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Merced is a dynamic community of about 79,715 people, with friendly small town living in a mid-size city. The University of California Merced campus, opened in 2005, provides new educational and economic opportunity, adding to the already-established growth of the region. Merced’s population is youthful and diverse.
Located in the heart of California’s agricultural Central Valley, Merced is the region’s hub for education, culture, and business. The community offers abundant shopping, pleasant neighborhoods and tree-lined streets. Bicycle paths along creeks link major City parks. Even with recent increases in prices, Merced’s housing remains affordable compared to many other California locations. Merced’s revitalized downtown is emerging as the entertainment center of the area. Annual events and festivals bring regional and even national recognition.
Merced’s Valley location southeast of San Francisco provides easy access to the central California coast, Sierra Nevada mountains and national parks, and major cities. Merced has historically been the “Gateway to Yosemite”, and residents also enjoy short drives to skiing, beaches, fishing, and other outdoor attractions.
The City of Merced is located in the Central Valley of California. The City is located approximately 110 miles southeast of San Francisco and 310 miles northwest of Los Angeles. The City has a population of about 76,255 as of 1/1/06, according to the State Dept of Finance and serves as the county seat. Merced is located on Highway 99, the dominant north-south freeway in California, and is served also by Highways 140 and 59. Two railroads, Union Pacific and Burlington Northern / Santa Fe, have main lines which pass through the City.
Merced was incorporated in 1889 and operates under the Council-Manager form of government. Merced's population has grown faster than the state average since 1980. Over the past nine years, the annualized growth rate is about 3.4%. This rapid expansion of population has stimulated significant retail growth since 1992. Several major retail chain stores have entered Merced, adding over 750,000 square feet of new retail space in that time and increasing the City's sales tax receipts by over $500,000 annually.
The economy has traditionally relied upon agribusiness and upon the presence of Castle Air Force Base. Over the past twenty years, more diversified industry has entered the area, including printing, fiberglass boat building, warehousing and distribution, and packaging industries.
In September 1995, Castle Air Force Base closed after phasing down over the previous three years. This has affected residential real estate and some sectors of the retail and service economies, but overall retail has continued to increase. No significant increase in unemployment has been noted. Re-use of the former base is actively proceeding.Industrial development is increasing in the area.
Since 1992, more than 400,000 square feet of new industrial activity has started. In May 1995, Merced was selected as the home of the next University of California campus. UC Merced opened with its first 1,000 students in September 2005. Local planning is underway to accommodate campus development, will eventually accommodate about 25,000 students.
While the future holds great promise, that future will be built on the solid foundation established by those who have gone before us. Merced is a wonderful place to live, and the community is committed to preserving our special quality of life.
Merced boasts dozens of tree-shaded parks, miles upon miles of bike paths, municipal and private golf courses, and plenty of choices for sailing, water skiing, and fishing. Lake Yosemite is a favorite with sailors and windsurfers alike, and its grassy, tree-lined shore makes a perfect setting for a Sunday afternoon picnic. Or you may prefer to take in an afternoon concert at the Merced Open Air Theatre, one of many cultural programs supported by the Merced County Arts Council. Recreational and cultural opportunities certainly contribute to that special quality of life in Merced, but what may be more important is the sense of community that is shared by the people who live here. Businesses and individuals take pride in their volunteer accomplishments. Local government is responsive to community needs.
Perhaps it is our agricultural roots, but Merced has maintained a small town environment in an urban setting. Neighborhoods are still the building blocks of the community. Wide, tree-lined streets and spacious homes offer a pleasant contrast to the congested residential areas of larger cities. Neighbors spend time together, watch out for each other, and backyard barbecues are a way of life.
We invite you to consider investing in Merced. Affordable land and labor costs, good transportation access, and a location central to major markets should motivate your strategic planners. Affordable homes, abundant recreational opportunities, and friendly neighbors will motivate your workers.
The City of Merced and its surrounding areas provide an abundant labor force, including both skilled and unskilled workers, at very reasonable wage rates. True to the area’s agricultural roots, these workers tend to be hard working and loyal, resulting in low turnover rates for local employers.
WorkNet of Merced County is a consortium of job training and recruitment agencies, including Merced College, the Merced County Private Industry Training Department, and the Employment Development Department. The agencies work together as a unit to meet employer’s needs.
Businesses locating in Merced can reduce the costs of recruiting, screening, and training employees by taking advantage of several available programs through WorkNet of Merced County.
Learn more about this city
City of MERCED, CA official site
City of MERCED, CA chamber of commerce
City of MERCED, CA general information
City of MERCED, CA yellow pages
City of MERCED, CA newspaper
County of MERCED, CA official site
State of California official site