Local Tips for Moving In Bakersfield, CA
Moving to a new city can be both exciting and challenging. When considering moving to Bakersfield, CA, it’s crucial to gather local tips to ensure a smooth transition. Bakersfield, known for its vibrant culture and affordability, offers a unique living experience in Southern California.
This article aims to provide comprehensive insights and practical advice for anyone planning to relocate to Bakersfield.
Is Bakersfield a Good Place to Live?
Bakersfield, CA, presents a mix of advantages and challenges for prospective residents. One of the city’s main attractions is its affordability compared to other Californian cities.
Housing costs are significantly lower, with the median home price around $349,300, making it an attractive option for those looking to save on living expenses.
Additionally, the cost of living in Bakersfield is generally lower than the state average, providing economic relief for families and individuals alike. The city is also seeing job growth, particularly in industries like oil, agriculture, healthcare, and education, offering diverse employment opportunities.
Bakersfield’s proximity to Los Angeles, just a two-hour drive away, allows residents to enjoy the amenities of a major city without the high cost of living associated with LA.
However, there are notable drawbacks to living in Bakersfield. The city has one of the highest crime rates in the nation, with a total crime rate that is 54% higher than the national average. This can be a significant concern for potential movers.
Additionally, Bakersfield’s climate can be challenging, with extremely hot summers where temperatures often reach above 98 degrees Fahrenheit, and very little rainfall, contributing to a high risk of wildfires.
The city’s air quality is also poor due to its significant oil production, which can be problematic for those with respiratory issues. Moreover, Bakersfield is a car-dependent city with limited public transportation options, making it essential for residents to own a vehicle to navigate its sprawling layout.
Planning Your Move to Bakersfield
Planning your move to Bakersfield, CA, involves several important considerations to ensure a smooth transition. One of the first steps is understanding the cost of living and housing options in the area.
Bakersfield is known for its affordability compared to other Californian cities, with the median home price around $349,300, significantly lower than in cities like San Diego or Los Angeles. This makes it an attractive option for both homebuyers and renters.
Additionally, the overall cost of living in Bakersfield is 21% lower than the California average, providing significant savings on essentials like groceries, housing, and transportation.
When moving to Bakersfield, it’s essential to plan for transportation, as the city is quite spread out and largely car-dependent.
While public transportation is available through the Golden Empire Transit District, most residents find that having a personal vehicle is necessary for convenience.
If you’re moving from out of state, you’ll need to register your car and obtain a California driver’s license within 10 days of establishing residency.
Bakersfield offers a range of moving services to help with the transition, from local to long-distance movers, and it’s recommended to get estimates from trusted Bakersfield movers to find the best deal.
Navigating Bakersfield
Navigating Bakersfield, CA, requires understanding its layout and transportation options to move efficiently within the city. Bakersfield is quite car-dependent due to its sprawling nature and limited public transportation.
The primary public transit system, Golden Empire Transit (GET), offers several bus routes, but most residents find that having a personal vehicle is essential for convenient travel. Major highways like State Routes 99, 58, and 178 serve as crucial arteries for entering and exiting the city, providing easy access to other parts of California.
For those considering biking, Bakersfield is making strides in improving its infrastructure. The city has a Bicycle & Pedestrian Safety Plan aimed at enhancing safety and accessibility for cyclists.
This includes designated bike lanes and trails, such as the Kern River Parkway Trail, which is popular among both cyclists and pedestrians. Additionally, Bakersfield’s Visitor Information Center is a valuable resource for newcomers, offering guidance and information on navigating the city. Located downtown near the Amtrak station, the center provides maps, brochures, and personalized assistance to help you get around and explore Bakersfield efficiently.
Best Neighborhoods in Bakersfield
When considering the best neighborhoods in Bakersfield, CA, several areas stand out for their unique attributes and livability. Olde Stockdale is often highlighted as the most affluent neighborhood, featuring high median household incomes and beautiful residential options.
This neighborhood offers amenities such as the Stockdale Country Club, golf courses, tennis courts, and fine dining establishments. The median home listing price in Olde Stockdale is around $565,000, reflecting its upscale nature.
Additionally, the area is well-suited for professionals, families, and retirees looking for a serene yet luxurious living environment.
Another highly recommended neighborhood is Seven Oaks, known for its combination of residential comfort and access to outdoor activities. Situated near the Kern River and multiple parks, Seven Oaks offers single-family homes with a median sale price of about $575,000.
The area includes amenities such as Windsor Park and Deer Peak Park, making it an excellent choice for families and those who enjoy an active lifestyle. Seven Oaks also boasts a variety of dining and shopping options, ensuring residents have everything they need within close proximity.
