Bakersfield, CA, known as 'The Country Music Capital of the West Coast,' offers a unique blend of agricultural heritage and urban amenities. Located in southern California, Bakersfield is a large city that serves as a major cultural and economic hub. Major nearby cities like Fresno and Los Angeles enhance its status as a central point in the region. Bakersfield's blend of historic landmarks, cultural festivals, and urban amenities creates a distinctive living experience.
Bakersfield is home to several iconic landmarks, including the Kern County Museum, the historic Fox Theater, and the scenic Panorama Park. The city offers a variety of attractions, from the beautiful Bakersfield Museum of Art to the bustling downtown area, known for its dining and entertainment options. Bakersfield's dining scene is diverse, offering everything from farm-to-table cuisine to international dishes.
Annual events such as the Kern County Fair and the Bakersfield Jazz Festival highlight the city's vibrant cultural scene and provide unique entertainment opportunities for residents and visitors. These events celebrate Bakersfield's rich cultural heritage and community spirit. Prestigious institutions like California State University, Bakersfield contribute to the city's academic and cultural vibrancy, fostering a thriving intellectual community.
The arts and culture scene in Bakersfield is dynamic and diverse, with numerous theaters, music venues, and art galleries. The Buck Owens' Crystal Palace and the Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra are just a few of the cultural landmarks that showcase the city's commitment to the arts. Living in Bakersfield provides ample opportunities to engage with art, music, and history, making it an exciting place to call home.
Bakersfield’s community is welcoming and diverse, creating a friendly environment for newcomers. The city is home to professional sports teams like the Bakersfield Condors (AHL) and the Bakersfield Train Robbers (Pecos League), providing plenty of excitement for sports fans. Major industries in Bakersfield include agriculture, energy, and healthcare, with significant employers such as Grimmway Farms and Dignity Health driving economic growth. The city has public transit options, including buses, making commuting convenient.
Housing
This area has received high scores in the housing category. This could be due to a positive home affordability ratio, high appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Amenities
A majority of amenities are not ideally situated within a reasonable walking distance, which may lead residents to rely on a vehicle or public transportation.
Commute
Public transportation is not readily available in this area and the average commute time to work could also be longer than the national average.
Cost Of Living
Based on the most recent cost of living data, this area is more expensive to live in. You can expect to pay more for everyday goods and services, housing, groceries and utilities.
Crime
This area is reporting high crime rates per 100,000 people and could signify that it is a dangerous place to live. Crime rates include both violent and property crimes.
Schools
Lower than average education levels, poor reading and math scores, as well as the inaccessibility of local elementary and high schools could all be factors in the low schools score.
Bakersfield, California is a highly populated city with a population of 379,879 inhabitants. More than a quarter of the residents of Bakersfield identify themselves as Hispanic or Latino, and 34% of the population speak Spanish as their primary or secondary language. Bakersfield tends to attract a younger crowd, as the median age of 31 is far below the national average. The average American spends about 26 minutes on their one way commute to work each day. Lower travel times can increase overall happiness and allow for more time to be spent with family and friends. While living in Bakersfield, your commute times will be about average, with a one way commute time of 23 minutes.
If you’re considering relocating to any new city, it could be a very daunting task. However, it could also be a positive experience if you are willing to get to know the area before actually living in Bakersfield, California. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. The best areas in Bakersfield and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from crime, commute, education, employment, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the California and national averages.
Using data and statistics Bakersfield has received a livability score of 58/100. This score is ranked in the 33rd percentile when compared to all other cities. This is a lower than the US average livability score as Bakersfield does not rank well for most categories. Based on the rankings for each individual category, Bakersfield has received high marks for housing (A). There are some categories that Bakersfield does not rank well for, including: amenities (F), crime (F) and cost of living (F). It might be worth taking a closer look to determine why.
For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Bakersfield apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.
Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Bakersfield is real estate affordability. The median home price for Bakersfield homes is $258,700, which is 36.8% lower than the California average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Bakersfield, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 3.9, which is 39.1% lower than the California average.
| Statistic | Bakersfield | California | National |
| Average one way commute | 23min | 28min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 82.0% | 73.5% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 10.7% | 10.6% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.8% | 5.2% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.3% | 1.1% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 0.8% | 2.7% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 4.5% | 5.4% | 4.6% |
Here are the best places to live in California
These are the largest cities in California
Check out the 10 safest cities in California
See the best places to live in Bakersfield