In Merritt, new luxury condos loom large just off the southern shore of the lake. Further away, older apartments and homes of all styles mingle together. You’ll stumble upon a couple of thrift stores and a handful of humble restaurants mixed in among the eclectic housing options. Although Merritt’s not known for being as trendy as nearby Grand Lake, the classic Merritt Diner and Bakery has become a hip vintage destination on weekend evenings. But for the most part this unassuming neighborhood retains its gritty local flavor in the face of the sweeping changes and new infusions taking place around Lake Merritt.