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Beyond the Bay from page 1 See BEYOND THE BAY Pg 6 downtown center on 18th Street. "The Merced Civic Center separates the two and the anchors of downtown are the theaters, a gallery, and fantastic mom-and- pop restaurants," said Quintero. Among arts offer- ings are the restored Merced Theatre and the Mainzer Theatre, which is under complete redesign to incorporate a bar and restaurant along with its 1930s Art Deco aspects. "Then there's the MOAT (Merced Open Air Theater) in Apple- gate Park," said Quin- tero. "A combination of public and private funds is allowing major updates and beauti- fication at the MOAT before the 2020 concert series starts in August." Other planned improvements include the revamping of Merced Mall and the addition of the Gate- way Marketplace, a blended-use gathering place on 77 acres. "The Gateway Marketplace will have retail, dining and multifamily residen- tial," said Quintero. "We're working on including an entertain- ment center there; it will serve as a welcom- ing travel oasis for people driving to and from Yosemite." Merced is a worth- while stop for many reasons. Among them are exceptional new-home communi- ties with spacious, contemporary homes from such builders as Stonefield Home and K. Hovnanian Homes, priced from the low $300,000 range. As Mayor Murphy puts it, "Merced is a city on the rise." Prosperity on the Bay Area periphery Speaking of cities going up in rankings, just outside one edge of the Bay Area in an area some may even consider part of the Bay Area, the city of Vacaville is also expe- riencing a renaissance along with new pros- perity and recognized livability. "For a number of consecutive years, we've been named one of the Top 10 most livable small cities in the United States (Smart- Asset.com)," said Mely- ssa Laughlin, president and CEO of Visit Vaca- ville, a nonprofit associ- ation that provides and promotes community and visitor information, events and services within Vacaville. The reasons, she believes, become obvi- ous when passersby take the bait and allow the famed Nut Tree sign visible from Inter- state 80 to lure them on an excursion. "Our location is amazing," she said. "We're right between San Francisco and Sacramento and we're only 20 minutes from Napa." Meanwhile, Vaca- ville has maintained its small-town feel, even while growing to a population of 103,000, according to Laughlin. "You have all the amenities you need, like the dining, schools, outdoor activities, a huge biotech, medical, and aviation presence, right here in this quaint city," she said. "It's a cool juxtaposition between the old home- town where you always run into someone you know and a thriving urban reality." Sitting just next door to the Suisun Valley, and halfway between Lake Berryessa and the Delta, Vacaville is ideal for adventures outside, from a rustic wine tasting experi- ence in nearby Suisun Valley Wine Country, trail walking and bike riding or "agriventure" outings. "On the weekends, people really get back to nature here in Vacaville, where we blend agritourism and outdoor adventure," explained Laughlin. "You might work in the city and then come home and get to feel grounded by nature in quieter experiences at amazing farms; you can pick fruits and vegeta- bles, and eat lunch on a farm or even spend an afternoon on an alpaca farm." Complementing the outdoor adventures is a growing culture featuring the arts and diverse dining experiences, with terrific restaurants, historical attractions and theaters, not to mention exceptional shopping at the Nut Tree or the Vacaville Premium Outlets. Each of these features contribute to a Vacaville that still reflects its past as an agricultural center while leaning to the future with a popula- tion that spans genera- tions. Both longtime residents and newcom- ers are enjoying the buildout of master- planned communities with contemporary floor plans, smart home features, community centers and ameni- ties that make home a special respite. "When I first moved to Vacaville 12 years ago, I might have thought of the area as more of a quiet retire- ment area, but that has really changed," said Laughlin. "More recently, so many people are moving here with young families and 4 seasons, short commutes, low taxes: Check out northern Nevada homes For the savvy buyer, Toll Brothers communi- ties in northern Nevada deliver a less-taxing luxury lifestyle. Today, many people are smartly seeking opportunities in neighboring states where economies are booming, and Nevada has proven to be a buyer's dream. For those looking for an easygoing life- style, the Reno area offers a rich tapestry that blends the serene with the splendid and the eclectic with the extraordinary. With a stunning backdrop of mountains and desert and vibrant skies as far as the eye can see, northern Nevada's land- scapes alone are a draw. Close proximity to Lake Tahoe and Pyramid Lake makes this part of the state a recreational paradise. With a vibrant and growing downtown, Reno is emerging as a culinary and craft beverage mecca. Add unrivaled outdoor expe- riences, easy access to world-class ski resorts, minimal traffic, and friendly people of all ages who love the state for everything it is, and it's clear why homebuy- ers are looking to Reno for more than a place to call home. As they explore new frontiers in real estate and discover seem- ingly endless options for breathtaking views, exciting entertainment, and active lifestyles, these homebuyers learn quickly that there is more to northern Nevada than its beauty — with fewer taxes, and lower home prices it is also easy on the wallet. A big part of that culture is Nevada's low-tax burden, thanks to its growing tour- ism industry. Nevada is among the most tax-friendly states in the U.S. and is the most tax-friendly of the Western states, according to a 2018 Kiplinger report. First, the Silver State has no state income tax, which means more of a family's earned money stays in their pocket. Nevada is also a business-friendly state, with no inventory tax and low state payroll taxes, which continues to attract many new employers to the area. It is anticipated that 50,000 additional jobs will be created over the next five years in the Reno/Sparks area. Toll Brothers is building 15 luxury new- home communities in northern Nevada that include everything from gated resort commu- nities to active adult communities for those 55-plus and even an opportunity to live in a legendary estate community. When you combine low taxes with new- home construction in exceptional commu- nities, resort-quality amenities, and stun- ning home designs with luxurious features, it's no wonder Reno is becom- ing a destination for homebuyers looking for a lifestyle that fits every part of their lives — from the fun to the finances. An award-winning Fortune 500 company founded in 1967, Toll Brothers is the nation's leading builder of luxury homes. Toll Brothers currently operates in 22 states nationwide, including Nevada, where luxury homes are now avail- able in Reno from the mid-$300,000 range to more than $1,000,000. Visit TollBrothers.com/ Reno to learn more about these exceptional communities. Content provided by Toll Brothers The Cliffs at Somersett in Reno, Nevada, offers single-story living with walkout basement options and spectacular views. In Folsom, top, east of Sacramento, new homes often include great views and easy access to Folsom Lake. In Merced, a gateway to Yo- semite, new homes bring new families and enliven the downtown experience. S2 BAY AREA NEWS GROUP 127 Advertising Section FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 2020