MERCED COUNTY
County Offices
2222 M Street
Merced 209-385-7434
www.co.merced.ca.us
Chamber of Commerce
531 West Main Street
Merced 209-384-7092
www.mercedchamber.com
Services
Although Merced County residents enjoy a rural lifestyle of country pleasures and a relaxed pace of living, they also have access to state-of-the-art medical and surgical services. Three major hospitals anchor the network of healthcare facilities: Memorial Hospital in Los Banos, Dos Palos Memorial Hospital, and Mercy Medical Center Merced. Mercy Medical complements its highly skilled medical staff with a number of specialized centers including the Mercy Cancer Center and radiological, maternity, cardiac, and emergency services. Other Mercy Medical specializations include a Family Care Clinic, a General Medicine Clinic, the Health Education Center, Mercy Home Care, a Kids Care Clinic, the Nurse Call Center, the Mercy Surgical/Diagnostic Center, and Mercy Therapy Services. Memorial Hospital in Los Banos and Dos Palos Memorial Hospital deliver advanced care in a patient-focused setting, making it possible for those who live in and near those communities to access first-rate healthcare close to home.
Newcomers to Merced County will find quality public and private schools that are complemented by two local institutions of higher education. Merced College is part of the California Public Community College system and was formed in 1962. Students of all ages can launch an affordable start on a four-year degree, learn new skills, earn certification in a variety of careers, or just take up a new hobby. The University of California at Merced is one of the latest additions to the highly respected University of California system, bringing a legacy of education, research, and public service to the San Joaquin Valley. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs and expects to accommodate an enrollment of 25,000 upon complete build-out, which is expected by the year 2030. The university is a reflection of the tremendous growth throughout Central California, and in turn will stimulate and reinforce economic expansion in this vast and scenic area.
Quality of Life
Anchored by the leading city of Merced, Merced County provides a medley of lifestyles and environments from urban neighborhoods to small rural communities. The region’s centralized location in California provides easy access to many of the state’s finest urban and natural amenities, including San Francisco and Yosemite National Park. The Sierra Nevada ski resorts are available for winter sports, and Merced County preserves more than one-third of California’s remaining wetlands. This unusual area has maintained incredible diversity, offering permanent and seasonal wetlands, riparian corridors, and native grassland. More than 550 species of birds, animals and plants, along with international shorebird reserves create a nature lover’s paradise. The county’s distinctive combination of favorable climate, natural resources, points of interest, and cultural diversity make this area an exciting and attractive place to live, work, and play.
The housing selection is diverse and affordable, ranging from elegant Victorians to beautiful new construction. Historic downtown districts like the picturesque center in Merced draw regional shoppers to antique shops and one-of-a-kind boutiques, while modern malls showcase the latest fashions from national retailers. Merced’s Multicultural Arts Center provides a focal point for the region’s cultural community, and both visual and performing arts are well represented. Other highlights in this area include the Applegate Park and Zoo, the Castle Air Museum, the Castle Science & Technology Center, the Challenger Learning Center, and the Merced Courthouse Museum. From its panoramic open spaces to its welcoming communities, Merced County blends the rustic charm of rural life with contemporary conveniences.
Atwater, Hilmar, Winton
Municipal Offices
209-357-6310
www.atwater.org
Chamber of Commerce
209-358-4251
www.atwaterchamberofcommerce.com
The fast-growing community of Atwater is striving to accommodate expansion in a controlled manner that preserves the city’s small-town values and quality of life. The city is conveniently located in the heart of California’s panoramic central valley directly off State Highway 99. Modesto is 30 miles to the north and Fresno is 60 miles to the south, adding a wealth of urban amenities to the friendliness and livability of a smaller community. The leading city of Merced is just minutes from home, and the spectacular Sierra Nevada Mountains offer world-class recreational opportunities and outdoor adventures within an hour’s drive. Steeped in tradition, the city dates back to the 1800s and has continuously evolved through the passing decades. Today’s city is influenced by its agricultural roots and the former Castle Air Force Base. The rural, unincorporated communities of Hilmar and Winton are located in close proximity to Atwater. Hilmar is best known as the home of the Hilmar Cheese Company, the largest single-site cheese and whey products manufacturer in the world.
