Living in Bakersfield, California

Bakersfield sits at the southern end of California’s Central Valley. It’s often overlooked, but it’s one of the fastest-growing cities in the state. It has a strong working-class identity, an affordable housing market, and a local economy that’s tied to agriculture, energy, and healthcare. It’s also a major transportation hub.

This isn’t a city with a flashy downtown or coastal vibe. It’s a practical place where people put down roots, buy homes, and stay close to family or move to raise a family. You’ll find wide roads, strip malls, and lots of neighborhoods built in the last 30 years.

The air quality isn’t great, and summers get hot. But if you want to stay in California and still afford a house, Bakersfield might be one of your best bets. Would you believe that 80,000 people commute to Los Angeles from here?

Bakersfield isn’t flashy, but life here is grounded. Most people live in single-family homes, drive their own cars, and spend time with extended family nearby. It's a place where people go to Little League games, shop at local bakeries, and plan weekends around the Kern River or trips into the Sierra foothills. Green space is a big part of life here.

The Park at River Walk is one of the city’s favorite outdoor spots, with walking trails, fishing lakes, and big open lawns.

Kern River Parkway Trail runs for more than 30 miles, connecting parks and neighborhoods along the river.

Hart Memorial Park, just outside the city, offers hiking, fishing, and picnic spots in the foothills.

You’ll also find plenty of neighborhood parks and bike paths in newer developments, especially in Southwest and Northwest Bakersfield.

The arts and culture scene is smaller but surprisingly active.

Bakersfield Museum of Art (BMoA) hosts exhibitions, local artist showcases, and family programming.

Buena Vista Museum of Natural History is a quirky, family-friendly museum focused on fossils and geology.

Fox Theater, an art deco landmark downtown, is a live music and comedy venue that pulls in touring acts and community events.

The food scene reflects Bakersfield’s roots. You’ll find classic Basque restaurants like Wool Growers, alongside taco trucks, local donut shops, and new-school coffee spots like Covenant Coffee and Dagny’s. There’s also a growing brewery scene — check out Lengthwise Brewing and Temblor Brewing Company.

Local events include the Kern County Fair, high school football rivalries, and rodeos. You’ll also see more music coming through thanks to the city's role in country music history — Bakersfield is the home of the “Bakersfield Sound,” and Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace still hosts shows.

Overall, Bakersfield offers a practical lifestyle with room to breathe, easy access to the outdoors, and a strong sense of community. It’s not trendy, but it’s steady — and for many people, that’s exactly the draw.

Want to get a feel for what locals are up to? Check out Bakersfield’s calendar of events.

We always recommend staying in a VRBO if you’re visiting; it's a great way to experience the rhythm of local neighborhoods instead of the hotel bubble.

And if you're planning a trip, you can find discounted travel fares through our Expedia partnership.

Bakersfield has an increasingly diverse economy, with several historically dominant industries and some emerging around the growing population. These include:

-Agriculture is the biggie in Bakersfield's economy, given its location in the fertile San Joaquin Valley. The region is one of the most productive agricultural areas in the world, with big business in almonds, pistachios, grapes, citrus fruits, and vegetables.

-Bakersfield is often referred to as the "Oil Capital of California." The city and surrounding Kern County produce a significant portion of the state's oil. Big employers in the category include Chevron and California Resources Corporation.

-Healthcare is another major sector, driven by the area's growing population and heavy lift around health services. Major
employers include Dignity Health, Memorial, Mercy Hospitals, Adventist Health, and Kern Medical.

-Bakersfield's location at the intersection of several major highways makes it a hub for logistics and distribution, with Amazon and Target running major fulfillment centers here.

-Finally, education and government are important sectors for the valley with Kern County Government, Kern High School District, and California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB), providing jobs in education, administration, and research.

Bakersfield's economy is generally stable, with agriculture and oil being somewhat volatile due to market conditions. However, the diversification into healthcare, logistics, and education provides a buffer against downturns in any one sector. The city's growing population also supports continued expansion in service-oriented industries, including retail, education, and healthcare.