Best Places to Live in Bakersfield
Bakersfield, a city where the sun shines bright and the community feels like family, offers a unique blend of modern living and traditional values. Nestled in the heart of California, it’s a place where the cost of living meets the quality of life in a sweet spot, making it an attractive destination for many. it’s no wonder that Bakersfield is becoming an increasingly popular place to live. In this article, we’ll take a look at the best places to live in Bakersfield and what makes them so great.
It is the ninth-largest city in the state and the county seat of Kern County. Bakersfield is known for its rich history, diverse culture, and booming economy. It is also home to some of the most affordable housing in California, making it an attractive destination for people looking for a high quality of life without breaking the bank.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Place to Live
When choosing a place to live, there are several factors that people consider. These include things like safety, affordability, access to amenities, and quality of life. Fortunately, Bakersfield excels in all of these areas.
Bakersfield is known for its low cost of living, which makes it an attractive option for people who want to stretch their dollars further. Additionally, Bakersfield is home to a number of great schools, parks, and recreational facilities, which make it an ideal place to raise a families.
However, not all places in Bakersfield are created equal. Depending on your preferences and needs, some areas may suit you better than others. In this article, we will explore five of the best places to live in Bakersfield named as Arvin, Delano, Ford City, Oildale, and Wasco. We will provide an overview of each place, as well as the pros and cons of living there. By the end of this article, you will have a better idea of which place is the best for you.
For those considering a broader search across California’s diverse landscapes, our article on the “Best Places to Live in Oakland, California” offers insightful comparisons and could serve as a valuable resource for weighing your options.
1. Arvin
Arvin is a small city in the southern part of Bakersfield, about 21 miles away from the main Bakersfield area. It has a population of about 21,000 people, mostly of Hispanic origin. Arvin is known for its agricultural production, especially grapes, almonds, and citrus fruits. It is also home to the Arvin-Sierra Air Pollution Control District, which monitors the air quality in the region.
Arvin has a lot of attractions and amenities for its residents and visitors. It has several parks, such as Smothermon Park, Di Giorgio Park, and Bear Mountain Park, where you can enjoy outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, and picnicking. It also has a public library, a community center, a museum, and a golf course. Arvin hosts several events throughout the year, such as the Arvin Wildflower Festival, the Arvin Christmas Parade, and the Arvin Tamale Festival.
Pros of living in Arvin are:
- It has a low cost of living, with a median home value of $317,000 and a median rent of $1,000.
- It has a low crime rate of 33 per one thousand residents.
- It has a strong sense of community, with a lot of cultural diversity and civic engagement.
Cons of living in Arvin are:
- It has a low median income, with a median household income of $48,000 and a poverty rate of 28%.
- It has a low educational attainment.
- It has a poor air quality, with a high level of ozone and particulate matter, according to the American Lung Association.
2. Delano
Delano is a city in the northern part of Bakersfield, about 33 miles away from the downtown area. It has a population of about 53,000 people, mostly of Hispanic and Asian origin. Delano is known for its agricultural production, especially table grapes, almonds, and pistachios. It is also home to two state prisons, the North Kern State Prison and the Kern Valley State Prison.
Delano has a lot of attractions and amenities for its residents and visitors. It has several parks, such as Cecil Park, Kalibo Park, and Veneto Park, where you can enjoy outdoor activities, such as sports, playgrounds, and swimming pools. It also has a public library, a senior center, a historical museum, and a cultural arts center. Delano hosts several events throughout the year, such as the Philippine Weekend, the Cinco de Mayo Festival, and the Harvest Holidays.
Pros of living in Delano are:
- It has a moderate cost of living, with a median home value of $215,000 and a median rent of $1,200.
- It has a high median income, with a median household income of $64,000 and a poverty rate of 18%.
- It has a high educational attainment.
Cons of living in Delano are:
- It has a high crime rate.
- It has a low quality of life, with a low score of 51 out of 100 on the Livability Index, according to Area Vibes.
- It has a poor air quality, with a high level of ozone and particulate matter, according to the American Lung Association.
3. Ford City
Ford City is a census-designated place in the western part of Bakersfield, about 37 miles away from the downtown area. It has a population of about 4,327 people, mostly of white and Hispanic origin. Ford City is known for its oil and gas production, as it is located in the Kern River Oil Field, one of the largest and oldest oil fields in the United States.
Ford City has a lot of attractions and amenities for its residents and visitors. It has several parks, such as Standard Park, Ford City Park, and West Park, where you can enjoy outdoor activities, such as sports, playgrounds, and skateboarding. It also has a public library, a community center, a historical museum, and a shopping center. Ford City hosts several events throughout the year, such as the Ford City Days, the Ford City Car Show, and the Ford City Christmas Parade.
Pros of living in Ford City are:
- It has a very low cost of living, with a median home value of $178,000 and a median rent of $900.
- It has a low population density.
- It has a rich history, as it was founded in 1909 by the Standard Oil Company and named after the Ford Model T, which was used by the oil workers.
Cons of living in Ford City are:
- It has a low median income, with a median household income of $42,000 and a poverty rate of 40%.
- It has a high crime rate.
- It has a poor air quality, with a high level of ozone and particulate matter, according to the American Lung Association.
4. Oildale
Oildale is a census-designated place in the northern part of Bakersfield, about 3 miles away from the downtown area. It has a population of about 34,350 people, mostly of white and Hispanic origin. Oildale is known for its oil and gas production, as it is located in the Kern River Oil Field, one of the largest and oldest oil fields in the United States.
Oildale has a lot of attractions and amenities for its residents and visitors. It has several parks, such as North Beardsley Park, Riverview Park, and Standard Park, where you can enjoy outdoor activities, such as sports, playgrounds, and fishing. It also has a public library, a senior center, a historical museum, and a music hall. Oildale hosts several events throughout the year, such as the Oildale Music Festival, the Oildale Chili Cook-Off, and the Oildale Veterans Day Parade.
