So, My family moved here when I was a kid. Household incomes average around $59,938 in Merced. Median household income is $59,938, which feels about average for the area. It's a a smaller city city with about 89,766 people. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The suburbs are where most families end up. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The suburbs are where most families end up. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
16 upvotes
4 Replies
Isabella M.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 7 years ago from Chicago and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Midtown. It's tough for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in consulting. If you're in finance you might struggle.
People: Generally excellent. It took about 9 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: excellent. Tons of options if you like Korean.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
40 upvotes
Hailey Hill
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 4 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is weather. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the walkability is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Springfield side vs the Uptown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
35 upvotes
Bruce H.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are tough, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
5 upvotes
Lydia Ramos
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 26, moved here 7 years ago from Houston. I've lived in Highland and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Can feel isolated
3. The cost of living situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for retirees. tough vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: 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 Houston, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
All Countries
