Bakersfield, Kern County, CA
Bakersfield Homes for Sale & Real Estate
More and more Los Angeles families are looking at Bakersfield for its lower home prices and room to grow. I help buyers relocating from the Valley compare neighborhoods, prices, and commutes so they can make the move with confidence. English y español.
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Market Snapshot
Bakersfield Real Estate Market Today
Here is where the Bakersfield housing market stood for the three months ending September 2026. Prices edged up from a year earlier, and nearly 900 homes sold in September alone.
Source: Redfin, three months ending September 2026. Market numbers change every month. Ask me for a current MLS report for your street or property type.
- Median sale price: about $420,000, up 1.2% year over year
- Median price per square foot: $231, down 2.1%
- Average days on market: about 39, compared with 36 last year
- Homes sold in September 2026: 887, down from 949 a year earlier
The Community
What It Is Like to Live in Bakersfield
Bakersfield is the county seat of Kern County, near the southern end of the San Joaquin Valley, with the Sierra Nevada foothills to the east. It is roughly 110 miles north of downtown Los Angeles by way of Interstate 5 and the Tejon Pass. The city grew up around oil and agriculture, and Kern County remains one of California’s top producers of both. Bakersfield is also known for the “Bakersfield Sound,” the country music style made famous by Buck Owens and Merle Haggard.
Homes you will find here
- Newer single-family homes and master-planned communities, especially in the southwest and northwest
- Established neighborhoods near downtown, such as Westchester
- Larger lots and rural properties on the edges of town
- Homes at prices well below most of Los Angeles County
In Pictures
Around Bakersfield
Certified ADU Specialist
ADU Potential in Bakersfield
Bakersfield’s larger lots and lower prices can make an ADU worth a close look, for family or rental income. Some neighborhoods are inside Bakersfield city limits and others are in unincorporated Kern County, and each follows its own local rules within California’s ADU laws.
- California law generally allows an ADU, and often a junior ADU as well, on single-family lots.
- Properties inside city limits follow City of Bakersfield rules, while areas such as Rosedale and Oildale are in unincorporated Kern County and follow county rules.
- Many newer communities have HOAs, which can set reasonable ADU rules but cannot ban ADUs under state law.
- Unpermitted units are common. I check permit history before you count on rental income.
Getting Around
Freeways, Transit, and Things to Do
Bakersfield sits along State Route 99, with State Route 58 heading east and Interstate 5 just to the west. Amtrak San Joaquins trains connect Bakersfield to Northern California, with connecting buses to Los Angeles.
Bakersfield is home to California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB) and Bakersfield College, and is served by several K–12 districts, including the Kern High School District. School boundaries vary, so confirm assignments with the district for any specific address.
Places to explore
- The historic Fox Theater downtown
- The Kern River and the Kern River Parkway trail
- Hart Memorial Park in northeast Bakersfield
- The Kern County Museum
- Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace and the annual Kern County Fair
FAQ
Bakersfield Real Estate Questions
Is Bakersfield in Los Angeles County?
No. Bakersfield is in Kern County, so property taxes, permits, and local rules are different from Los Angeles County. Some nearby areas, like Rosedale and Oildale, are unincorporated parts of Kern County.
What is the median home price in Bakersfield?
For the three months ending September 2026, the median sale price in Bakersfield was about $420,000, up 1.2% from a year earlier, according to Redfin. Prices vary a lot by neighborhood and home age, so ask me for numbers on the type of home you are considering.
How far is Bakersfield from the San Fernando Valley?
It is often about two hours by car over the Grapevine on Interstate 5, depending on traffic and weather. Many buyers moving to Bakersfield work locally or remotely, so it helps to plan your commute before you buy.
Do you help buyers moving from Los Angeles to Bakersfield?
Yes. I work with Valley families who are relocating to Bakersfield and help them compare neighborhoods, prices, and commutes. If you are selling in Los Angeles and buying in Bakersfield, I can help plan the timing of both.
Can I build an ADU in Bakersfield?
Most single-family lots can add at least one ADU under California law. Whether the City of Bakersfield or Kern County rules apply depends on the address, so every property needs its own review.
Do you work with Spanish-speaking clients in Bakersfield?
Sí. I work with buyers and sellers in English and Spanish, and I am happy to walk your whole family through the process in the language you prefer.
More Areas I Serve
Explore Other Communities
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San Fernando Valley: Chatsworth · West Hills · Northridge · Granada Hills · Porter Ranch · Canoga Park · Woodland Hills · Reseda
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Let's Talk
Thinking About Buying or Moving to Bakersfield?
Let’s look at the real numbers for the home you want or the home you own. I will walk you through pricing, timing, and any ADU potential in a free, no-pressure consultation.
Buying for the first time? Start with my first-time homebuyer guide or take the 2-minute buyer readiness quiz.
Market data from Redfin for the three months ending September 2026 and subject to change. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. ADU rules depend on each property and current law; confirm with the local city or county building department before relying on them.