Positioned within the coronary heart of California’s Central Valley, Bakersfield is a sun-drenched area recognized for its bountiful produce and wealthy historical past. Past the huge fields of almonds and pistachios, this vibrant metropolis exudes a singular vitality. However is Bakersfield a superb place to reside? Whereas town has many optimistic elements, like its city vibe, it additionally comes with its personal challenges, like scorching summers and poor air high quality. On this Redfin article, we discover the professionals and cons of residing in Bakersfield that can assist you resolve if it is the fitting place for you.
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Fast Details about Bakersfield
| Median house gross sales value | $392,990 |
| Common month-to-month hire | $1,408 |
| Stroll Rating | 37/100 |
| Visitors Rating | 25/100 |
| Bike Rating | 44/100 |
1. Professionals: Inexpensive value of residing
Bakersfield attracts budget-conscious Californians with a considerably decrease value of residing in comparison with different main California cities. Housing is an enormous draw, with the common house sale value of $392,990, significantly extra reasonably priced than Los Angeles or San Francisco. This affordability extends to renting, with the common month-to-month hire being $1,408. Low groceries and utility prices enable residents to benefit from the sunny California way of life with out straining their wallets.
2. Cons: Air high quality points
One of many huge drawbacks to residing in Bakersfield is Poor air qualityThe town is commonly ranked among the many worst within the nation for air air pollution, primarily as a result of its location within the San Joaquin Valley, the place pollution get trapped. Residents usually expertise smoggy days and should should restrict their outside actions during times of excessive air pollution.
3. Benefits: Sturdy agricultural trade
Bakersfield is an agricultural hub, offering quite a few job alternatives on this sector. The town is surrounded by fertile farmland, which produces a majority of the nation’s agricultural crops, together with almonds, grapes, and citrus fruits. This sturdy agricultural presence not solely helps the native economic system, but additionally gives residents with entry to contemporary, regionally grown produce.
4. Disadvantages: Restricted transportation choices
Public transportation in Bakersfield is a hurdle for these with no automobile: metropolis buses function however are restricted in vary and frequency, mirrored within the metropolis’s low transit rating of 25. This usually necessitates automobile possession, growing the monetary burden for residents who battle to afford automobile funds, fuel, and insurance coverage.
5. Benefits: Near the attraction of nature
Bakersfield is positioned inside simple attain of quite a lot of pure points of interest. Only a brief drive from the Sierra Nevada Mountains, town affords mountain climbing, snowboarding and tenting. Plus, the Kern River runs via Bakersfield, providing actions like fishing, kayaking and whitewater rafting. With loads of outside recreation, Bakersfield is a good place to reside for these trying to reside an energetic way of life.
6. Cons: Scorching summer time
Summers in Bakersfield can get highly regarded, with temperatures usually exceeding 100 levels Fahrenheit. This warmth could be uncomfortable and restrict outside actions in the course of the peak of summer time. Residents ought to take precautions to remain hydrated and funky, and be ready for prime vitality payments from air con use.
7. Professionals: Rising arts and tradition scene
Bakersfield is house to a rising arts and tradition scene, with new galleries, theaters, and music venues opening. The town is house to the historic Fox Theatre, which hosts quite a lot of performances from live shows to performs. Bakersfield Museum of Art With common exhibitions and academic applications, this burgeoning cultural panorama affords residents quite a lot of leisure choices.
8. Cons: Restricted nightlife
Bakersfield has a rising arts and tradition scene, however nightlife choices are restricted in comparison with bigger cities. A smaller variety of bars, golf equipment, and late-night leisure venues generally is a downside for many who take pleasure in a vigorous nightlife. Residents usually should journey to neighboring cities to expertise a extra vibrant nightlife.
9. Professionals: Group-oriented environment
Bakersfield is understood for its sturdy sense of neighborhood and pleasant residents. The town hosts many neighborhood occasions, together with the annual Kern County Honest and numerous native festivals, that convey individuals collectively and foster a way of belonging. Neighborhoods are usually tight-knit, and residents are recognized for being welcoming and supportive.
10. Disadvantages: Susceptible to forest fires
Sadly, Bakersfield’s scorching summers include the danger of wildfires. The encompassing dry terrain and excessive temperatures create circumstances that enable fires to fly, threatening property and security. Residents should concentrate on fireplace hazard zones and take preventative measures, comparable to maintaining brush clear and having a fireplace evacuation plan.
methodology: Knowledge for median house gross sales value and common month-to-month hire could be discovered at Redfin Knowledge FacilitiesWalkScore, TransitScore, and BikeScore information are Walk Score.
