Merced is in the heart of California’s San Joaquin Valley and serves as the county’s commercial, entertainment, cultural and governmental hub. With a population of 81,102 people, it retains the charm of a small town yet offers amenities routinely found in larger cities.
Known as the “Gateway to Yosemite,” the city boasts a low cost of living and first-rate quality of life. Merced enjoys close proximity to Yosemite National Park and is a convenient two-hour drive from San Francisco and Sacramento. The city is surrounded by natural beauty that includes meandering streams, walking trails, abundant parks, an extensive bike path system and walking trails. The scenic Lake Yosemite, which is adjacent to the campus, offers beautiful views and seasonal recreational activities that include fishing and sailing.
Merced’s emerging downtown area is home to a number of quaint boutiques, coffee houses, a cinemaplex, eateries, historic buildings, cultural centers and the beautifully restored Merced Theatre. The city hosts a number of parades, annual events and celebrations such as Shakespearefest and the Merced Art Hop. Also located downtown is the Merced Multicultural Arts Center — a modern, open three-story facility that provides space and support for arts education, training, world-class performances and tours.
Fresno
About an hour drive south of Merced, Fresno is California’s fifth largest city and serves as a financial, commercial, agricultural and industrial capital in the central San Joaquin Valley. Fresno Yosemite International Airport provides convenient nonstop air service connections for business and leisure travelers.
Fresno provides a diverse assortment of activities to suit many interests. The city is home to Fresno State, which is part of the California State University system, and the Fresno Chaffee Zoo. Sports enthusiasts can enjoy the Fresno Monsters, a junior A Tier III ice hockey team, and the Fresno Grizzlies, a minor league baseball team.
Modesto
Known as the city of “Water, Wealth, Contentment and Health,” Modesto serves as the seat of Stanislaus County and has a population of about 200,000. Approximately a 45-minute drive north of Merced, the city is the birthplace of iconic filmmaker George Lucas, who immortalized his hometown in the movie “American Graffiti.”
With a thriving downtown that has an active nightlife and is home to the beautiful Gallo Arts Center, visitors can also take in countless activities – including concerts, the Modesto Symphony, sporting activities and more.
Modesto also serves as the headquarters of E.&J. Gallo Winery, one of Stanislaus County’s largest employers and the largest winery in the world.
Turlock
Turlock is a 30-minute drive north of Merced and is the second largest city in Stanislaus County with a population of more than 70,000 people. Home to the Turlock Community Theatre, Carnegie Arts Center and California State University, Stanislaus, Turlock provides a host of cultural art experiences, sports activities, a range of medical facilities and nearly two dozen parks. Its quaint downtown area includes antique shops, boutiques, artisan restaurants, pubs, cafes and unique gift shops.
Mariposa
Mariposa, which takes its name from the Spanish word for butterfly, is situated in the foothills of California’s Sierra Nevada, at the 2,000-foot elevation. The town has a population of approximately 1,170 people and serves as the county seat, with all local and most of the state and federal government offices located there. Mariposa possesses a rich history, historic buildings and architecture. The Mariposa County Courthouse, erected in 1854, is California's oldest seat of justice and is the oldest county courthouse in continuous use west of the Rockies. The Mariposa Museum and History Center houses an impressive collection of historical artifacts.
One doesn’t have to travel far to enjoy the region’s scenic beauty and robust outdoor activities that include hiking, camping, rafting, boating and more. Don Pedro Lake, Lake McClure and Lake McSwain recreation areas, and Forestiere Underground Gardens are within an hour’s drive.
People who have a bit more time can make the 90-minute drive to Yosemite National Park or Knight’s Ferry, an important historical and mining town during the Gold Rush era that is currently home to the longest covered bridge west of the Mississippi.
The adjoining Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Park protects immense mountains, deep canyons, huge trees and stunningly diverse habitats. Travel on the Generals Highway, which ascends to more than 5,000 feet from chaparral and oak-studded foothills to the awe-inspiring sequoia groves. From there, trails lead to the high-alpine wilderness which makes up most of these parks. Beneath the surface lie many beautiful caverns.
Columbia State Historic Park, near Sonora, is one of the most well-preserved Gold Rush communities. Visitors can take a ride a 100-year-old stagecoach, go horseback riding, pan for gold or tour an active gold mine.
Students and faculty, staff and community members can access childcare options for children age 5 and younger at the UC Merced Early Childhood Education Center, which is accredited by the National Accreditation Commission for Early Care and Education Programs. Childcare information is also accessible through the Merced County Early Care and Education Department.
Additional information about regarding area schools and districts can be found through the Merced County Office of Education, the Merced County Schools Annual Education Report and the California School Finder.
