Where do you live?
Probably in and near the 'hood.
While the city contains homes that now cost anywhere from $800,000 to well in excess of $10 million
According to the Coldwell Banker Home Price Comparison Index, Palo Alto ranks in as the 5th most expensive city in the United States, with an average home sales price of $1,677,000 as of 2007. The Coldwell Banker College Home Price Comparison Index ranks Palo Alto as the most expensive college town in the United States. As a result, unlike most other college towns of similar size, most Stanford University students live on campus.
As some people might say, "Silicon Valley, more than you can afford... pal."
Town where I live, or actually town next to where I live is ranked like worst place to live. Highest umemployment. Highest cost of living (I believe compared to average income). Fewest jobs. Etc etc. And then my hood gets tagged on when I go to dinner when I'm parked in a well lit area in a non intrusive manner. Place needs a social exterminator. Why the Fk did the UC pick Merced baffles me.
I'm worried they'd steal my bike! And scooter! And anything else I own! Except the nsx, they just like to fk with it, d!cks.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merced,_California
"In 2005, the city became home to the tenth University of California campus, University of California, Merced (UCM), the first research university built in the 21st Century."
"The median income for a household in the city was $30,429, and the median income for a family was $32,470. Males had a median income of $31,725 versus $24,492 for females. The per capita income for the city was $13,115. About 22.4% of families and 27.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 36.9% of those under age 18 and 10.1% of those age 65 or over..."
"In the 2007 version of the book "Cities Ranked & Rated" by authors Bert Sperling and Peter Sander, Merced has been ranked 370th of 373 cities nationwide. The factors that determined the ranking of the cities within the book include the quality of life, cost of living in the area, availability and type of jobs, education, health care, climate, crime, commute times, and leisure activities.[8] However, the entry in the book also states that the town may not stay in this place for long, since the authors stated that "Merced is definitely on an upward path and offers potential not found in other Valley towns. This potential is clearly not shown in today's numbers.""
Famous people include:
* Ray Allen, an NBA basketball player playing for the Boston Celtics.
* Bruce Bowen, an NBA basketball player playing for the San Antonio Spurs.
* Brian Fuentes, an MLB closer, playing for the Colorado Rockies
* Janet Leigh, actress
* Katie Gallagher, a Survivor: Palau finalist.
* Steven Stayner, kidnap victim.
* Cary Stayner, serial killer.
* Margaret Dingeldein, a member of the 2004 US Olympic Waterpolo team.
* Marvin Eastman, Professional Mixed Martial Arts fighter currently competing for the Ultimate Fighting Championship promotion
* Cory Williams, aka "Mr. Safety", famous internet personality / TV show host.
* Vincent Cervantes, Human Rights Activist
* Peter Rojas, gadget expert and founder of Engadget and RCRD LBL.
* Salar Kamangar, VP at Google.
and Kenny Shepard, the @sshole retired nascar driver who the area racers actually hate.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/4625179/
based upon a book on the best and worst places to live in america:
And what about the bad news? Let's take a look at the bottom of your "principal metropolitan areas" list. How would you characterize the less fortunate cities at the bottom?
* 327. Kankakee, IL
* 328. Merced, CA
* 329. Newburgh, NY
* 330. Stockton-Lodi, CA
* 331. Laredo, TX
BERT: "Areas at the bottom typically have … high unemployment, crime and cost of living combined with low educational attainment, a lack of amenities and not much to do. That said, most places at the bottom of the list, such as Stockton-Lodi, recognize their shortcomings and are actively working to improve."
