Bakersfield boasts a warm and sunny climate, with over 300 days of sunshine annually. This weather creates the perfect environment for outdoor enthusiasts to explore the region’s stunning natural beauty. The city is surrounded by picturesque landscapes, from the majestic Sierra Nevada mountains to the rolling hills of the San Joaquin Valley, providing ample opportunities for hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities.One of Bakersfield’s standout features is its thriving arts and cultural scene. The city is home to numerous museums, galleries, and performance venues, where residents can immerse themselves in local history and creative expressions. Additionally, Bakersfield hosts a diverse range of festivals and events throughout the year, celebrating everything from music and film to food and agriculture.
Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, an art lover, a foodie, or someone looking for a close-knit community, Bakersfield has it all. Its unique blend of culture, climate, and location makes it a fantastic place to call home, and undoubtedly a place that will leave you eager to pack your bags and make the move.
Bakersfield Area Communities
Downtown Bakersfield
The heart of the city, Downtown Bakersfield, offers a mix of historic charm and modern amenities. It features a thriving arts and cultural scene, with galleries, theaters, and entertainment venues. Downtown also boasts a variety of dining options, boutique shops, and urban living spaces.
Westchester
A well-established neighborhood with tree-lined streets and historic homes, Westchester is known for its sense of community and walkability. It’s close to Downtown and offers easy access to parks and schools.
Southwest Bakersfield
This area is popular for its family-friendly atmosphere and excellent schools. It offers a range of housing options, from affordable suburban homes to more upscale properties.
Northwest Bakersfield
A rapidly growing area with new developments, Northwest Bakersfield is known for its modern housing options, shopping centers, and entertainment facilities. It’s also conveniently located for commuters with easy access to major highways.
Seven Oaks
A desirable and upscale community in Southwest Bakersfield, Seven Oaks features beautiful golf courses, luxurious homes, and a high standard of living.
Oleander/Sunset
Located near Downtown, this historic neighborhood is known for its charming craftsman-style homes and vibrant community events.
Top Employers in Bakersfield
Farming and the government are two of the largest employers in Bakersfield.
Kern County
Kern County is the largest employer in the Bakersfield Area, allowing people who want to work for the local government to find jobs.
Giumarra Farms
Giumarra Farms is the largest agricultural employer in the Bakersfield Area, employing thousands of people at farming.
Grimmway Farms
Grimmway Farms is another major farming company that has a large employment presence in the Bakersfield Area.
Wm. Bolthouse Farms
Finally, Wm. Bolthouse Farms is the third largest large farming company that employs a large number of Bakersfield residents.
Bakersfield Memorial Hospital
Bakersfield Memorial Hospital is the largest health system in the Bakersfield Area, and it provides great care and great jobs.
Bakersfield Area Museums
Kern County Museum
This museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in the history of Kern County and Bakersfield. It features a collection of historic buildings, including a pioneer village with 56 original and replica structures. The museum also houses exhibits on agriculture, oil production, Native American history, and more.
Bakersfield Museum of Art
For art enthusiasts, the Bakersfield Museum of Art is a treasure trove. It showcases a diverse range of artwork, including contemporary, modern, and local pieces. The museum frequently hosts temporary exhibitions, art classes, and events for the community.
Buena Vista Museum of Natural History & Science
This museum offers fascinating exhibits on paleontology, geology, archaeology, and natural history. Visitors can view dinosaur fossils, learn about ancient civilizations, and explore the natural wonders of the Central Valley.
California Living Museum (CALM)
Known as CALM, this living museum focuses on the native wildlife and flora of California. It features over 250 animal species, including bears, wolves, birds of prey, and reptiles. CALM aims to educate visitors about California’s diverse ecosystems and the importance of conservation.
The Bakersfield Sound
Located inside the Buck Owens Crystal Palace, this museum pays tribute to the legendary Bakersfield Sound, a genre of country music that emerged in the city during the 1950s and ’60s. The museum showcases memorabilia, instruments, and information about the iconic country artists who shaped the sound.
Great Parks in the Bakersfield Area
Hart Memorial Park
One of the largest parks in Bakersfield, Hart Memorial Park spans over 370 acres and provides a wide range of recreational opportunities. The park features picnic areas, playgrounds, hiking trails, fishing ponds, and even a small zoo. It’s an excellent place for family outings and nature lovers.
Yokuts Park
This park offers a beautiful setting with its green spaces, walking trails, and a serene lake where you can enjoy fishing. Yokuts Park also has a popular dog park, making it an ideal spot for pet owners to socialize their furry friends.
The Park at River Walk
Situated along the Kern River, The Park at River Walk provides a scenic setting for various outdoor activities. The park has walking and biking trails, picnic areas, playgrounds, and sports fields. It’s a great place to spend a relaxing day by the water.
