Longtime lurker here, I'm a remote worker and It's a a smaller city city with about 89,766 people. Average temperature is around 63--F, so the weather is moderate. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Is this normal for Merced? TIA!
19 upvotes
12 Replies
Jack Roberts
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a project manager who relocated here from New York about 4 years ago. The main reasons were family and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Lots of new development happening
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are stable, gas is underrated.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Hope this helps!.
38 upvotes
Allison B.
facts
37 upvotes
Lydia Rogers
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 55, moved here 7 years ago from Dallas. I've lived in Oak Park and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Lots of new development happening
2. Affordable housing options
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Not very walkable outside downtown
3. The cost of living situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for families. excellent vibes, walkable.
- West: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Dallas, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
35 upvotes
Daniel Bailey
Hot take but the quality of life is solid. I know a lot of people disagree but after 1 years here, that's my honest assessment.
28 upvotes
Landon Ross
Saving this thread
23 upvotes
Logan Carter
same here
22 upvotes
Ruby Reed
underrated comment
22 upvotes
Hannah Stewart
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is weather. it's been a really good experience overall. Worth doing your research before committing.
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