As of filming in June 2025
Are you thinking about moving to Bakersfield? This updated guide breaks down the real pros and cons of calling Kern County home based on current market conditions and lifestyle factors in 2026.
If you have ever searched “should I move to Bakersfield?” or “what is it like living in Bakersfield?”, this is the honest answer.
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Pro #1: Affordability. Buy Real Estate at 59% Below Coastal California
The Bottom Line: Kern County is one of the least expensive counties in California to buy real estate.
Bakersfield real estate costs approximately 59% less than Northern California, Southern California, and coastal communities. This advantage is massive if you are trying to:
- Get your first foot in the door of California homeownership
- Build equity without taking on an insurmountable mortgage
- Invest in real estate for long-term growth
- Relocate to California on a realistic budget
The Math: What costs 1 million dollars in San Francisco, Los Angeles, or San Diego might cost 410,000 dollars in Bakersfield. That is not a small difference. That is a life-changing difference for buyers.
Why This Matters: In California’s expensive real estate market, Bakersfield is your entry point. You do not wait to buy real estate. You buy real estate and wait. Time in the market beats timing the market, and Bakersfield gives you that opportunity affordably.
The Con: The only “con” is if you waited too long to buy. Real estate appreciation in Bakersfield has been significant. Waiting means missing opportunities.
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Pro #2: Education Options. Multiple Pathways for Families
The Bottom Line: Bakersfield offers diverse educational choices for families.
The Kern High School District is one of the largest in California. It boasts 17 high schools serving the Bakersfield area. Add in private schools, charter schools, university model schools, and homeschooling support communities. Families have genuine options when deciding where to educate their children.
The Con: Let us be honest. California ranks 37th out of 50 states for education quality, teacher salary, and academic rankings. This is not unique to Bakersfield. It is a California-wide issue.
What You Should Do: Regardless of where you live, parents need to stay engaged with their children’s education. Know what they are learning, who is teaching them, and how they are progressing. Bakersfield families deal with the same California education realities as everyone else in the state. They also have good options and a strong community of engaged parents.
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Pro #3: Agricultural and Industrial Community. Part of Something Real
The Bottom Line: Bakersfield is a working community, not just a bedroom suburb.
When you move to Bakersfield, you become neighbors with farmers growing produce you see in grocery stores. You are neighbors with nut growers producing pistachios, hazelnuts, and almonds shipped worldwide. You work alongside oil industry professionals in a region rich with energy resources and manufacturing workers supporting major operations.
This is a real, productive community with deep economic roots. It is not all service industry and retail. Bakersfield produces things that matter.
The Con: Air quality takes a hit. Located in a valley with agricultural dust, industrial emissions, and seasonal conditions, Bakersfield’s air quality ranks lower than coastal California communities.
Who This Affects: If you or your children have allergies, asthma, or respiratory sensitivities, Bakersfield’s air quality could aggravate those conditions. However, many people with these same issues live here successfully with management strategies like air purifiers, seasonal medication, and other approaches.
The Reality: You will have community support. Plenty of Bakersfield residents manage respiratory concerns, so you will not be alone.
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Pro #4: Community and Local Activity. “If You Know, You Know”
The Bottom Line: Bakersfield has a unique community culture that is hard to find elsewhere.
The community spirit here is exceptional. Live music events happen throughout the year. Park concerts and outdoor festivals occur regularly. Local sports draw families together. The small-town vibe exists despite Bakersfield being a mid-size city. It is a “six degrees of separation” kind of place where you will know someone who taught your neighbor’s mother.
Bakersfield residents take pride in their community. You are not just moving to a house. You are moving into a network of engaged, connected people who care about their town.
The Con (If It Applies): If you prefer anonymity or isolation, Bakersfield’s tight-knit community might feel intrusive. People know each other, talk to each other, and get involved. That is a feature, not a bug. However, it is not for everyone.
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Pro #5: Downtown Improvements and Growth
The Bottom Line: Bakersfield’s downtown is receiving investment and attention.
The city recently received 1.4 million dollars in funding for downtown improvements. These improvements include building renovations, new trees and landscaping, improved lighting, outdoor seating areas, and safety enhancements.
If you are a downtown-oriented person who enjoys walkable urban neighborhoods, Bakersfield’s downtown is developing into something worth paying attention to.
