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Ridgecrest, CA is a small town located in the Mojave Desert of California. It's known for its hot springs and close proximity to the Sierra Nevada Mountains. There are plenty of outdoor activities in Ridgecrest, such as camping, hiking, biking, and fishing. The nightlife here is also quite lively, with several bars and restaurants. The locals are friendly and welcoming; you'll often find yourself having interesting conversations with folks in town. All-in-all Ridgecrest is a great place to visit and explore if you're looking for an off-the beaten path destination. Reviews of Ridgecrest highlight how beautiful and unique it is compared to other towns in the area and praise its natural beauty. People who come here appreciate how secluded it feels yet still near enough to other cities if they need something more urban. Many people enjoy taking day trips from Ridgecrest to explore nearby attractions such as Death Valley National Park or take a drive out the Pacific Coast Highway. All things considered, many travelers would highly recommend this quaint town for its stunning views and laid back atmosphere.
based on 7 ReviewsGet to know Ridgecrest with the latest comments and reviews from people who live in or have visited Ridgecrest
A perspective of Ridgecrest - 1/12/2022
For context, I grew up in Ridgecrest and moved away after graduating high school. I have since lived in LA and the Bay Area but I visit RC often.
RC is in the high desert at the intersection of the Kern, Inyo, and San Bernardino counties. The city lies in a valley just east of the Sierra Nevada and serves as the hub of some of the smaller towns in the area. The nearest larger cities (Lancaster, Hesperia, Bakersfield) are about 1.5 hours away. And the nearest airport is Ontario about 2.5 hours away.
Many people complain about there being nothing to do in town, but if you’re a fan of the outdoors there’s quite a bit. The desert activities (hiking, off-roading, hunting) can be accessed immediately outside of town. The closest mountain activities (hiking, fishing, camping) are 30mins to an hour drive. One of the best things about this place is the sky: beautiful sunrises, sunsets, and stargazing. Although many complain about the barren landscape, it’s actually
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Guns, beer and 4 wheel drive - 4/4/2018
Ridgecrest and Kern County are red state bastions in a land of blue voting counties.
If you want a concealed weapons permit, you'll get it. Want to own any firearm legal in California, go buy them.
Great rifle ranges.
There is some crime, we have had a meth problem, and the county and state like to dump inmates in Ridgecrest after they serve their time.
We have a huge population of MENSA and PHD qualified scientist that work on the base. Probably as high per capita as anywhere else, if not the highest.
If you like off roading, bird watching, BBQing, and enjoying the desert it is a good place.
If you need tons of strip malls and IMAX theaters, you probably shouldn't come here.
Most people come because they are a scientist affiliated with the base. If that is you, there is no better place to be. That and federal workers in Ridgecrest get LA locality pay.
Housing is
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It's a dry heat! - 2/27/2012
The hardest thing to get used to in Ridgecrest is the weather. It can get quite windy. And hot. 115 hot. But it's a dry heat! It does cool off in the evening, and it only lasts for a few months in the summer. The winters are cold, (well, depending on what you are used to) with lows in the 20s-30s. It rains occasionally, and snows rarely. There are beautiful sunrises and sunsets, great star gazing, and some of the nicest people you will ever
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Intolerance - 8/26/2009
While Ridgecrest's "religiosity index" is no greater that that of the United States, on average, it seems to have more of its share of religious extremists. I will define the term "extremist" in this instance as an individual who is highly suspicious of others that don't share his religious beliefs or political inclinations. Atheists, gays, Liberals can easily feel marginalized in this community. Based on the "letters to the editor" of the local newspaper, it appears that the town is populated by hard-working, patriotic, gun-owning Christians, and they want to make sure you know that. Our only bookstore, a few years back, was picketed for selling Playboy and the like. Don't get caught smiling on one of our rare cloudy
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A nice place... - 9/20/2008
Not a bad place to live if you like a small town and the desert. The major employer is the Navy base, so the job market is quite competitive. Housing prices are fairly good, but gas is a little
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Relaxing place to live - 4/9/2007
I have lived in or around Ridgecrest CA for 26 years and I enjoy the following:
Located within a half a day drive from San Diego, San Francisco, and Las Vegas.
No traffic congestion.
Close to Sierra Nevada Mountains.
Reasonable cost of
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