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See what Bakersfield, CA has to offer.

All About

Living in Bakersfield, CA

Everything to Know about finding apartments for rent in Bakersfield, CA

Located halfway between Fresno and Los Angeles, historic Bakersfield offers a lively arts scene, multiple museums, beautiful lakes and several colleges and universities. The city is home to four institutions of higher education--San Joaquin Valley College, Santa Barbara Business College, Bakersfield College and California State University, Bakersfield. With a huge Basque population, Bakersfield also features the largest collection of Basque restaurants in the U.S. Order the traditional Basque Picon Punch (or just "a Picon," as the locals say) and learn why residents love calling Bakersfield their home.

DID YOU KNOW?

The unofficial "country capital of the West Coast," Bakersfield is the birthplace of a country music sub-genre known as the Bakersfield Sound, made famous by singers like Merle Haggard and Buck Owens. If you're a country music fan, make sure to check out a performance at Buck Owens' Crystal Palace.

BAKERSFIELD APARTMENTS AND NEIGHBORHOODS

Many neighborhoods in Bakersfield share the benefits of a strong economy, ethnic diversity and, of course, sunny California weather. Rental prices tend to be lower here than in the rest of the state, so you can experience all the joys of California for less. As you conduct your search for apartments in Bakersfield, consider some of these top neighborhoods.

  • South Bakersfield: Located south of Highway 58, this area is primarily residential and offers proximity to the Kern County Fair, Valley Plaza Mall and Planz Park.
  • Downtown: If you're looking for variety, consider a downtown neighborhood, where you'll enjoy easy access to the arts district, the central business district and the oldest parts of the city.
  • Southwest: Based around California State University, this area supports a college population with lots of shops and restaurants as well as a strong public transit system.
  • East Bakersfield: Also known as Kern City, this town has a strong agricultural presence as well as its own business district, known as Old Town Kern. The area is popular with seniors and retirees.

Students can find several appealing apartments for rent in Bakersfield near the University of California, Bakersfield, on the southwest side of the city. This public university is home to nearly 8,000 students, who are pursuing majors in 31 undergraduate degree programs, seven credential programs in education and 17 graduate degree programs. The city is also home to Bakersfield College, which serves 15,000 students on the 153-acre main campus in northeast Bakersfield, at the Weill Institute in downtown, and at the Delano Center 35 miles north of Bakersfield.

FUN THINGS TO DO IN BAKERSFIELD

If you're living in downtown Bakersfield apartments, you're within easy reach of the city's arts, music and culture center. At the heart of downtown is the Rabobank Arena, Theater & Convention Center, which hosts large concerts, children's shows, traveling Broadway musicals and sports events. Nearby, the Bakersfield Museum of Art is a 17,400-square-foot facility that features fine art, educational programs, community outreach and special events. The McMurtrey Aquatic Center in southeast downtown Bakersfield offers multiple water-related programs throughout the year, such as water aerobics, kayaking, fly fishing and water walking.

FREE THINGS TO DO

You're sure to be entertained by the work of local actors and directors at The Empty Space, where theatrical productions are free to the public.

BAKERSFIELD ACTIVITIES FOR FAMILIES WITH KIDS

You and your family will love local attractions like the Sam Lynn Ballpark, the Fox Theater and numerous museums. On sunny days, check out the city's various spray parks, a fun way for all ages to cool off while seeing some of Bakersfield's public art. Your children are also in good hands with top-rated schools such as W.A. Kendrick Elementary School and Fruitvale Junior High School.

PARKS AND OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES IN BAKERSFIELD

If you want to become one with nature, visit the California Living Museum, a zoo and garden that is home to native animals that can't survive in the wild. With 53 parks in the city, you could visit a different park every week for a year! Centennial Park offers a kids' sandlot area, a leash-free dog park, picnic areas, and basketball, tennis and volleyball courts. Beach Park in the Riviera/Westchester neighborhood features a skate park and lighted rugby courts, while Jastro Park keeps guests entertained with horseshoe pits and an amphitheater.

PET-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES

Bring your four-legged friend along for shopping at Murray Family Farms. Bakersfield also offers a number of great dog parks, including Kroll Dog Park and University Dog Park.

