Merced, CA

[stepper77]

Merced, CA (pop 80,608)

Located about 42 miles south of Modesto in the San Joaquin Valley, Merced, historically known as the "Gateway to Yosemite", is the location of the newest University of California Campus among other things. (And P.S. the city isn't as devoid of human life as it may appear in my photos).

























































































































































Given the current budget situation, tuition increases, cut back in classes and the possibility of salary reductions and furloughs for us employees at UC, my impression walking the new UC Merced campus was "Looks nice, but, what's the point?". Not to mention, the campus is a good 10 minute drive outside of town.
























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Tour of California

1: Los Angeles, 2: Hollywood, Glendale, Pasadena, Beverly Hills, 3: Riverside, Santa Ana, Long Beach, 4: San Jose, 5: San Diego, 6: Fresno, 7: Stockton, Modesto, 8: Gold Country, 9: Eureka, Arcata, 10: Monterey, Carmel, 11: Santa Cruz, 12: Sacramento Pt One, 13: Sacramento Pt Two, 14: Roseville & Folsom, 15: Concord & Walnut Creek, 16: Tri-Valley, 17: Berkeley, Emeryville, 18: Fremont, 19: Santa Clara, Mountain View, Palo Alto, 20: Redwood City, Foster City, San Mateo, 21: Oakland, 22: Benicia, Vallejo, 23: Napa, St. Helena, 24: Petaluma, Santa Rosa, Sonoma, 25: San Rafael, 26: Larkspur, Mill Valley, 27: Sausalito, Tiburon, 28: Hollister, San Juan Bautista, 29: Long Beach 2008, 30: Venice, 31: Santa Monica, 32: Sacramento Pt 3, 33: Solvang, 34: Alameda, 35: Knights Ferry, 36: California Zephyr, 37: Colfax, 38: Davis, 39: Oakdale, 40: San Francisco Pt 1, San Francisco Pt 2, 41: Chico, Redding, 42: Kings Beach

[plinko]

Assuredly the only Merced thread ever, thanks so much for the comprehensive tour. I think Merced is likely the nicest city between LA and Sacramento. I've been there a couple of times (usually on the way to Yosemite).

[HarshLiving]

Thanks stepper for representing the valley. I live in Merced County (Livingston) and UC merced is a great thing for this area. The location is not in the city but its got great potential to grow. Plus having Michelle Obama being there helped it gain some attention. Look for great things from UC Merced in the future. Plus I will be attending it this fall.

[ChrisLA]

I've been to Merced, but mostly only passing through, and or stopping to get something to eat, and a bathroom break. So bascially this is the most I've seen of this beautiful city. Thanks for sharing.

[Kingofthehill]

Looking good, Merced. The town, like many older ones in CA, seems to have a healthy stock of charming buildings.

[xzmattzx]

Nice pictures. These California cities seem to have nice theaters.

[glowrock]

Originally Posted by plinko

Assuredly the only Merced thread ever, thanks so much for the comprehensive tour. I think Merced is likely the nicest city between LA and Sacramento. I've been there a couple of times (usually on the way to Yosemite).

Haven't been through Merced except down the 99, but from these photos, I'd say Merced and Hanford have it beat for nice small downtown areas!

Aaron (Glowrock)

[LAsam]

Wow, looks much nicer than I expected... that's for the educational thread! I, like many other, only have the 99 experience of Merced.

[202_Cyclist]

Stepper77- The point of the UC Merced campus, from what I've read in a column in the Sacramento Bee several years ago, was largely to encourage more development of single-family homes in the Valley. The column portrayed this campus largely as a gift to developers (much as UC Irvine encouraged the development of surrounding communities in the 1960s). Fresno, which as a large, underserved population, would have been a much better choice for a new UC campus.

[Thundertubs]

Nice tour! More appealing than I would have thought. I like the residential areas in particular.

[HarshLiving]

Originally Posted by 202_Cyclist

Stepper77- The point of the UC Merced campus, from what I've read in a column in the Sacramento Bee several years ago, was largely to encourage more development of single-family homes in the Valley. The column portrayed this campus largely as a gift to developers (much as UC Irvine encouraged the development of surrounding communities in the 1960s). Fresno, which as a large, underserved population, would have been a much better choice for a new UC campus.

Fresno already has Fresno St.

[kcexpress69]

Looks like a pretty peaceful town. Despite the age, the univercity looked pretty cool. I also liked that little tower on top of the theater. Thanks!!

[dktshb]

Wow, there are some really beautiful sturctures there in Merced. I didn't realize that the central valley is dotted with many gems.

Beautiful photography, thanks for sharing.

[mello]

Merced just stepped up in my book. I like the old white five floor building with the fire escapes. Looks great.

[denveraztec]

Beautiful shots of some great buildings, particularly liked the Art Deco and Victorians. As you know when we met in San Francisco, I love the Deco!!! Thanks for the post!

[Roaming]

Beautiful California town!

[SLO]

Thanks for that. Ive always heard good things about Merced. Very nice. Downtown Lodi is worth a look too...

[whatsthepoint13]

I've always wanted to see this town!

[peanut gallery]

Another fine tour, stepper. I'm not sure if I've ever been through Merced (perhaps going to Yosemite as a kid) but I know I never saw this much of it. It looks like a very pleasant place.

[Jularc]

Stunning architecture!