Bakersfield, Life as it should be.

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Whether you are visiting Bakersfield or plan on moving here to live, you will find there are several reasons why Bakersfield remains a place where you can achieve your "California Dream."

Bakersfield is a thriving place to live and work, with
big city appeal and small town charm!

Why Bakersfield?

City of Bakersfield Bakersfield is a better choice for living, working, growing, and playing than other California places as it is affordable, accessible, and extremely welcoming. Just take a moment and learn more about Bakersfield.

Bakersfield (metropolitan population 406,000) is a growing community projected to double in population in twenty years. Located in Kern County, Bakersfield is at the southern end of California's Great Central Valley where settlers once found rest and sustenance from the town's founder and namesake, Colonel Thomas Baker, as they trekked westward to find gold. Learn more about the history of our city by visiting the history webpage. Bakersfield's climate is warm and dry which contributes to its huge 200-crop agribusiness base, including citrus, potatoes, table grapes, almonds, pistachios, tomatoes, and pomegranates.
Agriculture is not the only producer in Bakersfield, however, as the region is the fourth largest producer of oil in the U.S., bringing highly sophisticated technology and skilled, dynamic individuals to the area. Bakersfield continues to be known as one of the most "digital savvy" cities in the United States, according to Digital Government.

Kern River And there's more...

Bakersfield offers many resources for educational opportunities. It is home to California State University, Bakersfield, Bakersfield College, a UC Merced campus and extensive adult education facilities. Bakersfield is also linked to the UCLA medical school though its six area hospitals.
Besides the educational opportunities, Bakersfield offers several natural attractions. It is within two hours of Pacific Ocean beaches, mountains, and the Giant Sequoia National monument. Bakersfield is home to one of the fastest flowing rivers west of the Mississippi, the Kern River, where white water rafters enjoy the great outdoors. Others enjoy leisurely walking, biking and roller skating activities along the Kern River Parkway with its 12-foot wide bike path that meanders alongside the Kern River. The Parkway extends nearly 20 miles along the banks of the Kern River, starting at the California Living Museum northeast of town and ending near Cal State Bakersfield.

Family traditions are valued...

Bakersfield Family Traditions Bakersfield is a place where family traditions are valued. Family outings can include trips to the many City parks, visits to the McMurtrey Aquatic Center, attendance at sporting events such as Condors or Blitz games, evenings spent at The Bakersfield Ice Sports Center, or simple participation in the many activities offered by the City's Recreation & Parks Department. Families can also enjoy world class entertainers that perform at the Rabobank Arena Theater & Convention Center..

An added plus, Bakersfield offers affordable living for families, at costs accessible to many first-time home buyers. Excellent award-winning schools continue to enhance their educational programs and lifelong learning opportunities are an ever-increasing community asset. Bakersfield is truly a family friendly city.

The success stories...
Visit community members who have experienced life in Bakersfield through their unique “success stories” about Bakersfield and “Life As It Should Be.” View the success stories.