Living a Gated Community Lifestyle in Bakersfield, California

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Where to Retire in Bakersfield and Home Prices

Bakersfield has many neighborhoods. Because it has grown so fast there are many developments, quite a few of which are 55+ or active adult communities which come to the area because of its large population and relatively cheap land (see Active Communities link at right). According to Zillow, the median home value in late 2022 was $383,555

What Is Special about Bakersfield

Bakersfield is one of the few places you can live in California where housing prices are below the national median.  The city has one of the highest concentrations of Basque restaurants in the country.  Outdoor enthusiasts will love the close proximity of the Sierra Nevada.

What Is Not Special about Bakersfield

There is traffic and polluted air, and charm is sometimes hard to find.

Climate and Physical Environment

Bakersfield is in the San Joaquim Valley, midway between Fresno and Los Angeles. The Kern River flows here and the Sierra Nevada is nearby.  January average temperatures are in the mid to high 40s, going into the high 90s in July.

Restaurants & Cultural Scene

As a city of 350,000 people there are the usual cultural attractions and restaurants.  The 2 colleges add to the cultural mix. Many of Bakersfield's oldest and most historic restaurants are Basque, including Woolgrowers and Maitia's.  The historic Fox Theatre hosts plays and musical events. There are a number of festivals and events through the year.

Crime

The crime rate is above the national average.

Medical Facilities

There appear to be 5 hospitals in Bakersfield.

Transportation

Bakersfield has bus service as well as an Amtrak station. There is a municipal airport. Bakersfield is below average in walkability when compared to other communities.

Valuable Links

Bakersfield Convention and Visitors Bureau

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