Bakersfield, CA Real Estate

Nestled amid thee mountain ranges just 100 miles north of Los Angeles, lies the substantial city of Bakersfield. Located in the Central Valley, Bakersfield is surrounded by the Tehachapi, Sierra Nevada, and Tremblor Mountain Ranges. Just minutes from the Kern River, Bakersfield’s once gold-laden river was responsible for attracting the area’s first pioneers. Eventually, the area evolved into a bustling city. The history of the city’s name is rooted in the expansive land owned by one of the area first settlers, Colonel Baker, whose expansive land was commonly referred to as “Baker’s Field.”

One of the country’s fastest growing cities, Bakersfield has seen substantial population and economic growth over the last years. A Mediterranean climate means warm summers and cool winters. On extra warm days, residents crowd the Bakersfield Ice Center for summer skating sessions, enjoy high school football games in the evenings and make the trek to the local river or lakes.

The nearly 9,000 sq. foot McMurtrey Aquatics Center offers a myriad of water related activities; children throughout the city look forward to the summer in Bakersfield when “spray parks,” brightly colored public sprinkler laden playgrounds, open at the beginning of each summer. Winter activities are similarly diverse: at Christmastime, families dress in their Sunday best to attend the Nutcracker ballet show, crowd the downtown streets to watch the annual Christmas parade and local limousine services offer “light tours,” a traditional splurge for locals who sing carols and drink hot chocolate.

Bakersfield has both private and public school options. Kern High School District is the largest high school in the state; it oversees nineteen campuses and 35,000 students. Bakersfield has been home to California State University, Bakersfield since 1965 and offers other technical and junior college opportunities.

Bakersfield dining options are endless. An array of chain restaurants, diverse population and hundreds local hangouts ensure there’s something for every palette.

Visitors to the city park in the 17th Street parking garage, a short jaunt from downtown Bakersfield. Downtown Bakersfield maintains a beautiful historic aire; the fire-like statue on Truxton Avenue is representative of the city as a whole. A unique mixture of modern and historic lends Bakersfield a true depth; bungalows clutter the Westchester neighborhood, historic homes shadowed by huge trees while smart planning has fostered new development in areas like Northwest Bakersfield, Rio Bravo and Northeast Fresno. Some of the most desirable residences overlook the Panorama Bluffs and lie close to the area’s country club.