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Lydia Cooper
housing
Housing market in Merced right now
Hey folks, Poverty rate is 18.6%, which is higher than I expected. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
19 upvotes
3 Replies
Arianna Harris
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 37, moved here 7 years ago from Miami. I've lived in Westside and Sunset, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The safety situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for young professionals. tough vibes, walkable.
- Sunset: 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 Miami, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $80K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 37, moved here 7 years ago from Miami. I've lived in Westside and Sunset, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The safety situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for young professionals. tough vibes, walkable.
- Sunset: 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 Miami, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $80K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
19 upvotes
David Perez
Public transit is average here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
17 upvotes
Kennedy
accurate
5 upvotes