GETAWAYS FROM BAKERSFIELD

The distance to sunny California beaches is only two to three hours, with Pismo Beach being one of the closest to Bakersfield. You're also just two and a half hours from Los Angeles, home of Santa Monica Pier and the famous Hollywood Boulevard.

Find Apartments for rent in Bakersfield, CA

Finding a new place to live is a stressful experience. Be sure to use an apartment finder like Apartment Guide to help you locate your next rental property. Whether you’re looking for a pet-friendly apartment or simply want an affordable place to live, we’ll help you find apartments for rent in Bakersfield that match your needs.

What Renters Like and Dislike

What Renters Like and Dislike About Bakersfield

I do like the affordability of where I'm living. I also like how centralized the location of where I live at in my town is; I'm not too far a distance from places I want to go to.

Nothing it is a usual neighborhood. Nothing special really the same old same.irs common I like walking

I love very close to a gym and a Walmart and about 4 or 5 restaurants are all in walking distance. So it is very ideal

My neighborhood is a 55+active adult community. It has many amenities with weekly activities including art, sports, social and exercise activities.

Close to bus and locked door have to have key to get into my building so not everyone gets in but there lots of homeless sleeping on sidewalks and leaving there trash everywhere

It is safe it is quiet my neighbors are quiet and not blasting music all night lol I also like that I can walk to a store and coffee shop within one mile.

Who Lives Here

Bakersfield Demographics

Education

High School

31%

Associate's

21%

Bachelor's

9%

Master's

3%

Doctorate

35%

Family Size

2 people

32%

3 people

22%

4 people

23%

5 people

13%

6+ people

10%

Household Income

0-50k

41%

50-100k

30%

100-150k

16%

150-200k

7%

200k+

6%

Age

0-10

16%

10-20

16%

20-45

36%

45-65

21%

65+

10%

Affordability

How expensive is it in Bakersfield?

Percentage: 3/53/5

Renters gave this area a 3 out of 5 for affordability

Rent Trends

Studio1 Bed2 Beds3 Beds
Sep '23$895$1602$1687$1895
Aug '23$875$1630$1687$1995
Jul '23$895$1480$1681$1450
Jun '23$895$1325$1675$1089
May '23$900$1480$1687$1845
Apr '23$900$1597$1687$1089
Mar '23$900$1465$1625$1089
Feb '23$913$1533$1630$1820
Jan '23$925$1600$1630$1420
Dec '22$925$1725$1662$1720
Nov '22$925$1691$1722$1595
Oct '22$925$1681$1687$1350
Sep '22$925$1610$1672$1350

*The rent information included in this summary is based on a median calculation of multifamily rental property inventory on Apartment Guide and Rent.com over the past 12-months and is for illustrative purposes only. This information does not constitute a pricing guarantee or financial advice related to the rental market.

Getting Around Bakersfield

Bakersfield Transportation

Commute Time

0-15 Mins

27%

15-30 Mins

49%

30-40 Mins

13%

40-60 Mins

6%

60+ Mins

6%

Transportation Scores

Percentage: 4343

Walk Score®

Walkable

No

Say 43 of 68 renters

Has Sidewalks

Yes

Say 48 of 68 renters

Percentage: 4646

Bike Score®

Bike Friendly

Yes

Say 38 of 68 renters

Percentage: 2828

Transit Score®

They Are Located Near Public Transportation

No

Say 37 of 68 renters

Need A Car

No

Say 56 of 68 renters

Top Scores: Pet, Medicine, Grocery

Things To Do In Bakersfield

Top Score

Pet Services

3/5 stars based on undefined reviews

It's pawsible that your pets will fall in love with Bakersfield.

  1. A high number of pet facilities per resident
  2. Significantly more pet facilities than average
  3. 10% more pet facilities than areas of a similar size

Medical Care

3/5 stars based on undefined reviews

More of a gem than germ, this Bakersfield is not too bad for medical care.

  1. A high number of medical facilities per resident
  2. Significantly more medical facilities than average
  3. 70% more medical facilities than areas of a similar size

Grocery Stores

2.5/5 stars based on undefined reviews

Not bad on the supermarket score. Bakersfield gets an average rating.