Dos Palos
Municipal Offices
209-392-2174
http://dospaloscity.wixsite.com/dospalos
Chamber of Commerce
209-826-2495
www.losbanos.com
The incorporated municipality of Dos Palos is situated in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley near the geographic center of California. The city lies approximately halfway between San Jose and Fresno, providing easy access to a wealth of urban amenities and advantages. The boundaries of the district stretch from Merced County into Fresno County, although the majority of governmental business takes place in Merced County. Residents enjoy freeway access to some of California’s finest recreational destinations, including Yosemite National Park, San Francisco, Santa Cruz, Monterey, and Lake Tahoe. Closer to home, the San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area provides a scenic backdrop for many outdoor adventures.
Gustine
Municipal Offices
209-854-6471
www.cityofgustine.com
Chamber of Commerce
209-854-6975
www.gustinechamberofcommerce.com
The welcoming community of Gustine incorporated in 1915 and has enjoyed steady but moderate growth through the decades. Proud of its heritage, Gustine offers neat, well-kept neighborhoods and an equally attractive business community. Active clubs and organizations create opportunities for residents of all ages to become involved in community affairs and activities including 4-H. Recreational amenities are outstanding and feature lush parks, playgrounds, sports facilities, and a community swimming pool. The region surrounding Gustine provides a scenic backdrop for every imaginable outdoor adventure. California State University at Stanislaus, Merced College, and the University of California at Merced are all options for higher education close to home. Regional shopping malls complement the local retail shops.
Livingston
Municipal Offices
209-394-8041
www.livingstoncity.com
Chamber of Commerce
209-384-7092
www.mercedchamber.com
Enjoying a location near the leading cities of Modesto and Merced, the community of Livingston is nestled in the county’s agricultural area to offer a blend of rural pleasures with access to urban conveniences. Good schools and a local library are complemented by close proximity to Merced’s institutions of higher education that include one of California’s most recently constructed public universities. The housing selection in Livingston harmonizes a wide variety of architectural styles, prices, and sizes in both older, established neighborhoods and those that feature newer construction. Residents enjoy a close-knit atmosphere just minutes away from Merced County’s finest cultural, educational, entertainment, and shopping attractions. The McConnell State Recreation Area provides outstanding opportunities for four-season recreation and outdoor adventure close to home.
Los Banos, Santa Nella
Municipal Offices
209-827-7000
www.losbanos.org
Chamber of Commerce
209-826-2495
www.losbanos.com
The family-oriented community of Los Banos has managed to preserve its small-town flavor and quality of life as it has accommodated growth and development. Situated on the western side of Merced County, the city has grown into the second largest in the county. The Monterey Peninsula and the Pacific Ocean are accessible in 90 minutes, as are the major cities of Stockton and Fresno. Nearly 160,000 acres of pristine seasonal wetlands and grasslands bring visitors from around the world to the city. Outdoor enthusiasts also enjoy the San Luis Reservoir along with other state and federal wildlife areas and refuges. The downtown district is a vibrant center of retail and community activity, hosting colorful special events and drawing residents and visitors to a medley of shops, services, and entertainment centers. The unincorporated community of Santa Nella offers a rural atmosphere near Interstate 5 and the San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area.
Merced
Municipal Offices
209-388-7000
www.cityofmerced.org
Chamber of Commerce
209-384-7092
www.mercedchamber.com
The progressive and dynamic leading city of Merced is characterized by a youthful and diverse population. Lovely neighborhoods feature a pleasing blend of Victorian-era homes with majestic tree-shaded drives. The vibrant, revitalized downtown district features a number of contemporary developments. Recreational amenities are outstanding, including bike paths that are among the finest in any American city. Meandering streams, panoramic lakes, abundant parks, and well-managed sports facilities promote a healthy and active lifestyle. The city offers an active and well-developed cultural community, a vibrant new campus for the University of California, extensive shopping and services, respected schools, and urban amenities that are typically only found in significantly larger cities. The city’s status as the commercial, entertainment, cultural, and governmental hub for a regional population has no doubt driven much of the quality development.
