Neighborhood Spotlight: Bakersfield, CA

Located in the oil-rich agricultural hub of Kern County, California, Bakersfield is the gateway to the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. Bakersfield is the county seat of Kern County, which is the most productive oil-producing county in California and the fourth-most productive agricultural county in the United States.

Bakersfield at a glance

Bakersfield is situated on the southern end of the San Joaquin Valley and the Central Valley region of California. It has a current population of about 350,000 and is located about 110 miles north of Los Angeles and 275 miles southeast of Sacramento. The city has a hot, desert climate and experiences mild winters with chilly nights and very hot and dry summers. Oil and agriculture are the city’s two main industries, with citrus, almonds, carrots, grapes, alfalfa, cotton, and roses being the main crops.

Bakersfield real estate and neighborhoods

Bakersfield has a huge variety of real estate, from modest single-family homes to larger, rural 

estates. The median home price in Bakersfield is approximately $212,000. Bakersfield has a wide range of districts and neighborhoods which are generally named after directions. The main districts include:

• Central Bakersfield (Downtown) — Containing the oldest portions of the city, Downtown Bakersfield is home to the Arts District and has several historic structures included the Fox Theater.
• Northeast Bakersfield — Much of this area is rural, and it is the only district to be located in rolling hills. Here you’ll find Bakersfield College, the Rio Bravo Country Club, and the Bakersfield Country Club.
• East Bakersfield — Originally its own city, known as Sumner, East Bakersfield is laid out parallel to the railroad tracks, which makes it 45 degrees off from the rest of the city.
• Southeast Bakersfield — One of the least developed regions, Southeast Bakersfield is a traditionally rural community.
• South Bakersfield — Largely a residential district, South Bakersfield is also home to the Kern County Fairgrounds.
• Southwest Bakersfield — Here you’ll find residential neighborhoods as well as the Park at River Walk, a 32-acre park with two lakes.
• Northwest Bakersfield — This district has seen major development since the 1990s and is home to a retail center, Northwest Promenade.

Bakersfield history

Bakersfield’s modern history begins with the discovery of gold in California in 1848. In 1851, gold was discovered along the Kern River followed by oil in 1865. At that time, the area was marshland, and in 1861 terrible floods destroyed the original settlement founded in 1860. In 1863, Thomas Baker moved to the banks of the Kern River, and his settlement, known as Baker’s Field, became a stopover for travelers. The population began to increase in 1870, and the city was officially incorporated in 1873, becoming the county seat in 1874. Unhappy with Alexander Mills, the city marshal, residents voted to disincorporate in 1876, leaving Mills without a job. It was reincorporated in 1898. From 1970 until 2010, the city grew by 400 percent, making it one of the fastest-growing cities in the state. In 1990, it was one of 10 U.S. cities to receive the National Civic League’s All-America City Award.

Bakersfield amenities

Bakersfield hosts a wonderful array of annual events for residents to enjoy. These include the Great 48 Hour Bluegrass Jam, the Bakersfield Jazz Festival, Garden Fest, Basque Fest, the Kern County Fair, Bakersfield Uncorked Wine Fest, and Outside the Box Film Festival, among many others. 

The city also has a fantastic arts scene. Visit the Bakersfield Museum of Art, take in a concert at the Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra, or watch a production of the Bakersfield Community Theater. There are also several fascinating museums including the Kern County Museum, the California Living Museum (Bakersfield Zoo), and the Buena Vista Museum of Natural History.

Of course, there’s plenty of outdoor recreation to be had in Bakersfield. There are 59 parks and athletic facilities in the city as well as eight regional parks. The McMurtrey Aquatic Center is a great facility for family swims. There are also several public golf courses where you can perfect your swing.

One benefit of living in an agricultural community is the easy access to farms and farmer’s markets. Some of the local opportunities include the Brimhall Farmers Market, California Fruit Depot, Haggin Oaks Farmers Market, and Murray Family Farms. The city is also well-known for its Basque restaurants, where you can experience a traditional hearty meal at a communal table.

Bakersfield schools

Students in Bakersfield are served by the Kern High School District, the largest high school district in California. Accredited colleges and universities in Bakersfield include California State University, Bakersfield, and Bakersfield College. There are also satellite campuses for many schools including National University, University of Phoenix, University of LaVerne, and Fresno Pacific University, among others.

Explore Bakersfield today!

Are you ready to find out why so many people have been flocking to Bakersfield in recent years? Then view available properties in Bakersfield and schedule a private showing today!