Bakersfield offers some of the lowest home prices of any large California city, a diversified economy (energy, agriculture, healthcare, logistics, Cal State Bakersfield), lower Kern County fees and no coastal premium, about two hours from LA on I-5 and the 99. The best-known family areas are Southwest (Seven Oaks, Stockdale), Northwest/Rosedale and Northeast. Trade-offs: summer heat, air quality, and distance from LA. Beyond Estates has a Bakersfield office. Call (661) 441-3706.
What your money buys
An LA condo budget buys a 4-bedroom house with a pool in Southwest Bakersfield. Most LA transplants are stunned by the square footage.
Neighborhoods
- Southwest (Seven Oaks, Stockdale, The Oaks, Grand Island): newest, best-ranked schools, golf.
- Northwest / Rosedale: newer tracts, strong family demand, Rosedale Union schools.
- Northeast (Bakersfield Country Club, Rio Bravo, La Cresta): bluffs and views.
- Central / Downtown: historic homes, revitalizing core, investor activity.
- East and South: lowest prices, more investor and first-time buyer activity.
Jobs
Oil and gas, agriculture, Kern County and the City, healthcare (Adventist, Dignity, Kern Medical, Kaiser), Cal State Bakersfield, Bakersfield College, Amazon and logistics, Edwards and China Lake for commuters.
Commute and travel
About 110 miles to downtown LA, roughly 2 hours. The Grapevine on I-5 closes in winter snow a few times a year. Meadows Field airport has daily flights. High-speed rail's first operating segment is planned to serve Bakersfield.
Trade-offs
Summer heat (100+ for weeks), valley air quality, and being two hours from the coast. Many families decide the house and the lifestyle are worth it.
Last updated 2026-10-20 · About Charly · (661) 441-3706
Related
Frequently asked questions
Is Bakersfield a good place to live?
For buyers who want a large home at a low price with a diversified job market, yes. Heat and air quality are the main trade-offs.
What is the nicest area of Bakersfield?
Southwest Bakersfield (Seven Oaks, Stockdale) is generally considered the most desirable, followed by Northwest/Rosedale and Northeast.
Talk to the #1 team in the Antelope Valley
Call or text. We answer 7 days a week, in English, Spanish or Arabic.
Charly Daoud, Team Leader · CA DRE #02023368
3001 Rancho Vista Blvd, Palmdale, CA 93551
Call or text (661) 441-3706 · charly.daoud@exprealty.com
Offices: Antelope Valley · San Fernando Valley · Bakersfield · Central Valley