  1. A high number of grocery stores per resident
  2. Significantly more grocery stores than average
  3. 42% more grocery stores than areas of a similar size

Restaurants

2.5/5 stars based on undefined reviews

An average foodie scene: not too cold and not too hot.

  1. A high number of restaurants per resident
  2. Significantly more restaurants than average
  3. 7% more restaurants than areas of a similar size

Coffee

2.5/5 stars based on undefined reviews

Not too cold, not too hot. An average town for coffee.

  1. Few coffee shops per resident
  2. Significantly more coffee shops than average
  3. A standard number of coffee shops compared to areas of a similar size

Nightlife

2.5/5 stars based on undefined reviews

Nightlife is on the rocks in Bakersfield.

  1. A high number of bars and clubs per resident
  2. Significantly more bars and clubs than average
  3. 71% more bars and clubs than areas of a similar size

Parks

2.5/5 stars based on undefined reviews

There's fresh air to be had here.

  1. Few parks per resident
  2. Significantly more parks than average
  3. 14% fewer parks than areas of a similar size

Retail Shops

2.5/5 stars based on undefined reviews

The shopping scene here is a size medium.

  1. A high number of shops per resident
  2. Significantly more shops than average
  3. 32% more shops than areas of a similar size

Health and Fitness

2.5/5 stars based on undefined reviews

Cardio is hale and hardy in Bakersfield.

  1. Few gyms per resident
  2. Significantly more gyms than average
  3. A standard number of gyms compared to areas of a similar size

Gas Stations

2.5/5 stars based on undefined reviews

The road is less traveled for filling the tank up in Bakersfield.

  1. A high number of gas stations per resident
  2. Significantly more gas stations than average
  3. 19% more gas stations than areas of a similar size

Fine Arts

2/5 stars based on undefined reviews

You gotta Van Gogh somewhere else for art.

  1. Few fine art centers per resident
  2. Significantly more fine art centers than average
  3. 25% fewer fine art centers than areas of a similar size

What Renters Are Saying

Bakersfield Features

Area Has Litter

No

Say 62 of 68 renters

Good Place To Raise A Family

Yes

Say 57 of 68 renters

Noise Late At Night

No

Say 56 of 68 renters

Area Has Potholes

No

Say 54 of 68 renters

Mostly Older Buildings

No

Say 52 of 68 renters

Busy Streets

No

Say 47 of 68 renters

Near Schools

Yes

Say 47 of 68 renters

Near Grocery Stores

Yes

Say 44 of 68 renters

Safe For Families

Yes

Say 44 of 68 renters

Quiet Area

Yes

Say 43 of 68 renters

Pet Friendly

Yes

Say 41 of 68 renters

Area Has Kids Play Outside

Yes

Say 36 of 68 renters

Maintained Yards

No

Say 36 of 68 renters

Well Lit

No

Say 38 of 68 renters

Nearby Parks

No

Say 41 of 68 renters

Tree Lined Streets

No

Say 42 of 68 renters

Mostly Newer Buildings

No

Say 50 of 68 renters

Nice Views

No

Say 54 of 68 renters

Near Highways

No

Say 57 of 68 renters

Near Downtown

No

Say 62 of 68 renters

Bakersfield Education

Schools

Percentage: 4/54/5

School Score

How satisfied do renters feel with the schools in this area.

Top Schools in Bakersfield

5/10

William Penn Elementary School

Grades K-5 • Public

3/10

Mckinley Elementary School

Grades K-6 • Public

4/10

Roosevelt Elementary School

Grades K-5 • Public

3/10

Stella Hills Elementary School

Grades K-5 • Public

4/10

Bessie Owens Primary School

Grades K-3 • Public

3/10

Harris Elementary School

Grades K-6 • Public

Information provided by GreatSchools. To verify school enrollment eligibility, contact the school district directly.

All About

Living in Bakersfield, CA

Everything to Know about finding apartments for rent in Bakersfield, CA

Located halfway between Fresno and Los Angeles, historic Bakersfield offers a lively arts scene, multiple museums, beautiful lakes and several colleges and universities. The city is home to four institutions of higher education--San Joaquin Valley College, Santa Barbara Business College, Bakersfield College and California State University, Bakersfield. With a huge Basque population, Bakersfield also features the largest collection of Basque restaurants in the U.S. Order the traditional Basque Picon Punch (or just "a Picon," as the locals say) and learn why residents love calling Bakersfield their home.

