Situated in the central valley of California, bustling, beautiful Merced boasts a low cost of living and first-rate quality of life. Merced enjoys close proximity to Yosemite National Park and is a convenient two-hour drive from San Francisco and Sacramento. The city is surrounded by natural beauty that includes walking trails, abundant parks and an extensive bike path system. Nearby recreational sites abound, such as Lake Yosemite, a California treasure. And of course, UC Merced’s recent arrival places Merced, California on the map for generations to come.