The 10 Best Bakersfield Neighborhoods: Warm Weather and Waterfront Living Without Breaking the Bank

Ever dreamed of Nashville livin’ on the Pacific Coast? The “Country Music Capital of the West Coast” might just be your best bet. Offering warm weather and waterfront living, Bakersfield is a hidden gem that won’t break the bank, since it’s one of the cheapest places to live in California. The best Bakersfield neighborhoods showcase everything the city has to offer — and we’re here to tell you about 8 of the best (plus a couple top-notch suburbs). First, though, some quick facts about the city.

With a bustling downtown and plenty of suburbs to boot, Bakersfield has something for everyone. The Sierra Nevada Mountains border the city, and the Kern River cuts right through it, meaning plenty of opportunities to get outside. Plus, a great arts and culture scene, and a plethora of restaurants to try. Not to mention the schools and local job market.

Bakersfield College and California State University, Bakersfield, are both nearby, offering great higher education opportunities. The Bakersfield City School District has several elementary and middle schools, and the Kern High School District has over 19 high school campuses that accommodate over 40,000 students for the kids to attend.

All those educational opportunities mean job opportunities as well. But if you’re in a different sector, fear not — other prominent companies in the area include Kern Medical and Allied Universal. Here are some other quick facts.

Bakersfield at a Glance

• Bakersfield has an approximate population of 418,100. 
• Families, young professionals, and retirees can all find something to enjoy about Bakersfield. 
• The average home value in Bakersfield is $397,700, compared to $775,000 in the state and $368,600 nationally. 
• The average rent for a one-bedroom in Bakersfield is $1,550, compared to $2,200 in the state and $1,750 nationally.
• Great for: Outdoor recreation, dining, unique homes, shopping, cultural events, entertainment

Bakersfield at a Glance

There are countless attractions in Downtown Bakersfield, including the historic Fox Theater.
(Source: The Padre Hotel via Facebook)

1. Downtown 

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,100
• Average home value: $275,200
• Great for: Young professionals, families, bars, restaurants, outdoor recreation
• Commute to Downtown Bakersfield: You're already there!

When looking at a Bakersfield neighborhoods map, you’ll notice that downtown is full of bars, restaurants, and concert venues ideal for young professionals looking to live among the hustle and bustle. There are countless attractions in the city center, including the historic Fox Theater and the Buena Vista Museum of Natural Science and History.

You’ll find plenty of wine bars along Chester Avenue and 18th Street when you're in the mood for a fun night out. A local favorite is Tlo Wines, a family-owned business that sources its grapes locally. The 18hundred on 19th Street offers grass-fed Angus beef, wild-caught fish, and shakes, while ZAMA serves up divine Latin American dishes and the best cocktails.

Families living in the area can enjoy Jastro Park's playground and athletic courts for some outdoor recreation, while cyclists can take advantage of the Kern River Parkway Trail — a 30-mile paved path that winds along the Kern River.

2. Laurelglen

Laurelglen is conveniently located near Downtown Bakersfield and California State University, which makes it an ideal choice for students and young professionals. Despite this, the quiet streets and single-family homes keep the area great for families.

There are plenty of restaurants in the area, including El Portal — a family-owned restaurant serving up Mexican fare. Mama Tosca’s has been a local favorite since 1982, with a large selection of Italian classics and wine selections to pair with every dish. Looking for local events and places to visit? You can check out the Bakersfield Museum of Art nearby, plus the annual Via Arté Italian Street Painting Festival.

3. Riviera/Westchester

The residents of Westchester have a deep sense of community. It’s established enough to make it perfect for retirees, but there’s enough going on to attract families as well. The annual Fourth of July Parade is a great representation of the tight-knit atmosphere, not to mention how easy it is to get involved in recreation.

Residents of La Cresta-Alta Vista have easy access to the Panorama Vista Preserve — a great place for hiking, biking, kayaking, horseback riding, and more.
(Source: Panorama Vista Preserve via Facebook)

4. La Cresta-Alta Vista

The community of La Cresta-Alta Vista tends to fly under the radar. It’s a quiet area not far from downtown, and offers stunning views of the Panorama Bluffs and proximity to highly-rated schools, like Bakersfield College and Garces Memorial Private High School.

Dining and outdoor recreation are some of the best things in the neighborhood, and you can always find a great place to eat with local favorites like Buena Vida Tapas Lounge and 19th Hole Bar & Grill. Get some exercise in at the Panorama Vista Preserve, which is just 8 minutes away by car and is a great place for hiking, biking, kayaking, horseback riding, and more.

5. Stockdale

6. Quailwood

The small neighborhood of Quailwood is bordered by the Kern River, and a lot of nearby amenities are centered around the waterfront. Major roads, like Stockdale Highway and Coffee Road, offer easy connections to Downtown Bakersfield, making it easy to enjoy everything the city has to offer.

The Town and Country Village shopping center is nearby, and features restaurants such as the Miyoshi Japanese Restaurant and Bagels and Blenderz — a family-owned business that’s been around for more than 25 years.

Quailwood Park features lots of areas for outdoor fun, including a playground, pavilions, and grassy fields surrounded by eucalyptus trees. Residents also flock to the Kern River and Lake Truxtun to get out on the water for fishing, boating, and kayaking. The Kern River Parkway Bike Trail runs between the two and makes it easy to enjoy the view without needing a swimsuit

Oleander-Sunset is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Bakersfield, and it offers a lifestyle immersed in the valley’s history.
(Source: The Cope Real Estate Team via Facebook)

7. Oleander-Sunset

Oleander-Sunset is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Bakersfield, and it offers a lifestyle immersed in the valley’s history. You’ll find a lot of older homes — everything from ranch-style to California bungalows built anywhere from the 1910s to the 1950s.

One of the oldest structures near this neighborhood is Beale Park, which was constructed in 1908 and features a Greek-style amphitheater that serves as the venue for the annual Concert In The Park series. During the off-season, residents can enjoy outdoor facilities such as a playground and tennis courts at the park. Need other options? Saunders Park, Jastro Park, and Lowell Park are all less than a 10-minute drive away.

The area surrounding Oleander-Sunset is lined with establishments that serve Mexican dishes. Some of the most popular restaurants include Mariscos Las Cazuelitas and serving authentic Taiwanese and Mexican cuisine Agave Grill & Tequila.

8. City in the Hills

2. Rosedale, CA