Price per Sq Ft24Homes 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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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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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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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.
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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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
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to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Downtown Merced
US
Homicide
5
4
Sexual Assault
8
4
Assault with Weapon
7
4
Robbery
7
4
Burglary
6
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
7
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 59 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Downtown Merced, Merced over the last 12 months is $320,000, down 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Timeless Charm Meets Modern Living in the Heart of Merced!Welcome to this beautifully updated 1905 classic, where historic character blends seamlessly with thoughtful modern upgrades. Centrally located in Merced, this home places you just minutes from shopping, theatres, restaurants, and public transportation, offering both convenience and a vibrant lifestyle right outside your
A well-maintained 15-unit multifamily offers a desirable unit mix consisting of 6 studios, 4 one-bedroom/one-bath units, and 5 two-bedroom/one-bath units—providing strong appeal to a broad tenant base and supporting consistently high occupancy levels. The property is a gated community equipped with security cameras throughout, offering enhanced safety and peace of mind for residents. A centrally
Welcome to 1013 & 1017 Santa Fe in Mercedtwo fully detached single-family homes on one parcel, both 2 bed/1 bath, updated, turnkey, and ideal for seasoned investors, multigenerational living, or house hacking. Each home offers a clean, functional layout plus its own detached garage and private yard, providing true separation and privacy with strong long-term rental appeal. Live in one and rent
Welcome to 15 E 22nd St! This updated three-bedroom, two-bath home offers a functional open floor plan and convenient alley access. Tile flooring flows throughout the main living areas, complemented by carpeted bedrooms. The kitchen features granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and a breakfast bar. An indoor laundry room with built-in cabinets. Both bathrooms are appointed with modern
Prime Investment Opportunity with Incredible Upside! This rare R3-zoned property offers exceptional cash flow potential and endless possibilities. Featuring a large, beautiful church building and two single-family homes, all conveniently located near downtown and shopping. The church includes two separate restrooms with stalls and a spacious rec room, with potential for conversion to a rec center
Welcome to this charming three-bedroom, two-bath home filled with character and thoughtful updates throughout. Step inside to find inviting laminate flooring, a cute, updated kitchen with granite counters and an enclosed sun porch that adds the perfect spot to relax! Indoor laundry room (right off the kitchen) adds everyday convenience and includes extra storage space, while the awesome updated
Cozy home to call your own. Detached garage for extra room, or cars, toys, or storage. Close to shopping, schools, freeway. Home is in a nice established neighborhood with great neighbors.
Charming 1939 home blending timeless character with thoughtful modern updates. This 3-bedroom, 2-bath residence offers approximately 1,636 square feet of living space on a generous 7,500 square foot lot. Original hardwood flooring showcases the home's classic charm, while tasteful modern touches provide comfort for today's lifestyle. The spacious primary suite has been fully updated and serves as
Karen CookRealty Executives of Northern California
CHARMING OLDER HOME located in established neighborhood is ready for a new owner. This 3 bedroom, 2 bath home reeks of sweetness and includes nearly 1200 SF of living space. Both bathrooms have pedestal sinks and tile floors. Shower over tub in guest bath. Walk in shower in Master. Functional kitchen with gas stove, microwave, tile counters, nice wood cabinetry and adjoining separate area
Step into this timeless 4-bedroom, 3-bath legacy home on Bear Creek Drive, lovingly owned and meticulously cared for by the same owner since the 1970s. Set on a sprawling half-acre lot directly across from Bear Creek, this property offers a rare combination of space, privacy, and natural beauty that's increasingly hard to find. From the moment you arrive, mature trees and established landscaping
Welcome to 2250 Orchard Ave in Merced, a cozy and versatile home perfect for a starting family or savvy investor. This property features 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, plus a flex room that can easily be used as a third bedroom, home office, or creative space to fit your needs. The home offers a functional layout with comfortable living areas and plenty of natural light, creating a warm and inviting
$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
This property is available. Please inquire on this site to schedule a showing. Welcome to your new home at 132 W 18th St, Merced, CA 95340! This charming rental property offers a blend of comfort and convenience, perfect for those seeking a peaceful living environment. The exterior showcases a well-maintained courtyard with lush greenery, providing a serene setting for relaxation or
Charming 1 bedroom unit, fully furnished and waiting for you! You will love all this apartment has to offer. It comes with all furnishings, stove, fridge, microwave, and even a washer and dryer. It even has off-street parking and housekeeping! Water, sewer, garbage, landscaping, and wifi included. Tenant pays electric & gas. Minimum lease term is 3 months.
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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.