DID YOU KNOW?

The unofficial "country capital of the West Coast," Bakersfield is the birthplace of a country music sub-genre known as the Bakersfield Sound, made famous by singers like Merle Haggard and Buck Owens. If you're a country music fan, make sure to check out a performance at Buck Owens' Crystal Palace.

BAKERSFIELD APARTMENTS AND NEIGHBORHOODS

Many neighborhoods in Bakersfield share the benefits of a strong economy, ethnic diversity and, of course, sunny California weather. Rental prices tend to be lower here than in the rest of the state, so you can experience all the joys of California for less. As you conduct your search for apartments in Bakersfield, consider some of these top neighborhoods.

  • South Bakersfield: Located south of Highway 58, this area is primarily residential and offers proximity to the Kern County Fair, Valley Plaza Mall and Planz Park.
  • Downtown: If you're looking for variety, consider a downtown neighborhood, where you'll enjoy easy access to the arts district, the central business district and the oldest parts of the city.
  • Southwest: Based around California State University, this area supports a college population with lots of shops and restaurants as well as a strong public transit system.
  • East Bakersfield: Also known as Kern City, this town has a strong agricultural presence as well as its own business district, known as Old Town Kern. The area is popular with seniors and retirees.

Students can find several appealing apartments for rent in Bakersfield near the University of California, Bakersfield, on the southwest side of the city. This public university is home to nearly 8,000 students, who are pursuing majors in 31 undergraduate degree programs, seven credential programs in education and 17 graduate degree programs. The city is also home to Bakersfield College, which serves 15,000 students on the 153-acre main campus in northeast Bakersfield, at the Weill Institute in downtown, and at the Delano Center 35 miles north of Bakersfield.

FUN THINGS TO DO IN BAKERSFIELD

If you're living in downtown Bakersfield apartments, you're within easy reach of the city's arts, music and culture center. At the heart of downtown is the Rabobank Arena, Theater & Convention Center, which hosts large concerts, children's shows, traveling Broadway musicals and sports events. Nearby, the Bakersfield Museum of Art is a 17,400-square-foot facility that features fine art, educational programs, community outreach and special events. The McMurtrey Aquatic Center in southeast downtown Bakersfield offers multiple water-related programs throughout the year, such as water aerobics, kayaking, fly fishing and water walking.

FREE THINGS TO DO

You're sure to be entertained by the work of local actors and directors at The Empty Space, where theatrical productions are free to the public.

BAKERSFIELD ACTIVITIES FOR FAMILIES WITH KIDS

You and your family will love local attractions like the Sam Lynn Ballpark, the Fox Theater and numerous museums. On sunny days, check out the city's various spray parks, a fun way for all ages to cool off while seeing some of Bakersfield's public art. Your children are also in good hands with top-rated schools such as W.A. Kendrick Elementary School and Fruitvale Junior High School.

PARKS AND OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES IN BAKERSFIELD

If you want to become one with nature, visit the California Living Museum, a zoo and garden that is home to native animals that can't survive in the wild. With 53 parks in the city, you could visit a different park every week for a year! Centennial Park offers a kids' sandlot area, a leash-free dog park, picnic areas, and basketball, tennis and volleyball courts. Beach Park in the Riviera/Westchester neighborhood features a skate park and lighted rugby courts, while Jastro Park keeps guests entertained with horseshoe pits and an amphitheater.

PET-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES

Bring your four-legged friend along for shopping at Murray Family Farms. Bakersfield also offers a number of great dog parks, including Kroll Dog Park and University Dog Park.

GETAWAYS FROM BAKERSFIELD

The distance to sunny California beaches is only two to three hours, with Pismo Beach being one of the closest to Bakersfield. You're also just two and a half hours from Los Angeles, home of Santa Monica Pier and the famous Hollywood Boulevard.

Find Apartments for rent in Bakersfield, CA

Finding a new place to live is a stressful experience. Be sure to use an apartment finder like Apartment Guide to help you locate your next rental property. Whether you’re looking for a pet-friendly apartment or simply want an affordable place to live, we’ll help you find apartments for rent in Bakersfield that match your needs.