$331,893Average Value$251Average Price per Sq Ft15Homes 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
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Eric Van Denk,
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
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Downtown Merced, Merced sell after 43 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Downtown Merced, Merced over the last 12 months is $328,772, up 3% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Stunning 1925 Home – Completely Remodeled!This beautifully updated 4-bedroom, 2-bath home sits on a large lot and seamlessly blends historic charm with modern luxury. The extra-large primary suite features a spa-like ensuite with a rain shower head and granite countertops for a touch of elegance. The home boasts generous-sized bedrooms, providing ample space and comfort.The
Charming 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom home in Merced has been recently remodeled. Located just walking distance from Circle Park and close to shopping and amenities, it offers the perfect blend of convenience and comfort. The spacious backyard features plenty of room for gatherings, an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) and has RV/ boat access. Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity, come take a
Vintage Home in a Tranquil Park-Like Setting Welcome to this meticulously maintained 5-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home, gracefully situated on an expansive 21,000 sq ft lot. Surrounded by lush, mature trees and vibrant landscaping, the front and backyards offer a peaceful, park-Like ambianceideal for both lively outdoor entertaining and quiet moments of relaxation. Inside, you'll find a thoughtfully
Beautifully renovated luxury apartments waiting for you! These stunning apartments have been renovated from floor to ceiling with both an updated kitchen and bathroom. It comes with stove, dishwasher, and refrigerator included. In this gated community, you are close to downtown shopping and restaurants. Tenant pays electric and gas. Water, sewer, garbage, pest control, and landscaping are all
Property Id: 1807865CHECK OUT THIS BEAUTY?? SPACIOUS 3 BEDROOM ONE BATH UPGRADED HOME FEATURES TWO LIVING ROOMS WITH SPACIOUS BEDROOMS AND A BEAUTIFUL BACK YARD SITTING ON A OVERSIZED LOT WITH LOTS OF ROOM FOR ENTERTAINING OR JUST ENJOYING THE WARM SUNSHINE GREAT FOR KIDS WALKING DISTANCE TO SHOPPING CENTERS PARKS AND SCHOOLS GREAT LOCATION A MUST SEE MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TODAY
This charming home could be yours today! This home has recently been given a loving renovation with wood ceilings, new recessed lights, and kitchen updates. It also comes with a refrigerator, stove, and microwave, as well as a storage space at the back of the house with washer and dryer hookups. There is even a storage shed in the backyard, and off-street, covered parking. Schools for this home
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Eric Van Denk,
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®
85/ 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.
