Los Banos, California

Los Banos is an incorporated city in the County of Merced in California's Central Valley. The town, with a current population estimated at 27,500, is growing presently at 3 to 5 percent per year. The city still maintains the small town charm which is a characteristic of so many rural, farming communities. With an average temperature of 72 degrees, a comfortable, less expensive way of life can be found here. Los Banos shopping opportunities continue to grow. Currently there are three shopping centers, and a charming tree-lined downtown district. Large chain retail operations include Wal*Mart, JCPenney, SaveMart, Walgreens and soon a Food-4-Less. Los Banos is located near the geographical center of California in the San Joaquin Valley. Los Banos is about a 2 hour drive from San Francisco, Oakland and Sacramento. The Monterey Peninsula is less than a 1 1/2 hour trip as is San Jose. The world famous natural wonder, Yosemite National Park can also be reached within 2 hours. The Crossroads of California describes Los Banos because State Highways 33, 165 and 152 all pass through the city and Interstate 5 is 6 miles to the west. U.S. Highway 99 is 30 minutes to the east and the City of Fresno is 67 miles away. Los Banos is famous for its agricultural products, including melons, almonds, walnuts, apricots, cotton, tomatoes and dairy products.