This neighborhood, along with others like Stockdale Estates and Haggin Oaks, provides some of the best living conditions in Bakersfield due to their low crime rates, great schools, and robust community features.
Housing Market in Bakersfield
The housing market in Bakersfield, CA, has shown resilience and growth, making it an attractive option for buyers and investors. As of the latest reports, the median sale price of homes in Bakersfield is approximately $410,000, marking a 3.7% increase from the previous year.
This upward trend is also reflected in the median price per square foot, which has risen by 6.4% to $232. Homes in Bakersfield are generally sold within an average of 22 days on the market, indicating a competitive environment where properties receive multiple offers.
In terms of affordability, Bakersfield stands out compared to many other California cities. The average home value is around $387,759, with a variety of property types available, from affordable condos and townhomes to larger single-family residences.
The market remains robust, with 1,694 homes currently for sale and 504 homes available for rent. This dynamic market is characterized by a balance of new listings and consistent sales, maintaining a seller’s market where homes often sell close to their listing prices.
The steady demand and relatively lower cost of living make Bakersfield a viable option for first-time homebuyers and investors looking for growth potential.
Employment Opportunities
Bakersfield, CA, offers a diverse range of employment opportunities across various sectors, making it a dynamic place for job seekers.
The city has a strong presence in the healthcare, agriculture, oil, and education industries. Major employers include companies like Grimmway Farms, Bolthouse Farms, and large healthcare providers such as Kern Medical Center and Bakersfield Memorial Hospital.
The healthcare sector alone provides numerous positions ranging from clinical roles like nurses and medical assistants to administrative positions.
Additionally, the education sector is robust, with numerous opportunities in the Panama Buena Vista Union School District for roles such as school secretaries, program leaders, and library clerks.
Bakersfield’s job market also shows promising growth in technical and administrative roles. Companies like Hadco Metal Trading Co and Southern California Orthopedic Institute are hiring for positions such as administrative assistants and office shipping assistants, offering competitive salaries.
The city is seeing an influx of opportunities in both blue-collar and white-collar jobs, with positions available in warehouses, administrative offices, and clinical environments.
With the average salary for many of these roles ranging from $18 to $24 an hour, Bakersfield continues to attract job seekers looking for stable employment in a city with a relatively lower cost of living compared to other Californian cities.
Education and Schools
Bakersfield, CA, is home to a variety of educational opportunities, ranging from top-rated public schools to specialized programs and private institutions. The Bakersfield City School District (BCSD) serves a large portion of the city with a focus on equity and innovation.
BCSD includes numerous elementary and junior high schools, offering a robust curriculum that includes programs in multilingual education, special education, and visual and performing arts. The district is committed to student wellness, providing comprehensive health and nutrition services. Additionally, the Kern County Superintendent of Schools oversees various educational initiatives and support services across the county, ensuring that students receive quality education and resources to succeed.
In terms of school performance, Bakersfield boasts several highly-rated institutions. For example, Ronald Reagan Elementary and Downtown Elementary are among the top public schools, recognized for their high academic performance. These schools rank in the top 30% of public schools statewide, with strong reading and math scores.
Additionally, Bakersfield offers various private schooling options, including Garces Memorial High School, known for its rigorous academic programs and extensive extracurricular activities. The city also provides access to vocational training through institutions like Unitek College, which offers programs in healthcare and technical fields.
These diverse educational opportunities make Bakersfield an attractive location for families prioritizing quality education for their children.
Weather in Bakersfield
Bakersfield, CA, experiences a desert climate characterized by hot summers and mild winters. During the summer months, temperatures frequently exceed 100°F, with July being the hottest month, averaging highs around 105°F to 107°F. Nighttime temperatures provide some relief, dropping to the mid-70s.
The region sees very little rainfall during this period, leading to arid conditions. The National Weather Service often issues excessive heat warnings, highlighting the importance of staying hydrated and limiting outdoor activities during peak heat hours.
Winters in Bakersfield are mild and relatively short, with daytime temperatures typically ranging from the mid-50s to the mid-60s, and nighttime temperatures occasionally dipping into the low 40s. January is usually the coolest month.
Rainfall is sparse, with most of the annual precipitation occurring between November and March, averaging about 6 inches per year. The city also experiences occasional fog, particularly during the winter months, which can impact visibility and driving conditions.
Overall, Bakersfield’s climate is conducive to outdoor activities for much of the year, except during the peak summer heat.
Conclusion
Moving to Bakersfield, CA, offers numerous benefits, from affordable living and job opportunities to a rich cultural scene and abundant outdoor activities. By following local tips and thoroughly planning your move, you can ensure a smooth transition and embrace all that Bakersfield has to offer.
Whether you’re drawn by the economic advantages or the vibrant lifestyle, moving to Bakersfield can be a rewarding experience.
