Bakersfield, California

Bakersfield, like much of the central valley, struggles to keep young workers in the city. Growing housing options downtown are helping but more will be needed to pull people away from the coast or the sunbelt cities that have exploding Gen Z and Millennial populations who appreciate the lower costs. Downtown is pretty much the only game in town for the traditional target characteristics of apartments and condos within a walk of a bar and restaurant scene and so if you’re looking at Bakersfield then start here.

Bakersfield has no LGBTQ+ center, where the community is concentrated. Relatively low housing costs have spread people throughout the city . While there is a growing population and much local civic support you won’t find it in a specific neighborhood.

Olde Stockdale is perhaps the most affluent neighborhood in Bakersfield. Large homes with huge lawns, parks and a beautiful Country Club with all the golf, tennis, fitness and social activities this is where a lot of families with means start their search.

Laurelglen is a great neighborhood to start your search if you’ve got younger children and are looking for a more affordable option than Old Stockdale. It has great smaller homes and apartment complexes, plenty of shopping and restaurants, parks and some great elementary schools for the kiddos.

• Olde Stockdale
• Laurelglen
• Seven Oaks at Grand Island
• Tevis Ranch