Best Neighborhoods to Live in Bakersfield, CA

Written by Aaron Steed

Bakersfield, California, is an urban area offering diverse communities, making it an ideal place to live. The city has rich historical traditions and a bubbling economy, bringing more and more people here. These are some of the best neighborhoods to live in Bakersfield, CA, that one must consider when deciding where to settle.

Here, you will learn about some of the leading neighborhoods within the city with detailed information on the cost of living and crime rates, as well as general overviews for each area. Seven Oaks offers luxurious houses and high-end facilities. Westchester has cute historic appeal, while Laurelglen and Quailwood have family-friendly environments. There’s a neighborhood for everyone, starting from Leander, which is a vibrant and eclectic community, to serene, wide-spaced estates like The Oaks & Stockdale Estates, all aimed at meeting different people’s needs.

By considering these factors, you can easily find out which area of Bakertown matches your lifestyle and preferences, hence choosing the perfect neighborhood within Bakertown in California.

Overview of Bakersfield, CA

Bakersfield is a lively southern Central Valley metropolis in California. This great town boasts a fantastic agricultural heritage, and its role as an oil industry center cannot be underestimated. Thus, despite its rapid development on several fronts, Bakersfield today retains its small town charms plus warmth while providing extensive amenities associated with larger cities.

Best Neighborhoods of Bakersfield, CA

Seven Oaks

This master-planned community features expansive homes on lush landscapes with first-class amenities throughout. Families or professionals who want work-life balance prefer living there because it gives them suburban lifestyles near key urban areas located around the state capital region, Bay Area and Silicon Valley are just examples. Spacious streets lined by beautiful parks, including golf courses and swimming pools, are also features of this community. Seven Oaks is a place that offers fine living and community involvement.

Cost of Living

Seven Oaks has a high cost of living. The average house price in the neighborhood is about $500,000, while rental costs are commensurate with that, reaching $2,500 a month on average. Generally speaking, the cost of living here is much higher than in the rest of Bakersfield due to its high end nature. Also, utilities, groceries, and transportation expenses tend to be higher in this area, but people find it worthwhile because they have good quality lives with wonderful amenities.

Crime Rate

Seven Oaks has one of the lowest crime rates in Bakersfield. With private security companies and active neighborhood watch programmes, Seven Oaks is well known for being secure and peaceful. There are also gated communities with vigilant residents who ensure security, thus making it a suitable place for families and seniors. However, violent crimes are 25% lower than the national average, though the overall crime rate in this city is 197% higher than national levels.

Downtown Bakersfield

Downtown Bakersfield is among Bakersfield’s oldest and most attractive neighborhoods. This region boasts tree lined streets where historic houses mingle with contemporary developments. A lot of young professionals and families opt to live here since they can commute easily to downtown Bakersfield or enjoy its vibrant cultural life. Various community events held around the year foster strong unity bonds among residents, thereby creating that sense of belongingness that any individual would desire to have in their home.

Cost of Living

Compared to other cities in California, the downtown area of Bakersfield is relatively cheaper to live in. This means that as of 2024, a one-bedroom apartment will cost about $724, while a two-bedroom one goes for around $940. Despite recording a marginal rise of just about 0.6 percent over the last year, the costs of living in general within its boundaries are not stable since they can either go up or down depending on different factors such as housing utilities and transportation, among others. It has been revealed that housing costs constitute some major part, and an average home in this region would go for $258,700, which is 40.1% higher than the national mean.

Crime Rates

Downtown Bakersfield has high crime rates compared with both state-wide and nationwide averages. The overall crime rate here exceeds the national average by 170%, while violent crimes exceed it by 105%. As such, it’s important for prospective movers into this location to consider its safety records, as residents have a 1 in 16 chance of becoming victims of crime. Because the property crime rate, including burglary cases, larceny thefts, and motor vehicle thefts, is so high that these greatly contribute towards these overall figures of wrongdoings here.

Laurelglen

A well established neighborhood of Laurelglen is known for its great schools and friendly atmosphere for families. It gives a suburban feel with lots of parks, shopping centers, and restaurants, so it’s a good place to live in Bakersfield, CA. A well planned community consisting of walking trails and green space within the area provides enough space for outdoor activities and healthy living.

Cost of Living

Bakersfield’s Laurelglen district has a living cost that is 12% less than Bakersfield’s average and 22% higher than the national average. The expenses on houses in Laurelglen are more expensive, with an average price of about $264,300, which is almost 39% above the national average. Rent in Laurelglen too is high and has a median value of $1,233 monthly. However, although several other factors such as healthcare, transportation, and utilities play into this metric, housing costs remain its largest single component.

