University of California, Merced

Merced, CA

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University of California, Merced - Merced, CA

Area Guide

Root for the Bobcats in your navy and gold

UCM UC Merced Bobcats Public Modern Growing Vibrant Engaging Welcoming

The University of California Merced initially opened in 2005 as the newest campus in the University of California system and the first American research university of the 21st century. UC Merced continues to grow, serving as a major base of advanced research, a model of sustainable design and construction, and a stimulus to economic growth and diversification throughout the region.

Adjacent to Lake Yosemite, UC Merced is convenient to numerous houses available for rent within close proximity to campus. Easy access to the Golden State Highway and the Central Yosemite Highway makes for straightforward commutes and travels from the UCM campus.

Almost 200 student clubs and organizations, research and internship opportunities, NAIA Division II Bobcat athletics, and on-campus events contribute to UCM’s vibrant atmosphere. The City of Merced offers many options for outdoor recreation in addition to a number of community events and festivals. Downtown Merced is teeming with quaint shops, cafes, eateries, historic buildings, and cultural centers. Destinations like Yosemite National Park, San Francisco, and San Jose are all less than three hours’ driving distance from UCM too.

Rent Trends

As of September 2025, the average apartment rent in Merced, CA is $751 for a studio, $1,198 for one bedroom, $1,429 for two bedrooms, and $1,627 for three bedrooms. Apartment rent in Merced has increased by 1.7% in the past year.

  • Studio

  • 402 sq ft

    Average Sq Ft

  • $751/month

    Average Rent

  • 1 BR

  • 598 sq ft

    Average Sq Ft

  • $1,198/month

    Average Rent

  • 2 BR

  • 887 sq ft

    Average Sq Ft

  • $1,429/month

    Average Rent

  • 3 BR

  • 1,054 sq ft

    Average Sq Ft

  • $1,627/month

    Average Rent

Transportation

53

Somewhat Walkable

out of 100 WalkScore® Rating

You might be able to get out and walk when living in this area. Some errands can be accomplished on foot, but for others you’ll need a car.

55

Bikeable

out of 100 BikeScore® Rating

While there’s some bike infrastructure in this area, you’ll still need a car for many errands.

Schools

Pioneer Elementary

Public

Grades K-5

1,126 Students

McSwain Elementary

Public

Grades K-8

883 Students

Allan Peterson Elementary

Public

Grades K-6

664 Students

Luther Burbank Elementary

Public

Grades K-6

678 Students

Joe Stefani

Public

Grades 3-6

628 Students

McSwain Elementary

Public

Grades K-8

883 Students

Rudolph Rivera Middle

Public

Grades 7-8

579 Students

Herbert Hoover Middle

Public

Grades 7-8

614 Students

Weaver Middle

Public

Grades 6-8

1,003 Students

Herbert H. Cruickshank Middle

Public

Grades 7-8

616 Students

El Capitan High

Public

Grades 9-12

1,839 Students

Golden Valley High

Public

Grades 9-12

1,956 Students

Merced High

Public

Grades 9-12

1,894 Students

Merced County Special Education School

Public

Grades K-12

848 Students

Merced County ROP

Public

Grades 11-12

Points of Interest

Top Apartments Near University of California, Merced

Houses Near University of California, Merced

Property Management Companies

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Methodology

† Our analysis of utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, home prices, and other goods and services is sourced from the Cost of Living Index, a respected benchmark published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) that provides a thorough overview of living expenses across different regions.

Rent data is provided by CoStar Group’s Market Trend reports. As the industry leader in commercial real estate information, analytics, and news, CoStar conducts extensive research to produce and maintain a comprehensive database of commercial real estate information. We combine this data with public record to provide the most up-to-date rental information available.

Consumer goods, services, and home prices are sourced from the Cost of Living Index published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER). The data on this page is updated quarterly. It was last published in September 2025.