Known for its rich agricultural history, Bakersfield, CA, is located at the southern end of California’s Central Valley, just a few hours north of Los Angeles. With close proximity to the Sequoia National Forest, the beach towns along the central coast, and deserts like Death Valley and the Mojave, there are plenty of things to do in and around Bakersfield. If you’re considering living in the Central Valley, the average rent in Bakersfield is $1,746, while the median sale price is $380,000.
You’ll find countless neighborhoods that make up Bakersfield – each with a distinct charm and flair. And with all the neighborhoods Bakersfield has to offer, you may be curious which area you should rent or buy a home in. We’ve got you covered. Here’s 12 popular Bakersfield neighborhoods you may just want to call home (listed alphabetically).
1. Amberton
Amberton is primarily a residential neighborhood, but it’s close to several neighborhoods where you can find plenty of shops and parks. In Amberton, you can find views of the hills and countryside. Amberton has a variety of housing options from single-family homes, apartments, and townhomes.
Median Sale Price: $360,000
Homes for sale in Amberton | Apartments for rent in Amberton
2. Campus Park
The Campus Park neighborhood of Bakersfield is located in the southwest portion of the city. A mix of houses and a large shopping complex, you’ll find that you’re never far from a great afternoon shopping or grabbing a bite at a local restaurant. Campus Park has a mix of single-family homes, apartments, and townhouses. You’ll find most of the single-family homes were built during the 1950s and 1960s and are mainly single-story ranch houses.
Median Sale Price: $381,500
Homes for sale in Campus Park | Apartments for rent in Campus Park
3. City in the Hills
City in the Hills is a picturesque residential neighborhood located near the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The area has amazing views of the mountains and is close to the nearby Kern River. The homes in the City in the Hills area are usually single-family homes or condos. They are in a variety of styles ranging from Spanish to Mediterranean and ranch.
Median Sale Price: $395,000
Homes for sale in the City in the Hills | Apartments for rent in City in the Hills
4. CSU Bakersfield
The CSU Bakersfield neighborhood is home to none other than California State University, Bakersfield. The area has numerous shops, restaurants, and there are plenty of attractions on the CSU Bakersfield campus. CSU Bakersfield is primarily apartments and condos, but you can find some homes throughout the area.
Median Sale Price: $372,000
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,522 | Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $1,710
Homes for sale in CSU Bakersfield | Apartments for rent in CSU Bakersfield
5. Downtown
Downtown Bakersfield is a great area for those looking for restaurants on every corner, cozy cafes, bars and nightlife, as well as quaint shops and concert venues. Attractions in the area include the Bakersfield Museum of Art, Buena Vista Museum of Natural History & Science, and The Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater. Downtown Bakersfield has a lot of historic architecture, and many of the homes and apartments in the area share these architectural details.
Median Sale Price: $185,000
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,000
Homes for sale in Downtown Bakersfield | Apartments for rent in Downtown Bakersfield
6. Homaker Park
Homaker Park is located north of Downtown Bakersfield, with the Kern River running through the northern part of the neighborhood. You can bike along the Kern River Bike Trail on a sunny afternoon. Homaker Park has a variety of housing options from single-family homes, apartments, townhouses, and some mobile home parks.
Median Sale Price: $167,500
Homes for sale in Homaker Park | Apartments for rent in Homaker Park
7. Laurelglen
Laurelglen is a residential neighborhood, mainly composed of homes and a few parks. There are some shopping options on the south and north end of the neighborhood. The Laurelglen neighborhood is a mix of single-family homes, apartments, and villas.
Median Sale Price: $375,000
Homes for sale in Laurelglen | Apartments for rent in Laurelglen
8. Oleander/Sunset
The Oleander/Sunset neighborhood is located just south of downtown, known for its oleander bushes. It’s a residential area, close to downtown, but there are still many shops, restaurants, and parks you can visit. Oleander-Sunset is Bakersfield’s most walkable neighborhood, with a Walk Score of 70. Oleander/Sunset has duplexes, apartments, townhomes, and single-family homes. You can find a range of styles from ranch homes to bungalows.
Median Sale Price: $185,000
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,000
Homes for sale in Oleander/Sunset | Apartments for rent in Oleander/Sunset
9. Riviera/Westchester
The Riviera/Westchester neighborhood is located just west of downtown, bordering the Kern River. It’s a great blend of residential and commercial with plenty of parks, shops, restaurants, and residential streets. Single-family homes are the main type of housing in the Riviera/Westchester neighborhood, but you can find apartments, multi-family homes, condos, and mobile home parks in the area.
Median Sale Price: $312,500
10. Seven Oaks
The Seven Oaks neighborhood is located on the west side of Bakersfield, bordered by the Kern River to the north. It’s close to the River Walk as well as home to several parks like Windsor Park and Deer Peak Park. There’s also a large shopping center with stores and restaurants. Seven Oaks is primarily filled with single-family homes ranging in size, style, and age.
Median Sale Price: $575,000
11. Quailwood
The Quailwood neighborhood is a residential area with some parks, shops, and running trails. Make sure to take a walk or bike along the Tuhohi Running Trails or spend the afternoon at Quailwood Park. The majority of Quailwood is single-family homes. However, you can find some manufactured homes and apartments
Median Sale Price: $352,000
Homes for sale in Quailwood | Apartments for rent in Quailwood
12. Tevis Ranch
Tevis Ranch is just south of Seven Oaks and is known for its green spaces and residential streets. There are some amenities like a park and a shopping center.
Tevis Ranch housing: Tevis Ranch is mainly single-family homes ranging in style and size, but there are also apartments and condos in the area.
Median Sale Price: $385,000
Homes for sale in Tevis Ranch | Apartments for rent in Tevis Ranch
Methodology: All neighborhoods must be listed as a “neighborhood” on Redfin.com. Median home sale price data from the Redfin Data Center during December 2022.