KernLife.com

All > Kern Trivia > About Bakersfield
Why Bakersfield?
Topics: Bakersfield, newcomers
Posted by admin Mon Jun 25, 2007 20:43:08 PDT
Viewed 5620 times
6 responses 8 comments

What made you decide to move to Bakersfield?  Or, if you're thinking about moving, why here?  We'd love for you to share your story with us.  Just hit "reply" and tell us all about it!

Send to a Friend

Report a Violation

Comment From: bakonewbie

My husband grew up in Bakersfield, but left 30 years ago. We moved back to help take care of my father-in-law. Fortunately we got here just before housing prices went through the roof, so we were able to get a nice house at a great price. It's taken a while to adjust to the culture, as it is much different from that in Northern California, but we are slowly finding pockets of folks who share our interests. Anyone else looking to meet other new residents? Comment From: karisa

I am new to Bakersfield! My husband and I moved here from Los Angeles about six months ago with our kids, Chris, almost 12, and Jordan, 22 months. We decided to relocate because I was working long hours in the marketing department at Universal Pictures and with a growing family it became difficult to maintain a balance of my career and my family. My family is by far the most important, so we relocated to a town that could offer a better community for my children to grow up in, where the cost of living is reasonable. We love it here. My family is flourishing and I have found an amazing company to work for, the best of both worlds. They say home is where the heart is, that is so true. Comment From: admin

"The best thing about Bakersfield - knock on wood - is it's conservative Christian preference, and its expectation for down to earth simple, common sense. This is not a town of people who need to sue sombody to make their $3,000,000 mortgage payment. This means we support our police, donate time and money to worthy causes, demand our children respect their elders and make us proud when out in public. Make the effort to learn from and understand the decency of the people here and it will become the best place you have ever lived. Beginning every conversation, "Well, back in L.A. we would..." is unneccessary. It is not your expertise or rescue we are after, it is your sense of responsibility and desire to serve your community that matters." -submitted via email Comment From: efeick

Now I am worried. We are in the process of finding a new job - don't like the one we have in Atlanta, but if housing is through the roof in Bakersfield, we might really be sorry. Any suggestions? Are there cheaper towns close by? Where are the nice family areas to raise kids in or around Bakersfield? Comment From: norcalgirl

Gosh, it depends on what you consider "through the roof". The housing market has actually softened a bit here of late, with more houses up for sale and the prices coming down a smidge. There are many very nice homes in good neighborhoods that can be purchased in the $250,000 - $350,000 price range. I don't know how that translates to prices in Atlanta, but in California it's still one of the most affordable places to live in the state. One of the earlier posters had referred to the prices "going through the roof", but I think that's a reference to the difference between the housing market in Bakersfield today compared to the market 5 years ago, before everyone discovered it. There are still a lot of great homes available at a reasonable price. Comment From: WelcomeMatt

I moved to Bakersfield simply because of the affordable housing prices. I was not that happy to move here, but after getting settled in my new home, I started to fall in love with my new city. I think it is a great place to live since it is constantly growing and changing. There are constantly great new stores, restaurants, and business coming to town. Also, I have found the people here warm, friendly and down to earth. Comment From: martyryder

I love Bakersfield because it is the most giving, volunteering, donating, helpful community I've ever lived in, and I've lived in quite a few. Comment From: shiyloh

I moved here because I wanted to live in CA but I want to be able to "live". The cost of living is good, but it is centrally located to many cool places that I want to visit, but have no desire to live at...(ie LA)