$333,122Average Value$263Average Price per Sq Ft29Homes 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.
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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 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to 59 W. 27th Street in Merced, a charming property ideally situated in an established neighborhood close to schools, shopping, parks, and downtown amenities. This move in ready home offers a wonderful opportunity for first-time buyers, growing families, or investors looking for a property with convenience and potential. Refreshed with interior paint and flooring with an open floor
Charming 19th Street Home Near Downtown Merced! Welcome to this inviting 2-bedroom, 1-bath home conveniently located just minutes from Downtown Merced. Enjoy the neighborhood from the quaint front porch, or step inside to find wood flooring throughout and a welcoming formal dining room. The kitchen features a tile backsplash, while the indoor laundry room offers added convenience with ample
Originally built in 1952 and creatively redesigned with repurposed treasures from throughout California, this one-of-a-kind Bear Creek property is unlike anything else in Merced. Set along the creek on a 15,762 sq. ft. lot, this 2,609 sq. ft. home offers 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, spacious living areas, and breathtaking views from both inside and out. Designed for the buyer who wants something
14 unit apartment complex. 2 one bedroom one bath units renting for $1050 market rent is $1200. 4 two bedroom one bath units renting for $1300 market rent is $1400. 8 three bedroom one bath units renting for $1400 market rent is $1600. All units have their own laundry rooms. Complex is downtown across from Amtrak station and a easy walking distance to shopping, schools, parks and train station.
Welcome to 1163 W 25th St, a beautifully remodeled single-story home located in the desirable Spaghetti Acres neighborhood of Merced. Offering 1,772 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space on an oversized 9,409-square-foot lot, this 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom residence delivers the perfect combination of luxury finishes and everyday functionality at an attainable price point. Built in 1956
Size+/-23 Assessed AcresPlantingsProperty is planted to Supareil and Nonpareil Almonds, planted 2016.ImprovementsThere is a fenced equipment yard and barn on the property.WaterProperty is located within the Merced Irrigation District (MID) and has one (1) ag well.SoilSee ‘Soil Map’ for details.LegalMerced County APNs: 215-100-015-000
?Welcome to 409 W 25th St. This 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom single-family home offers nearly 1,000 square feet of living space and is ready for someone with a vision. It presents an excellent opportunity for buyers or investors looking to put their personal touch on a home. The layout features a spacious living room, two well-sized bedrooms, and a functional kitchen, all with the potential to be
Beautifully remodeled from the inside out, this inviting home blends timeless character with thoughtful modern updatesand offers flexibility that's hard to find. Step inside to a bright, welcoming interior filled with natural light and an easy flow from one space to the next. The remodeled kitchen and bathrooms, updated lighting and windows, indoor laundry and carefully selected finishes create a
This fully REMODELED DUPLEX features two vacant 2-bedroom, 1-bath units, making it easy to move into one side, lease both at market rents, or choose your own tenants from day one. Extensively renovated from top to bottom, the property offers peace of mind with a new roof, updated plumbing, new electrical wiring, modern appliances, in door washer/dryer and quality finishes throughout. With both
Charming move in ready home with all the updates! Upon arrival the curb appeal and welcoming front porch will draw you in. As you enter the great room has plenty of natural light, new LVP flooring and new fixtures. The well appointed kitchen showcases new shaker style cabinetry, quartz counters and stylish subway tile backsplash. There's 3 bedrooms 1.75 baths, new dual pane windows, roof and so
Rob SparksBetter Homes and Gardens Real Estate GoldLeaf
Great starter home or investment property! This charming home is situated in an established neighborhood with mature landscaping and is close to schools. 3 bedrooms and 1 bath, the home is in very nice condition: Entire interior just painted. Hardwood floor professionally refinished. New vinyl in kitchen and bath. New roof to be installed prior to close of escrow. Dual pane windows throughout.
Adorable and well-maintained 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom home offering comfort, charm, and plenty of potential! Step inside to a spacious and inviting living room filled with natural light that flows seamlessly into the dining area, creating a warm and welcoming space for everyday living and entertaining. The adorable kitchen offers both functionality and charm. A generously sized indoor laundry room
The beautiful apartment is clean and accessible with stainless steel appliances and tile flooring throughout. This 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom unit includes washer and dryer hookups and a convenient carport. This apartment could be the perfect home for anyone. Conveniently located within walking distance of schools, public transportation, a shopping center, and a pleasant neighborhood. Please submit
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
Property Id: 154508 $1200 a month plus $1200 deposit. Water and garbage included. (tenant responsible for PG&E) 1 bedroom 1 bath duplex. Gas stove, Window AC unit, wall heater, ceiling fan. Freshly painted, bathroom newly renovated, new laminate/vinyl flooring through out house. Private, Large low maintenance yard. Plenty of Street parking. No pets Se habla
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.
Conveniently located near schools and shopping. This 2 bedroom/1 bathroom townhouse has been freshly painted throughout. New carpet located in hallway, stairs, and bedrooms. Kitchen includes stove/oven and refrigerator. Covered back patio with access to on site parking. Apply Today! Water, sewer, trash included. No pets preferred
Spacious 1-bedroom, 1-bath upstairs apartment with all-tile flooring throughout! Enjoy the comfort of central A/C and heat, plus a cozy living area, dining space, and a fully equipped kitchen. Rent includes water, sewer, garbage, and lawn care services. Located just off N St, near 23rd St in Merced, convenient and comfortable living!!!Credit inquiries are soft pulls and will not reflect
$1,300 per month
Price drop! Move in Special $200.00 off the first month's Rent
2 spacious bedrooms and 1 full bathroom, the property is designed to meet your living needs with style and functionality.The interior features vinyl plank flooring and carpet, along with a washer/dryer connection for added convenience. Thoughtfully laid out, the home maximizes space and creates a welcoming atmosphere ideal for both relaxation and everyday living. Large windows fill the
2553 Glen Ave, a delightful rental property nestled in the heart of vibrant Merced, CA. This inviting two-bedroom, one-bathroom unit.FEES & INITIAL PAYMENTSApplication Fee: $60 per legal adult (non-refundable for any reason)Security Holding Deposit: Due within 24 hours of viewing the property to reserve your spotFirst Month's Rent (pro-rated if applicable) due at
Cute, cute, cute!! Don’t miss out on this 1 bedroom/1 bathroom home with fresh interior paint. Indoor laundry room for your convenience. Central HVAC. Kitchen includes electric cooktop, wall oven, and refrigerator. Storage shed and carport parking. Close to Merced County Library and a short drive away from downtown. Apply today!*W/S/G included.*Landscaping included.*No pets
This delightful 3 bedroom/1 bathroom home is equipped with a den and bonus room. Creating lots of space to enjoy. Located on a tree lined street. Close to schools and a walking trail. Recent generous upgrades throughout. Kitchen includes gas stove, dishwasher and refrigerator. Indoor laundry room. Landscaping and pest control included.Tenant responsible for all utilities.Pets
Comfortable and convenient one-bedroom apartment just minutes from downtown Merced's shops, restaurants, and Bear Creek trails. This unit offers a functional layout with a full bathroom, a kitchen with stove and refrigerator included.Please be prepared to attached the following documents to your online application: a valid picture ID/Driver's License and verification of income (two most
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.
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