What's your take on investment in Merced CA?

[Vamshi Ananth]

Hello,

I live in the Sf Bay Area and as a novice RE investor I feel I am priced out of this market. So I was looking around for better places where properties are still affordable and worth while investing within a 2 hr radius and I found Merced CA. I recently went on a tour of Merced CA, It looks like a University town and has a healthy amount of student population. I am wondering if any one out here has researched the place for investments and if any one has experience in investment properties in Merced?

[Brandon Williams]

@Account Closed

It's hard to carve Merced up by zip code but in general, I would stay away from most South Merced properties, that being south Highway 99. There are other pretty rough areas too that I would avoid. In general, anything east of G Street and North of Bear Creek would be a good B or better neighborhood, with a few exceptions. Also, west of G Street and north of the Black Rascal Bike Path that runs through town (check out google maps). These are very general but should give you an idea.  

Then there is downtown.  I'm personally looking for deals in pockets of downtown. The UC is going to build their administration building downtown and there will be 100's of new workers stationed there. I think it represents a good opportunity if you're looking to buy & hold as i am.  These are just my opinions.  Let me know if there is anything else I can help with.