OnBakersfield.com
Gateway to California's Central Valley filled with culture and opportunity.
About Bakersfield, CA
Culturally, Bakersfield is known for its vibrant music scene, particularly the Bakersfield Sound, a genre of country music developed by artists like Buck Owens and Merle Haggard. This unique cultural identity is celebrated in numerous local events and venues. Beyond music, Bakersfield offers various attractions, including museums, parks, and historic districts that highlight its dynamic heritage. The cityβs warm climate and proximity to the Sierra Nevada and Sequoia National Park make it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.
As a community, Bakersfield is characterized by its cultural diversity and strong sense of identity. With its growing population and evolving urban infrastructure, Bakersfield remains a city of both tradition and progress, appealing to those seeking a balance of cultural richness and economic opportunity.
Quality of Life Scores
Data-driven insights into what makes Bakersfield special
Quality of life scores are aggregated from publicly available data sources including the U.S. Census Bureau, FBI Crime Statistics, EPA Air Quality Index, walkability studies, and local municipal data. Scores are calculated on a 0-100 scale and updated periodically to reflect current conditions.
Demographics & Economy
Understanding the community and economic landscape
Demographics
Bakersfield is a vibrant community with a growing, multicultural population and a medium-sized urban feel.
Economy
Strong economic foundation driven by diverse industries including agriculture, oil and energy, healthcare, education, manufacturing.
Housing
Real estate market offers opportunities for residents and investors with balanced housing options across neighborhoods.
Education Excellence
World-class learning opportunities and achievements
Education Levels
Institutions
- Schools: 96
- Universities: 2
- Libraries: 6
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 25.1:1
Sports & Entertainment
Home to professional and collegiate athletics
College & Development
Major Venues
Mechanics Bank Arena: 10,140
Transportation & Infrastructure
Getting around Bakersfield
Roads & Highways
Major Highways: CA-99, CA-58, CA-178
Average Commute: 22 minutes
Public Transit
Golden Empire Transit
Airports
BFL - Meadows Field
Places & Attractions
Discover what makes Bakersfield unique
Landmarks
- Buck Owens Crystal Palace
- Fox Theater
- Beale Library
- Kern County Museum
Attractions
- California Living Museum
- Rabobank Arena
- McMurtrey Aquatic Center
- The Padre Hotel
Museums
- Kern County Museum
- Bakersfield Museum of Art
- Buena Vista Museum of Natural History
Parks
- Hart Memorial Park
- The Park at River Walk
- Mill Creek Park
- Riverwalk Bike Path
Healthcare
- Kern Medical
- Mercy Hospital Downtown
- Adventist Health Bakersfield
- Bakersfield Memorial Hospital
Key Industries
Economic drivers powering Bakersfield
Living Here
Essential information about life in Bakersfield
Climate & Geography
Climate: Semi-Arid
Elevation: 404 feet
Time Zone: America/Los_Angeles
County: Kern County
Metro Area: Bakersfield, CA Metro Area
Contact Information
Area Code: 661
ZIP Codes: 93301, 93304, 93306, 93312
Location
Find Bakersfield on the map
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