Crime Rate

Laurelglen’s crime rate noticeably surpasses the U.S. average. In general, the crime rate of Laurelglen is 262% higher than the nation’s standard, making it one of those areas whose safety status raises great concern. Violent crimes take place at a rate that exceeds the national average by 35%, and residents stand a risk of being victimized at rates of one out of every twelve persons living there. As shown by these statistics, property crime numbers are alarmingly high.

Stockdale Estates

Spacious homes, big lots, and well kept properties are characteristics of Stockdale Estates. It has immense popularity for those desirous of a suburban existence but close proximity to amenities in the city. Architecturally, there is something to suit everyone, from contemporary styles to traditional ranchers within the neighborhood.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Stockdale Estates generally exceeds average city standards. Prices usually fluctuate between $400,000 and $600,000, while monthly rentals range between $2,000 and $2,000 on average. Higher costs indicate better living conditions, this neighborhood provides good schools, nice parks with good maintenance, as well as a strong sense of community. Residents in turn get to enjoy expansive houses alongside several recreational opportunities.

Crime Rate

One of the safest neighborhoods in Bakersfield is Stockdale Estates. The total crime rate in Stockdale Estates is 31% more than the national average, but the violent crime rate on its part stands at a low figure of 64% below this figure. Therefore, Stockdale Estate residents have 1 in 33 to be affected by any type of crime, though there is less probability of violent crime occurrence, which stands at (1:752) persons being victims of violence. Property crimes such as burglary, theft, and vehicle theft are more common, as their chances stand at 1 in 35 individuals living there.

Oleander

A vibrant neighborhood, Oleander is known for its mixed assortment of houses and various cultures. Several old fashioned and modern homes make it a magnet for different people, such as artists, young executives, and families too. The area boasts many homes with early 20th century dates that give it historical significance. These include numerous local shops like Farmacy Cafe, and cultural events that help to bring a lively atmosphere.

Cost of Living

Comparatively cheaper than other parts of Bakersfield, the cost of living in Oleander is relatively low. The average price for a house is about $250000, while renting goes at around $1400 monthly. This makes it affordable to many, especially those who want a distinctive community that is also active economically. It provides value for money considering there are several houses to choose from and all city amenities are easily accessible.

Crime Rate

Bakersfield’s neighborhood, Oleander, has crime rates that are much higher than what is experienced at the national level. Old Sunset’s overall crime rate exceeds that of the entire country by 148%. Out of this, violent crimes in this area exceed the national average by 89%, which means that there is a one in eighteen chance of any kind of criminal offense happening to you.

Quailwood

One of the reasons Quailwood stands out is because it is a family friendly neighborhood that has great schools, parks, and a community oriented atmosphere. It’s an attractive choice for families that are looking for a secure environment where their children can be nurtured. This neighborhood consists of well maintained houses, tree lined roads, and numerous recreational facilities, making it the best place to live in Bakersfield, California. Such events enhance socialization among residents.

Cost of Living

There are moderately priced homes in Quailwood with an average cost of about $320,000 per home. On average, rents go at $1,700 every month. The standard of living is affordable, hence good value for money. Families love the reasonably priced housing possibilities as well as the emphasis on keeping it safe and supportive to raise kids.

Crime Rate

Quailwood, a neighborhood in Bakersfield, CA, experiences significantly higher crime rates compared to the national average. The overall criminal activity in Quailwood stands at 289% above the national average. Violent offenses committed in this locality are quite alarming because they are 166% higher than the national average. Among them are frequent assault cases, robberies, and sexual assaults, which are common.

Which Bakersfield Neighborhood is Right for You?

Bakersfield comprises several neighborhoods, each having unique features distinguishing them from others with their own set advantages. Are you more inclined towards Seven Oaks’ luxurious calmness or Westchester’s historical charm and small town vibe? There might be nothing better than Laurelglen or Quailwood in case you want a family friendly environment dotted by top rated schools.

If you like a peaceful environment with green landscapes, then The Oaks may be perfect for you too. On the other hand, Stockdale Estates could be ideal if you enjoy spacious homes that are close to suburban conveniences. But maybe Oleander/Sunset will suit your tastes since they are lively neighborhoods full of odd combinations.

In short, what you want depends on your individual lifestyle needs and preferences, amongst other factors. Visit these areas prioritizing your goals, and thereby you will get the perfect home in Bakersfield.