The economy is primarily based on ag and oil industry. There is an illiteracy problem (partly due to the enormous influx of English language learners). However, you pick your own friends and social circles. Our friends are business people, farmers, ranchers, engineers and educators. After living in Seattle (I moved here for a BETTER PAYING JOB), I had a bit of culture shock— trucks and country music everywhere. But I got over it quickly and found the gems in this town (one of them is the love of my life, who was born and raised here, but has traveled the whole world) — there are many. Bakersfield is now over 400,000 people, but still has the friendliness of a small town. This applies ESPECIALLY those who are FROM here (as opposed to moving here from LA). They are salt-of-the-earth, got-your-back neighbors! Once you settle in here, you find the hidden gems of Bakersfield like the historic restaurants where locals have been congregating for over a century. Go to Luigi’s late on a Saturday morning for lunch (have a cocktail while you wait for a table... because it’ll take some time!) you will find an amazing cross-section of Bakersfield people — all ages. You may find yourself sitting next to the police chief or a millionaire. But you won’t know it, because they’re not pretentious — just friendly and relaxed. Air quality isn’t good in the summer, nor is the weather, unless you love heat. The rest of the year is fantastic, though, as far as I am concerned. I just don’t want to be here in July or August. Which is why we now have a boat we keep at Marina Del Rey...And that’s another great thing about Bako, the most kicked-around town I have ever seen??! Cooler, “more hip” places are all within a short drive. We can have lunch in Beverly Hills, go shopping, and be home to watch the sunset on our ranch. So don’t believe the horrible reviews. They are written by people who haven’t found the heart of Bakersfield.
Carol |
Bakersfield, CA |
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