New Homes Beyond the Bay

By Cameron Sullivan As recently as 10 years ago, some of today's "most livable" cities in California might not have received a second thought from longtime residents of the Bay Area. Now, from the edges of the Bay Area in Solano County to east Sacra- mento County and Merced — just 40 miles from Yosemite National Park — those commu- nities are among the most sought after for new homes and enhanced lifestyles. Residents and inves- tors have breathed new life into the areas, rebuilding and reviving historic gems, creating new gathering places or economic centers and planting opportunities for people looking to put down roots with homeownership in Central and Northern California. The historic, the rural and the metropolitan beneath Yosemite Frank Quintero moved to Merced more than 30 years ago and has seen longtime and newer residents embrace the growing improvements to their historic city. An hour or two exploring the city reveals that Merced features "the best of both worlds, where an urban community still retains that rural sense," said Quintero, economic development director for the city of Merced. "From down- town through the entire community, Merced is undergoing a renais- sance," he added. Like Quintero, Merced Mayor Mike Murphy shares a history with Merced. His hometown since childhood, Murphy attended school here before earning degrees from Brigham Young University and George- town University Law. After launching a career in Silicon Valley corporate law, he and his family chose to return to Merced nearly a decade ago. In his 2020 State of the City Address, Murphy celebrated the city's growth into an ideal place to live, work, learn and do business. Murphy himself runs his law practice out of downtown Merced. "Our community got even stronger when UC Merced added its downtown center," he said. "In August, UC Merced will achieve its major milestone of educating 10,000 students at a time with the completion of its 2020 Project." The development of the youngest of the UC campuses — combined with growing programs and new facili- ties planned for the 16,000-student Merced College — brings thou- sands of jobs and pros- perity along with an educated, skilled work- force to California's heartland. "There's something going on in every corner, whether it's new construction, cultural enhancements or new parks," said Quintero. Those cultural enhancements include a two-part down- town comprised of historic Main Street (formerly 17th Street) and UC Merced's new Featured Inside Advertising contact: Sandy Lek 925-847-2135 slek@bayareanewsgroup.com Editorial contact: Rowan Briggs 408-278-3422 content@bayareanewsgroup.com See Page 11 See Page 5 See Pages 8 & 9 Lennar Sacramento Each home delivers value and versatility Sierra Colina Luxury living in Lake Tahoe Learn about each county Quality lifestyles with city comforts See BEYOND THE BAY Pg 2 New-home communities are springing up in greenbelt areas, providing great floor plans and room to breathe and have fun. Featuring New Home Communities Beyond the Bay Area Beyond the Bay NEW HOMES Beyond the Bay ADVERTISING SECTION 12 th Find us online at NewHomeFinder.news March 6, 2020 | bamedia.news/BeyondBay Prices, options and availability are subject to change without notice. This is not an offering where prohibited by law. *Tax info as suggested on nvsos.gov (please consult your tax attorney). Photos are images only and should not be relied upon to confirm applicable features (please see Sales Associate for details). Toll Brothers Real Estate, Inc. CA DRE #01206770 NV DRE #201617310099. Equal Opportunity Housing. WARNING: THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF REAL ESTATE HAS NOT INSPECTED, EXAMINED, OR QUALIFIED THIS OFFERING. Visit TollBrothers.com/Lifestyle Less Traffic. Less Taxes. Less Stress. Shorten your ski commute from hours to minutes and spend time doing the things you actually enjoy. Start living your best life in Reno, NV. New Luxury Homes in Reno from the Mid-$300,000s to over $1 Million | 844-836-5263

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