Living in Bakersfield, CA: Pros and Cons

Written by Aaron Steed

Bakersfield, California, is a city with a mix of country vibes and city living, making it an interesting place for people thinking about moving there. But like any place, living in Bakersfield has its pros and cons.

From its friendly community and diverse culture to the hot weather and job scene, Bakersfield offers a variety of experiences. In this blog, we’ll go through the pros and cons of calling Bakersfield home, covering everything from jobs and schools to the fun stuff you can do around town. This will help you figure out if Bakersfield is the right place for you to settle down.

Pros Of Living In Bakersfield, CA

Strong Sense Of Community

Bakersfield might be a big city, but it feels like living in a small bubble where everyone is somehow connected. It’s common to bump into someone who knows your friends or family or to meet people who have connections with places you frequent. This creates a cozy, small-town vibe, making the city feel like a close-knit community.

Living in Bakersfield, you quickly get the sense that everyone is just a friend or an acquaintance away, which can make settling in and finding your place much easier and more comfortable.

Sports, Sports, Sports

In Bakersfield, sports are a big part of what brings the community together. The city offers a ton of sports options for all ages, making it easy for everyone to find something they like. Kids have lots of choices from soccer and basketball, to gymnastics and lacrosse, and these programs help them stay active and learn about teamwork.

High school sports, especially football, are really popular and draw big crowds, just like in small college towns. For adults, there are plenty of recreational leagues like softball, and volleyball where they can play and have fun too.

Bakersfield is also known for producing some famous athletes, like NFL player Derek Carr, which adds to the city’s sports culture.

All Bakersfield Californians are Patriotic

Bakersfield, California, is known for its strong sense of patriotism. The community shows huge respect for national values and takes pride in American traditions. This is evident in the many events and celebrations held throughout the year, such as the Veterans Day parade, Fourth of July celebrations, and other community gatherings that honor the country’s military and veterans.

The local support for law enforcement and military personnel further reinforces this patriotic spirit, making it a significant part of character. If you value a strong sense of national pride, Bakersfield’s patriotic atmosphere is quite welcoming and vibrant.

Housing Is Affordable In Bakersfield

Bakersfield stands out as an affordable alternative to the pricier areas of California, especially when compared to the high costs of living, in places like Los Angeles. As a locally owned moving company in Bakersfield, we’ve observed a significant influx of people relocating to Bakersfield, attracted by its more reasonable housing market. Whether it’s your first home, a luxury property, or something in between, Bakersfield makes homeownership accessible without breaking the bank.

Additionally, its proximity to Los Angeles—just a two-hour drive—offers residents the best of both worlds: a cost-effective lifestyle paired with easy access to the vast amenities and excitement of LA. This blend of affordability and accessibility positions Bakersfield as an appealing choice for anyone considering a move to Southern California. It’s certainly worth considering if you want to enjoy the Southern California experience without the LA price tag.

Best Areas To Live In Bakersfield:

Southwest,
Northwest,
Parts of Northeast,
Seven Oaks,
Haggin Oaks,
Brimhall Classics,
Olde Stockdale,
Anywhere near CSU Bakersfield.

Cost Of Living In Bakersfield is Relatively Low

The cost of living in Bakersfield is relatively low compared to many other parts of California. This makes it an attractive option for those looking to stretch their budgets further without sacrificing quality of life.

In Bakersfield, expenses such as housing, groceries, and transportation are more affordable, allowing residents to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle for less.

Bakersfield Has Good Schools

If you’re thinking about moving to Bakersfield and have kids in school, you’ll be pleased to know that the area offers many educational options. With 33 elementary schools and 8 middle and high schools available, finding the right fit for your kids will be straightforward. Additionally, if your children are still deciding on a career path, you might encourage them to consider law enforcement, a field that is particularly needed in Bakersfield.

There Is Plenty Of Room To Find A Good Job In Bakersfield

Bakersfield is buzzing with job opportunities, making it a promising place for ambitious professionals. Over the past decade, job growth in the city has surged by 10.6%, and this upward trend is expected to continue. Major companies like Amazon, Allied Universal, and Esparza Enterprises have set up shop here, offering a variety of roles across different industries.

If you’re an eager young professional, moving to Bakersfield could be a smart career move.

There Is Always Something To Do In Bakersfield

In Bakersfield, like in any other city in California, you’ll never get bored. There’s always something to do, from outdoor fun and cultural events to trying out local restaurants and enjoying the nightlife. Bakersfield has a lot of activities to keep you busy and entertained, perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy an active lifestyle without the constant hustle and bustle of bigger cities.

Cons Of Living In Bakersfield, CA

High Crime Rates In Certain Areas Of Bakersfield, CA

In Bakersfield, the crime rate is 85% above the national average, and property crime is 96% higher. The exact reasons for these high rates aren’t clear, but if you decide to move to Bakersfield, staying cautious and aware of your surroundings is advisable, especially in areas known for higher crime rates like Lakeview, East Bakersfield, Rio Bravo, Southgate, and Cottonwood.

Based on our experience as a moving company in the area, people who choose to move to Bakersfield often opt for neighborhoods known for their safety, avoiding areas where the crime rate is concentrated.

Prospective residents typically seek out communities with strong reputations for security and neighborliness, ensuring they can enjoy all the benefits of the city while minimizing exposure to its challenges. This careful selection helps new arrivals settle into parts of Bakersfield that offer a more positive and secure living environment.

You Will Most Likely Need A Car

In Bakersfield, you’ll need a car to get around. The city isn’t easy to walk, and everything from shops to jobs is spread out. Public transport might not take you everywhere you need to go, so driving is the easiest way to do your daily activities. If you’re moving to Bakersfield, plan on using a car to make the most of living there.

Air Quality Is Not The Best In Bakersfield

Air quality in Bakersfield isn’t great, mainly because of its location and industries. Unlike cities like Los Angeles, where smog from cars is common, Bakersfield deals with dust and chemicals from farming, and pollution from oil and gas industries. The city sits in a valley, surrounded by mountains on three sides, which traps the pollution.

Because of this, the air often gets filled with particulates, making it difficult to see the mountains that surround the city. It’s a local joke that you’re reminded of the mountains only when you can see them.

It Gets Very Hot In The Summer

Weather in Bakersfield can be tough for outdoor fun, especially during the summertime, and it’s not great for your health either. The city’s climate is like a desert, meaning it gets super hot, especially in the summer. Temperatures often reach nearly 100 degrees, and there’s hardly any rain to cool things down because California is in a serious drought.

Area Is Prone To Natural Disasters

Another con of living in Bakersfield, CA is that the area is prone to natural disasters. Positioned near the San Andreas Fault, earthquakes pose a constant threat to residents, with the potential for devastating consequences. Additionally, the region is vulnerable to wildfires, especially during periods of drought, which can swiftly engulf homes and communities.

Summary

To sum it up, living in Bakersfield has good and bad sides. But most people think about moving here because it’s close to Los Angeles and housing is cheap. However, other things about Bakersfield don’t make life here good enough for many people, to want to move.