Community ResourcesLos Banos, California, “City of Baths” Charm and small town hospitality are still alive and well in Los Banos. This sleepy town is a well-kept secret that has kept this city small but the word is getting out and growth is abounding. This unique community is being discovered by those from the bay area and throughout the central valley. Located six miles west of highways I-5 and 152, Los Banos is only 12 minutes from the San Luis Reservoir. It’s central California location and its proximity to Silicon Valley make this once small town a hub of growth from numerous developing towns that surround it. Los Banos hosts a city operated airport as well as cargo rail Service. It is close neighbor to the new University of California in Merced. A new local community college is currently breaking ground and slated to open in 2007. Housing is relatively inexpensive by California standards-the median selling price for a 3 bedroom, 2-bath home is approximately $400k. Major recreational areas are also within easy access such as: the Sierra Nevada mountains, the San Francisco Bay Area, Monterey bay, Yosemite and Los Angeles. Gustine Gustine is just five minutes from Interstate-5, and a 15 minute drive from Los Banos. With a population of 4,784, this quaint, small town of parks and tree-lined streets has a proud heritage. It is celebrated often with various cultural ceremonies and attract a strong community involvement. A good portion of Gustine residents commute to nearby jobs, due to it’s central location. Dos Palos Dos Palos is located in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley with a population of approximately 5,000 residents. It is about 20 miles south of Merced and the University of California at Merced as well as Merced Junior College. It is also an hour commute to the city of Fresno. This centrally located, agricultural town is attracting developers and has seen a substantial amount of growth with plans continuing in that direction for the future. The average 3 bedroom, 2 bath home costs around $300k. Dos Palos has seen a migration of many residents from the bay area looking for affordable housing and land opportunities. |