New education and economic opportunities have added to the growth of the region, including agriculture, retailing, manufacturing, food processing and tourism. Merced is emerging as a dynamic community with an excellent school system that includes Merced College and the University of California's tenth campus, the first research university built in the 21st century. 

This region is also home to unlimited outdoor recreation, culture and arts. An hour and a half from Yosemite National Park, two hours from the Bay Area, and a short drive to summer camping and boating, residents are never far from any number of activities.