The Con: Like every city in California, Bakersfield faces homelessness challenges. Downtown areas, where improvements are happening, are also where you are more likely to encounter unhoused individuals.
The Reality: Downtown improvements and homelessness are both real. Bakersfield is no different from other California cities on this issue. It is a statewide problem, not unique to Bakersfield.
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Pro #6: Job Market and Economic Opportunity
The Bottom Line: Bakersfield has diverse employment options and welcomes entrepreneurs.
Traditional Employment
Kern County offers employment in oil and energy industries, which remain major employers. Manufacturing is robust. Distribution and logistics jobs are abundant through Amazon, IKEA, Ross, Famous Footwear, and other major distribution centers operating locally. Hospitality will see growth from the new Hard Rock Hotel and Casino coming to Elton.
Entrepreneurship and Small Business
Bakersfield is a startup and small business haven. Service-based businesses thrive. Pop-ups and temporary retail find community support. Small business owners report strong local customer bases. The community “gobbles up” local entrepreneurs and supports them.
Why This Matters: Whether you are seeking traditional employment or want to start your own business, Bakersfield provides realistic opportunities without the startup costs of Silicon Valley or LA.
The Con: Oil and agriculture are vulnerable to market fluctuations. Economic downturns in these industries can affect the broader job market.
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What Hasn’t Changed: The Deeper Appeal of Bakersfield
Several factors from previous years remain true and worth highlighting:
- Small business culture continues to thrive
- Community spirit has not diminished
- Sports engagement is strong
- Outdoor activities abound
- Sense of belonging is real
These are not new advantages. They are ongoing reasons why people choose to live here.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is Bakersfield affordable compared to other California cities?
A: Yes. Bakersfield is approximately 59% more affordable than coastal California communities and major metros like LA and San Francisco.
Q: Will my kids get a good education in Bakersfield?
A: California ranks 37th nationally for education, so you will need to be engaged as a parent regardless of location. That said, Bakersfield offers good school options and an active parent community.
Q: How bad is Bakersfield’s air quality?
A: Bakersfield is in a valley, so air quality is lower than in coastal areas. People with respiratory issues should research this carefully. However, many people with allergies and asthma live here successfully.
Q: Is Bakersfield a safe place to live?
A: Like any mid-size California city, Bakersfield has safe neighborhoods and areas to be cautious in. Work with a local realtor to find neighborhoods that fit your comfort level.
Q: What is the job market like?
A: It is diverse. Oil, manufacturing, distribution centers like Amazon and IKEA, hospitality, and small businesses all offer opportunities. It is especially strong for entrepreneurs.
Q: Is Bakersfield’s downtown worth moving to?
A: Downtown is undergoing revitalization with 1.4 million dollars in improvements. It is growing, though it faces the same homelessness challenges as other downtowns in California.
Q: Will I know anyone in Bakersfield?
A: You will quickly. The community is tight-knit. Expect to build strong connections.
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The Real Question: Is Bakersfield Right for You?
Move to Bakersfield if you:
- Want to buy California real estate affordably
- Want to be part of an engaged, connected community
- Are seeking job opportunities in oil, manufacturing, distribution, or entrepreneurship
- Value community events and local involvement
- Are willing to accept California-wide education and air quality realities
Reconsider if you:
- Have serious respiratory issues and cannot manage air quality concerns
- Prefer anonymity and minimal community involvement
- Need access to major metro employment like tech or finance at scale
- Are seeking coastal California lifestyle on a budget (that trade-off does not exist)
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Ready to Make Your Move to Bakersfield?
Moving to Bakersfield is a real opportunity, especially if you are priced out of coastal California but want to own real estate in the state. The community is real, the economy is diverse, and your money goes further here.
However, moving is personal. You need to know the real pros and cons before committing.
Download the Bakersfield Insider Guide to get:
- Neighborhood breakdowns and lifestyle guides
- Market trends and investment insights
- Schools, jobs, and community resources
- What to expect when you move
- Real estate investment opportunities
Or fill out our buyer intake form to speak with a local Bakersfield realtor who knows these neighborhoods, this community, and this market inside and out. We will help you figure out if Bakersfield is right for you. If it is, we will find you the perfect home.
Bakersfield is waiting. Let us get you home.
This guide is based on current 2026 market data and resident insights from June 2025 filming. For the most up-to-date information about neighborhoods, schools, and specific properties, connect with a local Bakersfield real estate professional.
