Communities
Bakersfield has long been recognized for the affordability of its residential properties. In recent years, a strong demand for homes in the area has prompted the development of many residential neighborhoods. Some of these are: 42nd Street, Ashton Falls, Fox Run at Countryside, Meadowbrook, Solera at Kern Canyon, Montelena at The Homestead, Stockdale Ranch Villas and there are many, many more. These modern subdivisions offer affordable, quality housing and access to all of the advantages of Bakersfield living.
Home builder McMillin Homes, for example, has developed several family neighborhoods within the city. These are Hampton Woods, Portola at Tuscany, Venecia at Tuscany, Park Avenue, 42nd Street, Capella, Cardona Crossing and Arlington Park. Price points, styles and floor plans vary among these communities, but all are well-located on either side of State Route 99.
Rio Vista is a residential golf course community situated inside the gated entrance of Rio Bravo Country Club, which is at Bakersfield’s northeastern edge. The homes here are well-appointed with custom touches and amenities. Residents of Rio Vista have access to the city center via State Route 178.
Another prestigious community is the Seven Oaks Country Club. Seven Oaks is anchored by the country club facility and its 27-hole championship golf course. Within this master-planned community are gated neighborhoods, retirement neighborhoods, starter homes and expansive, showcase homes.
The Oakmont community, in the southwest part of the city, is popular with families. Oakmont features a central location near shopping and other amenities, as well as homes with spacious floor plans.
A more established section of the city is the community known as Baker Street. Roughly 30,000 residents live in the Baker Street neighborhood, which consists of single-family housing surrounding a central retail corridor. This retail district, located on Baker Street itself, was once the main thoroughfare of a small railroad town site called Sumner. Bakersfield annexed this community early in the 20th century and the community grew into a thriving business district. In the latter half of the century, however, the importance of Baker Street diminished somewhat as new development took place in other parts of the city. Baker Street is now one of the more affordable neighborhoods for housing and has recently received increased attention from prospective home buyers.