What BestPlaces Users Say about Bakersfield
Bakersfield, California is a city located in the southern region of the San Joaquin Valley. It has a population of over 380,000 people and is known for its agriculture and oil production industries. With year-round warm weather and affordable housing, Bakersfield attracts many residents looking to escape the high cost of living in other parts of California. However, the city has also been plagued by issues such as air pollution and crime rates. To get a better understanding of what it's like to live in Bakersfield, we will summarize user reviews from BestPlaces.net, a popular website for city and neighborhood reviews.
According to user reviews on BestPlaces.net, Bakersfield has a mixed reputation among its residents. While some enjoy the city's affordable cost of living and friendly community, others have expressed concerns about the quality of life and safety. One user, "JohnD," says, "I've lived in Bakersfield for over 20 years and have seen it grow and change. While there are some nice areas, the city as a whole has a lot of issues with crime and pollution." Another user, "MaggieM," praises the city's diverse food scene, stating, "Bakersfield has some of the best Mexican food I've ever had. There are also a variety of restaurants to choose from, so you can always find something new to try." However, "SamanthaL" shares a different perspective, saying, "I've been living in Bakersfield for 5 years and can't wait to leave. The air quality is terrible and there's not much to do here for young adults."
In terms of job opportunities, opinions seem to be split as well. "MarkH" says, "There are plenty of job opportunities in Bakersfield, especially in the agriculture and energy industries. However, the pay may not be as high as in other cities." On the other hand, "EmilyR" expresses frustration with the job market, stating, "I've been looking for a job for months and there just doesn't seem to be many options here. I may have to relocate to find better opportunities."
Overall, the reviews on BestPlaces.net suggest that living in Bakersfield has its pros and cons. While the city may offer affordable housing and a diverse food scene, it also faces challenges with pollution and crime. Job opportunities may vary depending on the industry and individual experience. Ultimately, it's important for potential residents to carefully consider their priorities and do thorough research before making the decision to move to Bakersfield.
based on 75 ReviewsGet to know Bakersfield with the latest comments and reviews from people who live in or have visited Bakersfield
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"Used to be" a nice place to live 30 years ago? - 8/27/2012
"It used to be a nice place 30 years ago now it is a dangerous filthy mess."
Are you kidding? Someone else said it "used to be" a nice place to raise kids. It "used to be" a nice place -- that is, a place where you had all the agreement you wanted and needed -- if you were a bible-thumping bigot, hated blacks and anyone left of Hitler.
A nice place to raise kids if you wanted to raise your kids in that kind of hell-hole so they would grow up to be the same. A nice place if you couldn't tolerate anyone with a mind and imagination bigger than a pin head. There were a lot of real criminals in that town 30 years ago too -- no doubt there are even more there now. It is a place for the stunted and the "dangerous filthy mess" they make. It is no doubt worse now - practice makes
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Can't recommend Bakersfield - 11/9/2011
I agree with every word, Ginger, and gave up on Bako last year, after nearly 15 years. The city and county budgets have been decimated and services are a fraction of what they were. There are 3 state prisons in the county which brings in an ugly population, but the salaries from the prisons is important to the economy.
When you can see the mountains, it's lovely, and it happens only about 2-3 times a year. The air quality is disgusting and unhealthful. The pollution outweighs the plusses Ginger
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Bakersfield living. - 7/15/2011
I have lived in Bakersfield most of my life. It use to be the perfect place to raise a family and live. Not anymore. Pro's ? It's a 2 hour drive to LA, Disney Land, the beach, Six Flags Magic Mountain, and only a 4 hour drive to Vegas. Good bar seen and lots of great restaurants. The cost of living is not to bad. Price of houses is a little high but not to bad. It is a growing city so the economy is not that bad. Con's? Major problem with gang violence, high crime rate, people drive rudely, high sexual predator population, lot's of slum areas that start to out way the nice area. Majorly bad air quality. The summers are extremely dry and hot. 115 degrees hot. Bakersfield is surrounded by oilfields and farming along with lots of trucking companies to tend to both, which makes for the worst place to live if you have Asthma and allergies. Not to mention that it is in a valley so the smog never lifts. The educational system is rated low. Not one week goes by that you don't hear about a
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Bakersfield Is great!! - 7/6/2011
I've lived in Bakersfield for 5 years now and I love it.. It's the best place in California I've lived. The people are great, schools are good and I feel safe. The cost of living is lower than in many other parts of the state and if you can take the heat in the summer you'll love the rest of the year.
I've lived in San Deigo, Long Beach, Palm Springs, and Santa
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Is it a good place? - 1/18/2011
Me and my family are looking to move soon and we are researching some places to find the best one. We currently live in Southern Ohio and are interested in the Southern California area. Is Bakersfield a nice place to raise children (I have a 10 year old and one on the way)? How about the cost of living? I am currently in college studying Health Care Administration and my husband has a culinary degree so I was also wondering about employment options. Is it hard to find a job? Would I be able to transfer schools to finish my degree or should I stay here until I finish? If anyone can give me some honest insight it would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in
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Review on Bakersfield - 11/12/2010
I lived in Bakerfield for 8 years from 1976 to 1984..Back then the air quality was not so bad..I now live in Long Beach and what a change..I do agree with how bad the people can be..I went to Thompson Jr. High and the kids were so bad in the early 80's..I mean white trash, drug taking scum BAD kids..It was a nightmare going to that school..Everyday I dreaded it...Until my dad got a job down in Southern cal when Anahiem was a great place to live.Then my life had changed..The school and kids were so much better..And now I see Bako and the air just sucks..It's not just the farming!! It's how many people have moved up there in just the last 25 years..When I was there it was only about 100,000 people in the whole town..Man where I used to hunt for lizards there are homes and malls and stuff all over the place..I still mite move back there though cause that it were most of my family are..And my mom,grandfather and grandmother are with the Lord now and there graves are on panamal lane..I
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Climate in Bakersfield California - 11/6/2010
bakersfield is in the central valley of california and between September and April has a nice moderate and dry climate with temperatures between 40 deg. F and 80 deg F. It is mostly a sunny area and because of the growth (the city is now at 334,000 population with a drawing area of probably 200,000 more) there is less winter fog than in previous years. Typically the valley has strong winds when a weather front moves through but this is only 4 or 5 times per year.
Dust created from farming is a problem creating poor air quality. It is a spectacular valley when winds blow out the
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