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Bakersfield, CA

Frequently asked questions

Bakersfield, CA

Bakersfield is a city in and the county seat of Kern County, California, United States. The city covers about 151 sq mi (390 km²) near the southern end of the San Joaquin Valley, which is located in the Central Valley region.

Bakersfield's population as of the 2020 Census was 403,455, making it the 48th-most populous city in the United States and the 9th-most populous in California. The Bakersfield–Delano Metropolitan Statistical Area, which includes all of Kern County, had a 2020 census population of 909,235, making it the 62nd largest metropolitan area in the United States.

Bakersfield is a significant hub for both agriculture and energy production. Kern County is California's most productive oil-producing county and the fourth most productive agricultural county (by value) in the United States. Industries in and around Bakersfield include natural gas and other energy extraction, mining, petroleum refining, distribution, food processing, and corporate regional offices. The city is the birthplace of the country music genre known as the Bakersfield sound.

In 1873, Bakersfield was officially incorporated as a city, and by 1874, it officially replaced the town of Havilah as the county seat. Alexander Mills was hired as the city marshal, a man one historian would describe as "... an old man by the time he became Marshal of Bakersfield, and he walked with a cane. But he was a Kentuckian, a handyman with a gun, and not lacking in initiative and resource when the mood moved him." Businessmen and others began to resent Mills, who was cantankerous and high-handed in his treatment of them. Wanting to fire him but fearing reprisals, they devised a scheme to disincorporate, effectively leaving him without an employer. According to local historian Gilbert Gia, the city was also failing to collect the taxes it needed for services. In 1876, The city voted to disincorporate. For the next 22 years, a citizen's council managed the community.

By 1880, Bakersfield had a population of 801, with 250 of Chinese descent. By 1890, it had a population of 2,626. Migration from Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Southern California brought new residents, who were mostly employed by the oil industry. The city reincorporated on January 11, 1898.

Bakersfield is located near the southern end of the San Joaquin Valley, with the southern tip of the Sierra Nevada just to the east. The city limits extend to the Sequoia National Forest, at the foot of the Greenhorn Mountain Range, and the entrance to the Kern Canyon. To the south, the Tehachapi Mountains, rising more than a vertical mile, feature the historic Tejon Ranch. To the west is the Temblor Range, behind which is the Carrizo Plain National Monument and the San Andreas Fault. The Temblor Range is about 35 mi (56 km) from Bakersfield across the valley floor.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 143.6 sq mi (372 km²), of which 142.2 sq mi (368 km²) is land (98.99%) and 1.4 sq mi (3.6 km²) are covered by water (1.01%).

At the 2000 census, the city had a total area of 114.4 sq mi (296 km²), of which 113.1 sq mi (293 km²) was land (98.86%) and 1.3 sq mi (3.4 km²) was water-covered (1.14%). Bakersfield is located about 100 mi (160 km) north of Los Angeles (about a 1-hour, 45-minute drive on I-5 and State Route 99) and about 280 mi (450 km) southeast of the state capital, Sacramento (about a 4-hour drive on State Route 99). Hart Memorial Park is located in northeast Bakersfield along Alfred Harrell Highway.

Bakersfield focuses on health and wellness. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs the Bakersfield Parks and Recreation Department offers. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include Planet Fitness, Crunch Fitness, and Chuze Fitness. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Bakersfield, such as the Hart Park Trail and Panorama Park Loop. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in Bakersfield, CA are Kern County Museum, California Living Museum, The Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater, and Bakersfield Museum of Art.

Population: 413,381 (2023). ZIP codes: 93220, 93301–93309, 93311–93314, 93380–93390, 93399. Area code: 661. Elevation: 404 ft (123 m). Area: 151.28 sq mi (391.80 km²).

FAQs:

Is Bakersfield, CA a good place to live?

This city is located in Kern County and offers a variety of amenities and attractions for residents and visitors alike. With its picturesque landscapes, Bakersfield is surrounded by the Sierra Nevada Mountains to the east and the Coastal Ranges to the west. It is known for its warm climate, hot summers, and mild winters. Bakersfield has a diverse housing market can cater to various preferences and budgets, making it an attractive choice for those seeking an affordable place to live. The city also offers plenty of outdoor activities, with parks, trails, and nearby natural areas to explore.

Why is Bakersfield, CA so famous?

Bakersfield is a significant hub for both agriculture and energy production. Kern County is California's most productive oil-producing county and the fourth most productive agricultural county (by value) in the United States. Industries in and around Bakersfield include natural gas and other energy extraction, mining, petroleum refining, distribution, food processing, and corporate regional offices. The city is the birthplace of the country music genre known as the Bakersfield sound.

What is Bakersfield, CA crime rate?

With a crime rate of 47 per one thousand residents, Bakersfield has one of the highest crime rates in America compared to all communities of all sizes - from the smallest towns to the very largest cities. One's chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime here is one in 21. Within California, more than 96% of the communities have a lower crime rate than Bakersfield.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Bakersfield 

Planet Fitness

Crunch Fitness 

Chuze Fitness

Hart Park Trail 

Panorama Park Loop

Kern County Museum, 

California Living Museum 

The Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater 

Bakersfield Museum of Art

Rentals

Neighborhood Scout

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