Living in Bakersfield
For those seeking a balanced lifestyle, Bakersfield provides a range of dining options and entertainment venues. From trendy eateries to cozy cafes, the culinary scene caters to various tastes. The city’s nightlife offers a mix of bars, live music venues, and theaters, ensuring there’s never a dull moment after the sun sets.Furthermore, Bakersfield is known for its friendly and welcoming community. Residents take pride in their city and actively engage in numerous community events, fostering a strong sense of belonging and camaraderie.
Bakersfield Housing Trends
With a great blend of hip downtown neighborhoods and family-friendly suburbs, there are many housing options depending on the kind of lifestyle you are looking for.
Housing costs are rising over time, but there are still a variety of options depending on your pricepoint, as there are many suburbs and cities surrounding Savannah.
Median Home Price: $380,000
The median home price in Bakersfield is lower than the national median home price, making it a wonderful place to settle down, if you’re a first time homebuyer, or an experienced home shopper looknig for the perfect retirement destination.
Amazing Bakersfield Restaurants
The Padre Hotel
The Padre Hotel is a stylish and upscale establishment located in Downtown Bakersfield. It features a rooftop lounge with stunning views of the city and a modern, chic ambiance. The restaurant offers farm-to-table American cuisine, emphasizing fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Diners can enjoy a diverse menu that includes delectable steaks, seafood, and inventive cocktails.
Moo Creamery
Moo Creamery is a beloved local spot known for its delicious burgers, hand-cut fries, and delectable gourmet ice cream. The restaurant uses high-quality, locally-sourced ingredients to craft their flavorful dishes. The ice cream selection includes unique and seasonal flavors, making it a favorite dessert destination for residents and visitors alike.
Luigi’s Restaurant and Delicatessen
A Bakersfield institution, Luigi’s has been serving classic Italian fare since 1910. It has a cozy, family-friendly atmosphere and offers a wide variety of Italian dishes, from pasta and pizza to hearty meat entrees. The deli section features an array of Italian meats, cheeses, and sandwiches.
La Costa Mariscos
La Costa Mariscos specializes in authentic Mexican seafood cuisine. The restaurant offers a menu full of flavorful dishes, including ceviche, shrimp cocktails, fish tacos, and a variety of grilled seafood platters. The vibrant and lively atmosphere adds to the overall dining experience.
Eureka!
Eureka! is a trendy gastropub that combines craft beer, artisanal cocktails, and gourmet burgers. It has a modern, industrial-chic setting with a focus on locally sourced ingredients. The diverse menu includes creative burger combinations, appetizers, and a rotating selection of craft beers on tap.
Great Attractions for Bakersfield Stay-cations
Buck Owens Crystal Palace
Visit the Buck Owens Crystal Palace, a country music institution dedicated to the legendary singer Buck Owens. Enjoy live music performances, explore the museum filled with memorabilia, and dine at the on-site restaurant with its country-themed decor.
Kern River Parkway
Take a leisurely stroll or bike ride along the scenic Kern River Parkway. This greenbelt area offers beautiful walking trails, picnic spots, and opportunities to spot local wildlife along the river.
Valley Plaza Ice Rink
Enjoy ice skating in Bakersfield at the Valley Plaza Ice Rink. This indoor ice rink provides a fun and unique activity for families and friends, especially during the holiday season.
Via Arte Italian Street Painting Festival
Talented artists create vibrant chalk art masterpieces on the pavement, turning the streets into an outdoor art gallery.
Lake Ming
Head to Lake Ming for a day of water-based fun. You can rent boats, paddleboards, and kayaks, or simply enjoy a lakeside picnic while taking in the beautiful scenery.
Shopping
Bakersfield has a great mix of unique local shops and big-name stores, often found side by side in shopping areas. There’s plenty of opportunity to shop ‘til you drop in this city.
Valley Plaza Mall
One of the largest shopping destinations in Bakersfield, Valley Plaza Mall, features a variety of stores, including popular fashion retailers, department stores, electronics shops, and more. It’s a great place for clothing shopping, accessories, and household items.
The Marketplace
The Marketplace is a popular outdoor shopping center with a mix of big-box retailers, specialty stores, and restaurants. You can find a wide range of shops, including home improvement stores, pet supplies, and several dining options.
Antique Shops in Downtown
Downtown Bakersfield is home to several charming antique shops, offering vintage furniture, collectibles, and unique treasures. Exploring these stores can be a delightful experience for antique enthusiasts.
BookHounds
BookHounds is a locally-owned bookstore that caters to book lovers. It offers both new and used books across various genres, making it a great place to discover hidden literary gems.
After graduating in 2016 from The University of Texas with a degree in English, Sanda Brown became a content writer for the BDX with a focus on website copy and content marketing.
At the BDX, Sanda helps write and edit articles on NewHomeSource.com, writes website copy for builders, and manages a team of freelancers that work on additional content needs.
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