FAQs About Bakersfield CA
Why are people moving to Bakersfield?
People are moving to Bakersfield for several compelling reasons:
Affordable Housing and Lower Cost of Living
- Depending on the source, the median home price in California as a whole exceeds $800,000, while the median home price in Bakersfield currently hovers around $400,000.
- Food, healthcare, and goods and services are also lower than the California coastal areas.
- People can enjoy a much lower cost of living while staying in close proximity to Los Angeles and the coast.
Strong Job Market
- Diverse employment sectors including agriculture, energy, healthcare, and transportation.
- Unemployment rate is competitive with the state average.
- Growing opportunities in renewable energy and technology.
Geographical Advantages
- Central California location
- Close proximity to major metropolitan areas like Los Angeles and, San Francisco
- Close proximity to outdoor recreation including mountains and deserts.
Quality of Life
- Warm, sunny climate.
- Lower cost of living compared to urban California.
- Family-friendly communities.
- Rich cultural diversity.
Economic Growth
- Expanding job market.
- Strategic investment in infrastructure.
- Emerging tech and renewable energy sectors.
- Continued stability in the agricultural and oil industries.
What supports the Bakersfield economy?
The petroleum and agriculture industries are the primary drivers of the Kern County (Bakersfield) economy. However, due largely to its geographical location, the economy is diverse and growing. A wide range of industries include health care, manufacturing, transportation and logistics, aviation, and military bases.
Agriculture
Kern County (Bakersfield) consistently ranks as one of the top agricultural producers in the nation. The rich soil, ideal climate, and extensive irrigation systems support major farming operations like Bolthouse Farms, Grimmway Farms, The Wonderful Company, and many more.
You almost certainly buy fruits and vegetables grown in Kern County. Those crops include almonds, citrus, grapes, pistachios, and milk account for over 70% of total agricultural revenue. Other crops include carrots, tomatoes, potatoes, and cattle.
Energy
Kern County (Bakersfield) produces about 70% of California’s oil and is one of the largest oil-producing counties in the nation. Bakersfield is home to many major oil companies like Chevron U.S.A. and Aera Energy, and related service industries Natural gas production is also significant in Kern County.
Kern County is also the top renewable energy center in the country with the nation’s largest solar and wind operations. In fact, Kern County was named the wind capital of the entire world. Just notice the bent trees in Mojave! The county’s total wind power capacity exceeds the entire northeastern region of the country.
For more in depth info, check out Fun Facts and Stats About Bakersfield & Kern County
What is the Bakersfield climate like?
The Bakersfield climate includes hot summers and cool winters. Summer temperatures frequently exceed 100°F, while winter temperatures typically range from 40-70°F. Average annual rainfall is 6 to 7 inches, falling mostly in the winter months.
CHART
What are fun things to do in Bakersfield?
Here’s a list of attractions to keep you entertained. There are also many bars, restaurants, and movie theaters to kick up your feet and enjoy. See my blog post for detailed descriptions.
- Bakersfield Museum of Art
- Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace
- Buena Vista Aquatic Recreational Area
- Buena Vista Museum of Natural History
- California Living Museum (CALM)
- Ernst Quarries at Sharktooth Hill
- Flight Adventure Park
- Fox Theater
- Hart Memorial Park
- Kern County Museum
- Kern County Raceway Park
- Kern River Parkway Trail
- Lake Ming
- MB2 Entertainment Park
- Mechanics Bank Arena
- Murray Family Farms
- Panorama Vista Preserve
- River’s End Rafting & Adventure Company
- The Park at River Walk
- Tule Elk State Natural Reserve
- William M Thomas Planetarium
What makes Bakersfield unique?
Bakersfield is a vibrant city in California’s San Joaquin Valley, well known for its rich agricultural heritage, petroleum production, country music scene, and strategic location between Los Angeles and San Francisco. The city combines rural charm with modern urban amenities, offering visitors and residents a distinctive California experience and ample parking!
What are transportation options in Bakersfield?
- Bakersfield is primarily a car-dependent city with an extensive road network.
- The city is served by Meadows Field Airport and multiple highways including Highway 99, Highway 178, Highway 58, and Interstate 5.
- You can travel to Bakersfield from most of the country on Greyhound and FlixBus, including 36 direct destinations.
- Local public transportation is offered through Golden Empire Transit (GET) bus services.
- The California High-Speed Rail System will eventually serve Bakersfield, but it’s anyone’s guess when it will be completed.
- Uber and Lyft are available in Bakersfield.
What educational opportunities exist in Bakersfield?
Bakersfield offers diverse higher-learning, educational institutions, including:
- California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB),
- Bakersfield College
- University of LaVerne
- Fresno Pacific University
- Several specialized technical and vocational schools.
What outdoor recreation opportunities are available near Bakersfield?
Surrounding Bakersfield are numerous outdoor recreation options, including Sequoia National Forest, Kern River Valley, and several state parks. Residents and visitors can enjoy activities like hiking, fishing, camping, and water sports within a short drive from the city.
How far is Bakersfield from other cities?
This handy chart shows approximate drive times to various destinations.
