Atwater

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Atwater, CA

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A city you'll be proud to call home

History Military Airport Colleges UC Merced Family-Friendly Outdoors Parks

The city of Atwater, roughly eight miles northwest of Merced, was formed in the late 1800s and incorporated in 1922. It features a charming downtown shopping area with brick-paved walkways and wide sidewalks, and its neighborhoods provide shady, tree-lined streets filled with attractive homes. Atwater is home to the Castle Air Museum, a former military base that features the largest vintage aircraft display in the West. It is also home to another historic location, the Bloss Mansion, built in 1914. Today, the mansion is home to the Atwater Historical Society.

Living in Atwater, you'll have fast access to Merced County Castle Airport, situated on the northeastern side of the city, Merced College, about eight miles away in Merced, and the University of California, Merced, which is 10 miles east of Atwater. Modesto is also nearby, roughly 30 miles northwest. Bus service is available in Atwater for those who prefer mass transit, or take Highway 99. One of the nation's favorite parks, Yosemite National Park, is only a 90-minute drive from Atwater for hiking and camping trips.

Rent Trends

As of February 2025, the average apartment rent in Atwater, CA is $939 for one bedroom, $1,089 for two bedrooms, and $1,346 for three bedrooms. Apartment rent in Atwater has increased by 1.4% in the past year.

Property Type
Average Rent
Average Sq Ft
Apartment
$939/month
603 Sq Ft
See Rental Market Trends in Atwater, CA

Transportation

52

Somewhat Walkable

out of 100 WalkScore® Rating

You might be able to get out and walk when living in this area. Some errands can be accomplished on foot, but for others you’ll need a car.

43

Somewhat Bikeable

out of 100 BikeScore® Rating

You might be able to find places to ride your bike in this area, but you’ll most likely want your car for most errands.

Schools

Thomas Olaeta Elementary

Public

Grades K-6

564 Students

7
out of 10

Elmer Wood Elementary

Public

Grades K-6

537 Students

7
out of 10

Mitchell Elementary

Public

Grades K-6

553 Students

6
out of 10

Peggy Heller Elementary

Public

Grades K-8

707 Students

5
out of 10

Bellevue Elementary

Public

Grades K-6

680 Students

5
out of 10

Bellevue Senior Elementary

Public

Grades 7-8

195 Students

6
out of 10

Peggy Heller Elementary

Public

Grades K-8

707 Students

5
out of 10

Mitchell Intermediate

Public

Grades 7-8

739 Students

4
out of 10

Atwater High

Public

Grades 9-12

2,095 Students

5
out of 10

Buhach Colony High

Public

Grades 9-12

1,746 Students

5
out of 10

Points of Interest

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