Pros of living in Oildale are:
- It has a low cost of living, with a median home value of $285,000 and a median rent of $1,250.
- It has a high median income, with a median household income of $52,000 and a poverty rate of 29%.
- It has a vibrant culture, as it is the birthplace of several famous musicians, such as Merle Haggard, Buck Owens, and Korn.
Cons of living in Oildale are:
- It has a high crime rate.
- It has a low quality of life, with a low score of 49 out of 100 on the Livability Index, according to Area Vibes.
- It has a poor air quality, with a high level of ozone and particulate matter, according to the American Lung Association.
5. Wasco
Wasco is a city in the northwestern part of Bakersfield, about 29 miles away from the downtown area. It has a population of about 30,000 people, mostly of Hispanic and Asian origin. Wasco is known for its agricultural production, especially roses, cotton, and potatoes. It is also home to the Wasco State Prison, a medium-security facility for male inmates.
Wasco has a lot of attractions and amenities for its residents and visitors. It has several parks, such as Wasco Park, Barker Park, and Palm Avenue Park, where you can enjoy outdoor activities, such as sports, playgrounds, and picnic areas. It also has a public library, a community center, a historical museum, and a golf course. Wasco hosts several events throughout the year, such as the Wasco Festival of Roses, the Wasco Independence Day Celebration, and the Wasco Christmas Parade.
Pros of living in Wasco are:
- It has a moderate cost of living, with a median home value of $320,000 and a median rent of $2,300.
- It has a low crime rate.
- It has a high diversity, with a racial and ethnic mix of 55% Hispanic, 0.78% Asian, 40% white, and 5% black.
Cons of living in Wasco are:
- It has a low median income, with a median household income of $63,000 and a poverty rate of 21%.
- It has a low educational attainment.
- It has a poor air quality, with a high level of ozone and particulate matter, according to the American Lung Association.
Best Schools in Bakersfield
The best schools in Bakersfield are those that provide high-quality education, excellent facilities, and supportive staff. According to the U.S. News & World Report, some of the best public high schools in Bakersfield are Stockdale High School, Centennial High School, and Bakersfield High School.
Some of the best private high schools in Bakersfield are Bakersfield Christian High School, Garces Memorial High School, and Our Lady of Perpetual Help School. Some of the best colleges and universities in Bakersfield are California State University, Bakersfield, Bakersfield College, and University of La Verne.
Weather in Bakersfield
The weather in Bakersfield is hot and dry in the summer and cool and wet in the winter. According to the U.S. Climate Data, the average high temperature in Bakersfield in July is 84°F, and the average low temperature in January is 49°F. The average annual precipitation in Bakersfield is 6.5 inches, most of which falls between November and March. Bakersfield also has plenty of sunshine, with an average of 272 sunny days per year.
Best Things to do in Bakersfield
ld are those that suit your interests, hobbies, and passions. Bakersfield has a lot to offer, from outdoor and recreational activities, to cultural and historical attractions, to nightlife and entertainment options. Some of the best things to do in Bakersfield are visiting the Kern County Museum, rafting on the Kern River, watching a show at the Fox Theater, enjoying a concert at the Buck Owens Crystal Palace, shopping at the Valley Plaza Mall, dining at the Basque restaurants, and cheering for the Bakersfield Condors.
Traffic in Bakersfield
The traffic in Bakersfield is moderate and manageable, compared to other cities in California. According to the INRIX Global Traffic Scorecard, Bakersfield ranked 141st out of 297 cities in the world and 24th out of 66 cities in the U.S. in terms of traffic congestion. The peak hours of traffic in Bakersfield are between 6:00 AM and 9:00 AM and between 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM on weekdays. The best ways to avoid traffic in Bakersfield are to use alternative routes, carpool, or use public transportation.
FAQ’s
What is the cost of living in Bakersfield compared to other California cities?
Bakersfield offers a more affordable cost of living compared to many other Californian cities. Housing, in particular, tends to be more reasonably priced, providing a good value for those looking to purchase or rent in the state.
How is the job market in Bakersfield?
The job market in Bakersfield is diverse, with strong sectors in oil and gas, agriculture, healthcare, and education. In recent years, there has also been growth in the renewable energy sector and an emerging tech scene, providing a range of employment opportunities.
What kind of recreational activities can I find in Bakersfield?
Bakersfield is rich in recreational activities, especially for those who love the outdoors. The city boasts numerous parks, bike trails along the Kern River Parkway, and is within driving distance of the Sierra Nevada Mountains for hiking and skiing. There are also golf courses, community sports leagues, and cultural institutions like museums and theaters.
What are the educational facilities like in Bakersfield?
Bakersfield is home to several higher education institutions, including California State University, Bakersfield, and Bakersfield College, offering a range of undergraduate and graduate programs. The city also has a variety of public and private schools providing quality education from kindergarten through 12th grade.
How safe is Bakersfield for residents?
Like any city, safety in Bakersfield can vary by neighborhood. Overall, the city works actively to maintain safety through community policing and neighborhood watch programs. Prospective residents are encouraged to research specific areas and check recent crime statistics to make informed decisions about where to live.
Conclusion
Bakersfield is a city that has something for everyone. Whether you are looking for a high-end or a low-cost living, a rural or an urban living, a peaceful or a vibrant living, you can find it in Bakersfield. Bakersfield is a city that offers a unique and diverse lifestyle, with a rich history, a diverse culture, and a booming economy.
We hope that this article has helped you to find your ideal place to live in Bakersfield. Bakersfield is a city that welcomes you with open arms and invites you to make it your home.
