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Bakersfield, CA
Bakersfield · Kern County · CA 93301
Updated June 20, 2026 · Would You Live There?
Think twice
Verdict
$227K
Median Price
…
Walk Score
5/10
Schools
133 min
to Downtown Los Angeles
Score Breakdown
DAffordability
45/100
D+Safety
55/100
D+Schools
50/100
D+Quietness
50/100
FCommute
15/100
FWalkability
0/100
WYLT Score36/100
Our Take
Housing is cheap and schools are good, but the area is very car‑dependent, has a high unemployment rate, and suffers from poor air quality and a noisy refinery backdrop. If you’re okay with a long commute to L.A. and a rougher urban environment, it could work, but it’s not ideal for most families or remote workers.
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The Good
- ✓Very affordable median home price ($227k)
- ✓Excellent public school ratings (5/5)
- ✓Low flood risk (Zone X)
- ✓Strong local job market in industrial and agricultural sectors
Real Talk
- !High unemployment and limited high‑wage jobs locally
- !Almost all errands require a car; no reliable public transit
- !Frequent refinery activity leads to noise and potential health risks
- !Long commute to L.A. (133 minutes) can be exhausting
- $Higher car maintenance and fuel costs
- $Potential health costs from air pollution
- $Property taxes and insurance may be higher due to industrial proximity
Best For
Budget buyersFamilies wanting good schoolsStudents or workers who can commutePeople willing to tolerate noise and air quality issues
Risk Snapshot
Flood riskLow
Violent crimeModerate
Property crimeModerate
Air qualityPoor
Price volatilityModerate
Crime & Safety
Bakersfield, CA
D+
Safety grade
Safety score55 / 100
High riskVery safe
⚠️Violent Crime
Moderate3.9incidents / 1,000 residents / yr
0Natl avg (3.7)11+
5% higher than the national average
🔒Property Crime
Moderate19.8incidents / 1,000 residents / yr
0Natl avg (19.5)59+
2% higher than the national average
Verify with real-time data
City-Data stats →From Residents
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