Living in Merced, CA offers a mix of small-town charm and natural beauty, with easy access to some of California’s most stunning landscapes. Known as 'The Gateway to Yosemite,' Merced is ideally located for those who love the great outdoors. The city is just a short drive from Yosemite National Park, providing residents with opportunities for hiking, camping, and exploring the breathtaking scenery of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
Merced’s dining scene is diverse, reflecting the city’s multicultural population. From local farm-to-table eateries to international cuisine, there’s something to satisfy every palate. The city’s downtown area is a hub of activity, featuring a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. The Merced Theatre, a beautifully restored historic venue, hosts a range of performances, from concerts to community events.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Merced offers plenty of opportunities for recreation. The city’s parks, including Lake Yosemite and Applegate Park, provide scenic spots for picnicking, fishing, and family outings. The Merced River is another local gem, offering opportunities for kayaking, rafting, and enjoying the natural beauty of the Central Valley.
Merced is also known for its strong sense of community and family-friendly atmosphere. The city hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including the Merced County Fair and the annual Christmas Parade, which bring residents together to celebrate and enjoy the festive spirit. The local schools and the presence of the University of California, Merced, make Merced an attractive place for families and students alike.
For those considering a move to California, Merced offers a unique blend of small-town charm, natural beauty, and community spirit. Whether you're drawn by its outdoor activities, cultural events, or proximity to Yosemite, living in Merced, CA provides a fulfilling and enjoyable lifestyle.
Amenities
Within the vicinity, you'll find a wealth of amenities, from restaurants and coffee shops to grocery stores and local shops, all easily accessible on foot.
Commute
High scores in the commute category could indicate that this area offers short commute times to work and readily available public transportation options.
Housing
The housing category in this area boasts higher than average scores, likely influenced by a positive home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Health & Safety
Earning a high health and safety score depends on factors such as good air quality and the availability of essential health facilities like hospitals, clinics, doctors, and fire stations.
Crime
High crime rates per 100,000 people are reported in this area, potentially indicating that it is an unsafe place to live. These statistics consider both violent and property offenses.
Merced, California is a mid-sized city with a population of 84,081 people. With a population density of 3,616 people per square mile, Merced is well above the nation's average density level. More than a quarter of the residents of Merced identify themselves as Hispanic or Latino, and 38% of the population speak Spanish as their primary or secondary language. The median age of all Merced residents is 30, which is well below the national average. This is a good indication that this city could be ideal for a younger demographic. Merced is not known to have a high population (over 15 years old) of married people. At only 45% married, this city falls well below the national average. On a daily basis, the typical American spends approximately 26 minutes on their one-way work commute. Reduced travel times not only contributes to increased overall happiness, but also affords more opportunities to cherish moments with family and friends. If you're living in Merced, your commute time will align closely with the national average, spanning a one-way duration of approximately 28 minutes.
Without the right tools, relocating to any new area can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Merced, California could be a great experience for anyone who puts in the effort to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. Finding the best places to live in Merced and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes crime, cost of living, commute, housing and other important metrics.
Merced, CA receives 78/100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #80 in California and #2,028 in the USA. Compared to the national average, Merced ranks among some of the best places to live in the country! Another exciting tidbit, is that Merced ranks better than 90% of all US cities! If we explore each of the categories on their own, we see that Merced ranks well for amenities (A+), education (B) and housing (A). Merced does not rank well for the following: crime (F), cost of living (D-) and employment (D). It might be a good idea to take a closer look at each category to find out why.
The mantra of real estate, "location, location, location," underscores the importance of where a property is situated, making it a pivotal factor in your quest for a new home. Fortunately, when you're living in Merced, you'll discover an abundance of exceptional local amenities and lots of things to do. Among these are conveniently located grocery stores, charming coffee shops, diverse dining options and plenty of spacious parks. These local amenities contribute significantly to its overall appeal, ensuring that your daily needs are met and offering ample opportunities for leisure and recreation. When considering your next move, the thriving local scene in Merced undoubtedly enhances its desirability, affirming the significance of its prime location.
A healthy real estate market serves as a key economic indicator. It could signify overall local economic strength, stability and reflects consumer confidence in the area. Based on multiple factors including: median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability, Merced has received high marks in the housing category. Based on these calculations, the apartment rental and real estate market appears to be very healthy.
There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Merced is actually affordable. The median home price for Merced homes is $251,500, which is 38.6% lower than the California average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Merced, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 5, which is 21.9% lower than the California average.
| Statistic | Merced | California | National |
| Average one way commute | 28min | 28min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 77.8% | 73.5% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 7.4% | 10.6% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 1.9% | 5.2% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.6% | 1.1% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 1.7% | 2.7% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 4.3% | 5.4% | 4.6% |
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