Bakersfield,CA Neighborhood Guides
Neighborhoods in Bakersfield, CA – Data, Lifestyle & Local Insights
Neighborhood Map
Exploring the Best Neighborhoods in Bakersfield, CA: A Local’s Guide
Bakersfield, California, is a vibrant city with a unique blend of suburban charm and urban energy. Whether you’re moving here or just curious about the area, understanding the Bakersfield neighborhoods map can help you navigate its diverse communities. From historic districts to modern developments, each neighborhood offers something special, making Bakersfield a city full of character and opportunities for all lifestyles.
The Structure, Culture & Personality of the City’s Neighborhoods
The Bakersfield neighborhoods each have their own distinct personality. For example, the Olive Drive area is known for its family-friendly vibe with well-maintained parks and tree-lined streets, perfect for those who enjoy a quiet suburban feel. Meanwhile, the downtown district has a more urban atmosphere, featuring historic buildings and a growing arts scene. Southeast Bakersfield, like the Southwest area, showcases a mix of newer housing developments and established communities, reflecting the city’s rapid growth and diverse population. Each neighborhood contributes to Bakersfield’s rich cultural tapestry, making it a welcoming place to live and explore.
Food & Social Scene: Are Some Areas More Popular Than Others, Hotspots
When it comes to dining and social life, some neighborhoods definitely stand out. The downtown area is a hotspot for trendy restaurants, craft breweries, and coffee shops like Temblor Brewing Company and 24th Street Cafe. Meanwhile, the Stockdale area is popular for upscale dining with places like Wool Growers and Garces Trading Company offering delicious meals in stylish settings. If you’re a fan of authentic Mexican cuisine, the neighborhoods near Ming Avenue have several well-loved taquerias and family-owned eateries. These pockets of Bakersfield not only provide great food but also vibrant social scenes where locals gather to unwind and connect.
Things to Do: What Are Some Popular Attractions and Things to Do
Exploring Bakersfield neighborhoods means you’re never far from fun activities. The Kern County Museum, located near downtown, showcases local history with fascinating exhibits and historic buildings. For outdoor lovers, the Panorama Vista Preserve offers trails and wildlife viewing in a peaceful setting. The Stockdale area also houses the Valley Plaza Mall for shopping and entertainment. Families often enjoy the Bakersfield Ice Sports Center or the Bakersfield Museum of Art, both nestled in convenient neighborhoods. These attractions highlight why Bakersfield’s neighborhoods are more than just places to live—they’re hubs of community and recreation.
Colleges & Universities: What Neighborhoods Are the Colleges/Universities Located In?
Bakersfield is home to several notable educational institutions, which shape the neighborhoods around them. California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB) is situated near the northeast part of the city, surrounded by residential areas that cater to students and faculty alike. Bakersfield College, located in the southern region near Chester Avenue, is another key institution attracting a youthful and dynamic crowd to its surrounding neighborhoods. These areas often feature affordable housing options, cafes, and study spots, making them lively and convenient for academic life. Knowing the Bakersfield neighborhoods map helps prospective students find the best spots to live close to campus.
What Are Some Things People Might Not Know About These Neighborhoods?
Many people don’t realize that some of Bakersfield’s best neighborhoods are steeped in history and hidden gems. For instance, the Westchester neighborhood is a quiet residential area with vintage homes and local parks that often go unnoticed by visitors. In contrast, the Oleander-Sunset area offers charming mid-century architecture alongside trendy new businesses that are revitalizing the community. Additionally, Bakersfield’s neighborhoods often host seasonal farmers markets and cultural festivals that showcase local artisans and produce, fostering a strong sense of community. Exploring beyond the main streets reveals a city full of surprises and friendly faces.
Bakersfield Demographics
Best Neighborhoods
| Hood | Med. Age | Have Kids | Home Price | Med. Income | Affordability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eagle Ranch | 38.6 | 33.1% | $432,214 | $158,797 | 2.7 |
| Nottingham Estates | 32.3 | 58.4% | $410,000 | $144,521 | 2.9 |
| Seven Oaks | 40.2 | 33.1% | $458,053 | $159,905 | 3.0 |
| Hampton Woods | 34.5 | 50% | $427,286 | $147,202 | 3.0 |
| Southern Oaks | 31.6 | 53.7% | $405,680 | $142,196 | 3.0 |
| Terra Vista | 31.3 | 54.6% | $396,150 | $134,964 | 3.1 |
| River Oaks | 37.8 | 39% | $484,914 | $163,116 | 3.1 |
| Silver Creek | 33.4 | 45.3% | $325,133 | $104,842 | 3.1 |
| Belsera | 31.4 | 50.5% | $433,425 | $144,304 | 3.1 |
| Fox Run | 32.2 | 50.3% | $387,867 | $126,066 | 3.2 |
Bakersfield neighborhoods bring their own blend of lifestyle, affordability, and long-term appeal, and the data in the table above helps highlight what makes each area stand out. By comparing home prices, median income, average age, families with kids, and housing affordability ratios, you can quickly uncover the best neighborhoods in Bakersfield—those that balance cost, character, and overall livability. For budget-minded buyers, the table also makes it easy to identify the most affordable neighborhoods in Bakersfield, where lower home prices combined with local income levels create meaningful value. Families can use the children-per-household data to pinpoint the best neighborhoods for families, revealing which areas offer strong community connections and a family-friendly atmosphere. Meanwhile, adults looking for quieter, age-friendly surroundings can turn to neighborhoods with higher median ages to find the best neighborhoods for retirees, where comfort, stability, and an easy pace of living tend to define the local experience. This data-driven overview offers a clear starting point for understanding how each neighborhood aligns with the lifestyle you want.
Crime in Bakersfield
| Crime |
Reported |
Bakersfield /100k |
CA /100k |
National /100k |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Murder | 28 | 6.7 | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 170 | 40.9 | 36.6 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 523 | 125.7 | 119.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 1,587 | 381.4 | 325.8 | 256.1 |
| Total Violent Crime | 2,308 | 555 | 486 | 359 |
| Burglary | 2,237 | 537.6 | 305.8 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 5,239 | 1,259.0 | 1,345.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle Theft | 2,801 | 673.1 | 427.5 | 258.8 |
| Total Property Crime | 10,277 | 2,470 | 2,078 | 1,760 |
| TOTAL CRIME | 12,585 | 3,024 | 2,564 | 2,119 |