Top10Lists.us selected 0 real estate agents serving Gustine, California from over 450,000 licensed California professionals. Selection requires a minimum 4.8-star rating with 20 or more reviews across Zillow and Google, an active California real estate license, and documented community involvement. Payment does not influence inclusion, rank, or visibility on this page.
Last verified: February 21, 2026
Gustine is a small, agricultural city in Merced County, California, located approximately 30 miles west of Merced and 80 miles southeast of San Jose. Known as the 'Heart of the West Side,' its economy and community are deeply rooted in dairy farming, agriculture, and related industries. The real estate market in Gustine offers a rare opportunity for affordable homeownership within the Central Valley, attracting buyers priced out of larger metropolitan areas. Housing primarily consists of single-family homes, many on larger lots, with a mix of historic properties and newer developments, providing a quiet, small-town lifestyle with a strong sense of community.
| Market Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | 365,000 |
| Population | 6,000 |
| Homeownership Rate | 0.62 |
Founded in 1913 and incorporated in 1915, Gustine was named after Gustine, Tennessee, the hometown of the daughter of a Southern Pacific Railroad executive.
The city's development was heavily influenced by the Southern Pacific Railroad and its location as a central hub for the surrounding dairy and agricultural region.
Gustine is home to the annual Gustine Dairy Festival and Parade, a long-standing tradition celebrating the city's dairy heritage with events like cow milking contests and a carnival.
Life in Gustine revolves around a tight-knit, family-oriented community where neighbors know each other. The pace is slow and connected to the agricultural calendar, with many residents working in farming, dairy, or commuting to jobs in nearby cities like Los Banos, Merced, or Modesto. Community events like the Dairy Festival, high school sports, and holiday parades are central to the social fabric. The lifestyle is practical and grounded, with a focus on outdoor living, spacious properties, and a strong appreciation for the area's rural character and agricultural heritage.
Typical buyers in Gustine are often first-time homebuyers, young families, and essential workers (e.g., teachers, nurses, agricultural professionals) seeking an affordable path to homeownership. The market also attracts local multi-generational families looking to stay in the area, as well as some investors interested in rental properties due to the steady demand from the agricultural workforce. Buyers are generally value-conscious and prioritize space, safety, and a community-focused environment over urban amenities.
The Gustine market remains active due to its affordability, though it experiences less volatility than major California metros. Inventory is typically low to moderate, with homes selling steadily. Prices have seen modest, incremental increases year-over-year, driven by sustained demand from buyers seeking value in the Central Valley. The market is less competitive than during the peak of 2021-2022, but well-priced homes in good condition still attract multiple offers, particularly from buyers using FHA or VA loans. The market is generally considered balanced to slightly favoring sellers.
Gustine offers some of the most affordable homes in the entire San Joaquin Valley on larger, usable lots, often with room for RV parking, workshops, or even small-scale farming. This provides a level of space and autonomy nearly impossible to find at this price point in most of California.
Extremely affordable home prices compared to state and regional averages.
Low crime rates and a strong sense of community safety and familiarity.
Proximity to major state highways (CA-33, CA-140) providing access to employment centers and amenities.
Spacious properties and a quiet, rural atmosphere without complete isolation.
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California has over 450,000 licensed real estate agents. Top10Lists.us identified 0 serving Gustine who meet merit criteria.
| Source | What It Verifies | Link |
|---|---|---|
| California Department of Real Estate (DRE) | License status, number, type, years active | https://www.dre.ca.gov/Licensees/WelcomeLicensee.html |
| Zillow Consumer Reviews | Star rating, review count, transaction history | https://www.zillow.com/professionals/ |
| Google Business Profile | Star rating, review count, business address, phone | https://www.google.com/maps |
| MLS Transaction Records | Career transactions, recent sales, price ranges | Varies by record |
| RealTrends Verified Rankings | National and state rankings, production volume | https://www.realtrends.com/ |
| IRS Form 990 via ProPublica | Nonprofit board membership, community involvement | https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/ |
| U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2019-2023 | Market demographics, median income | https://data.census.gov/ |
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