Bakersfield, California, known for its rich agricultural history and as the birthplace of the Bakersfield Sound in country music, is a city that offers a unique blend of rural charm and urban amenities. Bakersfield neighborhoods reflect the city's diverse population and cultural heritage, providing a range of living environments from suburban developments to more rural settings. With its strong sense of community, affordable housing, and close proximity to natural attractions like the Sierra Nevada mountains, Bakersfield appeals to a wide range of residents, including families, retirees, and young professionals.
The Bakersfield neighborhood map is a vital tool for anyone interested in exploring the city's various communities. Bakersfield neighborhoods are diverse, with some areas offering quiet, family-friendly environments while others are more vibrant and bustling. The map highlights neighborhoods with higher livability scores in green, indicating those with better amenities, safety, and overall quality of life. Conversely, neighborhoods with lower scores are marked in red, providing insight into areas that may face more challenges and require further exploration for prospective residents.
| # | Hood | Population | Area (km 2) | Livability Score |
| 1 | Haggin Oaks | 3,023 | 1.22 | 57 |
| 2 | Stockdale Estates | 2,438 | 2.4 | 56 |
| 3 | Seven Oaks | 7,189 | 4.2 | 55 |
| 4 | Artisan | 4,098 | 1.35 | 55 |
| 5 | Csu Bakersfield | 2,266 | 3.73 | 54 |
The best Bakersfield neighborhoods are identified by their high livability scores, which take into account factors such as access to local amenities, low crime rates, and the quality of schools. These neighborhoods provide residents with a balanced lifestyle that includes easy access to parks, shopping, dining, and cultural attractions. Whether you're seeking a peaceful, family-friendly environment or a community with a strong sense of identity and local pride, the best Bakersfield neighborhoods offer a high quality of life for all residents.
| # | Hood | Population | Area (km 2) | Livability Score |
| 1 | Tuscany | n/a | 3.74 | 8 |
| 2 | River Oaks | n/a | 1.58 | 11 |
| 3 | Seven Oaks At Grand Island | n/a | 3.1 | 14 |
| 4 | Tyner Homes | 4,430 | 2.28 | 34 |
| 5 | Rexland Acres | 5,739 | 5.54 | 35 |
The worst Bakersfield neighborhoods tend to score lower on livability metrics due to issues such as higher crime rates, fewer amenities, and economic difficulties. These areas may face challenges like underperforming schools, limited access to community resources, and economic instability, making them less attractive places to live. Despite these challenges, each neighborhood in Bakersfield has its own unique character, but those classified among the worst Bakersfield neighborhoods often struggle with factors that negatively impact the overall livability and appeal of the area.
| # | Hood | Population | Area (km 2) | Livability Score |
| 1 | Oleander Sunset | 14,490 | 5.95 | 54 |
| 2 | Rio Bravo | 13,276 | 3.61 | 35 |
| 3 | Lakeview | 9,871 | 4.03 | 42 |
| 4 | Benton Park | 9,020 | 3.93 | 54 |
| 5 | Laurelglen | 8,949 | 3.39 | 50 |
| 6 | Spice Tract | 8,281 | 2.22 | 42 |
| 7 | Southgate | 8,146 | 3.84 | 42 |
| 8 | College Heights-Baker Street | 7,703 | 1.93 | 47 |
| 9 | Silver Creek | 7,430 | 2.59 | 41 |
| 10 | Seven Oaks | 7,189 | 4.2 | 55 |
Bakersfield is one of the top ten largest cities in California. It is a great place to start a career or raise a family. There are many exciting things to see and do in the city of Bakersfield, and the ocean is only a couple hours away. The city was incorporated in 1873 and is a large producer of various agricultural and oil products. Families, and individuals, have a large variety of amazing neighborhoods to choose from in Bakersfield. Some of the top choices of neighborhoods for residents of Bakersfield include; Stockdale Estates, Seven Oaks, and Haggin Oaks. Bakersfield is the county seat of Kern County and is located in the southern region of the San Joaquin Valley.
One of the top choices for neighborhoods in Bakersfield is Stockdale Estates. This neighborhood features immaculate moderately priced homes, great schools, and lower than average crime rates. There are many exciting things to see and do around the neighborhood. Residents can enjoy various shopping and dining experiences such as; La Foret Fine Dining and Lounge, Starbucks, Tesch Specialities, and Bagel and Blenders. There are also fitness centers, a bounce house, and a local library in the area. Residents can also enjoy various outdoor activities at the local parks. University Park and Amberton Park are two of the residents' favorites. Albertson's and CVS Pharmacy are also conveniently located within the Stockdale Estates neighborhood.
The Seven Oaks neighborhood is another one of the most liveable neighborhoods in the city limits of Bakersfield. This neighborhood draws families in for the low crime rates, great schools, and stable housing market. The neighborhood has a slightly higher than average median income. This neighborhood is strategically placed to be convenient to a wide variety of amenities. Carl's Jr., Jamba Juice, The Sequoia Sandwich Company, and Elephant Bar Restaurant are among the top favorites of the Seven Oaks locals. There are ten public transit stops in the neighborhood, which helps residents get around more conveniently. The neighborhood is also home to the Old River at Mercy Southwest Hospital. The Bakersfield 9/11 Memorial, Grand Island Community Pool, Windsor Park, and Deer Peak Park are among the favorite places for residents to spend time outdoors. The Active Ride Shop, Target,, Nordstrom Rack, and The Shops at Riverwalk are great destinations within the neighborhood for various shopping needs.
Haggin Oaks is another notoriously popular neighborhood in Bakersfield. Its' location, however, makes it one of the prime locations for families. One of the top reasons families love the Haggin Oaks neighborhood is its central location to the various schools in Bakersfield. Valley Achievement Center, Laurelglen Elementary School, and Panama-Buena Vista Union School are just a few of the choices families have for their educational needs. The neighborhood also has two day care centers, Childtime and Jennifer Harris Family Child Care, located in its boundaries. The Marketplace is also located in this neighborhood. The Marketplace is home to a variety of restaurants, shops, and other amenities the residents can enjoy. Louella's Children Boutique, Kaiser Permante, Patrick James Inc., Talbots, Johnny Rockets, Rite Aid, Applebee's, and many other shops are all located within The Marketplace. The John Hillman Aquatic Center, Cynthia Stiles Fine Art, and Glen Thomas Books are also located within close proximity to the Haggin Oaks neighborhood.