Sign In Register
Serenity Brown moving

Remote worker thinking about Bakersfield

Been meaning to ask this. I'm originally from San Francisco and Crime rate is something to consider — Bakersfield sits at 455.1 per 100K. Median household income is $77,397, which feels about average for the area. With a population of 408K, Bakersfield is a mid-size city. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The weather takes some getting used to. Should I be concerned? Appreciate any input. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The city has invested a lot in new development. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The suburbs are where most families end up. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
28 upvotes

5 Replies

James F.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.

I'm a teacher who relocated here from San Francisco about 6 years ago. The main reasons were work and family.

Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Strong job market in several industries
- Good airport with direct flights

Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Not a lot of cultural diversity

Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are affordable, gas is average.

Socially, I love the pace of life here. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
32 upvotes
Christine F.
noted, appreciate it
27 upvotes
Maverick A.
seconding this
15 upvotes
Bella Wood
following this thread
13 upvotes
ruby_life
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Compared to Portland it's challenging.
9 upvotes
← Back to Bakersfield Community