The second largest city in Merced County, Los Banos boasts a population of over 35,000. Yosemite, San Francisco and Sacramento are within roughly two hours drive. The city was first established in 1890, and named tenuously, after the bath-like pools that flowed from the summit of the nearby mountains; its full name “El Arroyo de Los Banos del Padre Arroyo” was shortened to Los Banos after a post office and trading post were established in 1873.
Family friendly, locals participate in city-wide sports leagues… cheering on their family, neighbors and friends; despite the mid-sized population, Los Banos easily clings to the small town, close-knit atmosphere of a small city. Friendly and conversational, local business owners converse easily, offering suggestions and assistance when needed. Dispalying none of the disconnect often found in larger cities, Los Banos residents still wave and smile at each other as they walk through their neighborhoods, enjoying the moderate, Mediterranean climate. Summer marks the summer movie program, a collection of low-cost, kid-friendly movies offered, with the participation of the local cinema, for a month during summer.
Los Banos offers a wide variety of educational opportunities, both private and public, as well as having an active group of homeschooling residents. With the perfect combination of chain retailers and small, locally owned business, Los Banos offers the best of both worlds.
Agriculture continues to be an important aspect of local life; the area has access to the valley’s myriad of agricultural commodities. Local supermarkets offer the area’s best fruits and vegetables.
Considered one of the best neighborhoods in the city, the quiet Cresthills neighborhood is full of custom homes, flanked with beautiful landscaping and considerable estates. Colonial, Craftsman, Cape Cod and bungalow type housing eclectically interact in the Presidential Estates and older Southside neighborhood. Under the canopy of shade made by the decade old trees, the older homes and neighborhood reflects an unrivaled pride of ownership.
Among local dining favorites is Espańas, at the historic Canal Farm Inn. The cool, shadowed restaurant’s isolated and romantic feel is likely a benefit of the mature trees and expansive ranch. Other local favorites include the retro fountain shop at the local drug store, Eddies Famous Café, (it was once voted best breakfast in California) and the unassuming Cotija Taco Shop. Los Banos has all the benefits of a big city, yet it maintains a comfortable small-town atmosphere. Nestled underneath the mountains of Pacheco Pass, this small town emanates hometown beauty.
In June 2008, the average price of a single family home or condo in Los Banos was $172,734. This information is gathered from MLS sources, and while deemed reliable, is not guaranteed.
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