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
Affordable?? - 6/4/2015
Bakersfield is still one of the few larger cities in California with semi-affordable
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What to do... - 10/10/2014
Bakersfield has few attractions. The Kern River runs through it, passing through Hart Park, but the river is usually pretty low. Too low to float down without a few bumps to your bum. Lately is smells like dead fish and is decorated with trash. The next attraction on the list is The Bluffs. The Bluffs provide some good hiking trails that lead down to a nicer area of the Kern River. This spot has mud sucker fishing and once in a while something you might want to eat. Another attraction might be college. CSUB offers a wide array of programs and degrees and sits across from River Parkway which is a bike trail that goes for miles around the dried up part of the Kern
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comments - 3/27/2014
real property, housing and taxation lower in cost than other CA cities while services and infrastructure are
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like any city, there are good and bad areas - 3/14/2014
I've lived in Bakersfield for 45 years and I don't think its a bad city. Contrary to some opnions, we are NOT all uneducated hicks. Like any city , there are some bad areas , however I challenge you to on find a city that does not have some bad areas. Our city is growing and with that comes the good and bad. The city for the most part is well maintained and there is a lot of expansion and construction happening especially in the Rosedale area where I live. I think Rosedale is a very nice place to live. There are areas in Bakersfield id rather not go but I think thats the same with any city. So I differ in opnions with most of the other people who have given opnions on this site. I will say Bakersfield for the most part is a nice place to live. I agree we do have our negative areas but so does ever other city.
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Not Everyone's the Same - 9/7/2013
What's wrong with country every once in a while. Nobody is perfect everyone does things wrong ,no one is perfect. Everyone is different in a way, but that doesn't mean every place we go is bad. There maybe better places in the world, but the reason they turn bad is because we don't try to make them better. So what there bad who says in the future this place can't get better. There is not need to judge, not everyone is smart but you can be. You have to just keep trying and challenging
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Bakersfield - 7/20/2013
I agree with the negative comments re Bakersfield. Lived there for 18 years (strange, seemed longer). A rough town with a lot of uneducated, rude people. City/county budget is hopelessly inadequate. If you like rednecks, country/western music and poverty, this is the place for
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Judge for yourself - 3/13/2013
Hot, 90+ from June thru September. Questionable air quality. University town with economy driven by Agriculture and Energy. Two hours to the coast. Closer to the Sierra Nevada's on the east.
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It is what it is. - 3/9/2013
Just a short comment about Bakersfield. I was born and raised in Bakersfield. Like most towns in the Central Valley, as the years have gone by, the crime rate has risen and gangs are prevalent. Bakersfield is not alone in this. Salinas, Stockton, Fresno (and the list goes on) all have this same problem in common. If you want a beautiful place to live in California, the State has many wonderful towns and cities that are crime free with clean air, but be prepared to pay for it. They are expensive. Bakersfield, is hot in the Summer, with bad air. Pockets of Bakersfield are barrio or ghetto. The town has some wonderful neighborhoods too. Close to the beach and to the mountains. Bakersfield is not very expensive as far as the cost of living, comparatively speaking. Good shopping, nice restaurants. The town does have pros and cons.....look for the good and you will find it!
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No free thinking allowed - 12/23/2012
When I taught in Bakersfield I was negatively impressed by the uniformity of thought; many fearful people, tyrants, chauvinists, criminals, anti this's and anti that's. Little truth telling because little was allowed. The aim seemed to be for an apple pie culture, without any of the good will required to make anything authentic. Stifling, and I left - valuing even more the freedom I found
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