The Bakersfield, California Community
Bakersfield is located in the San Joaquin Valley only 2 hours north of Los Angeles. We are surrounded on three sides by beautiful mountains and we are within driving distance to great destinations like San Francisco, Las Vegas, and San Diego/Mexico. Our central location also places us within a 2 hour scenic drive through mountains and vineyards to the central beach areas like Pismo Beach and Morro Bay.Our community is demographically varied and is a unique blend of urban and rural areas all within the same town. Visitors are always amazed at the size of our town because it does encompass large amounts of farmland and yet offers all the urban amenities of any large city. An example of this diversity is that Bakersfield is home to the #1 and #2 Carrot Growers in the United States, but we are also the county seat for Kern County so the Superior Court and Hall of Records are among the many county, city and federal buildings downtown.
Our diverse community is also home to the Kern River and many films have been shot in and around our town for the great scenery we can provide. Many artists call Bakersfield home, most notably Buck Owens and the group Korn as well as sports greats like Rick Mears (racing) and Joey Porter (football).
Bakersfield is also home to California State University of Bakersfield with outstanding programs in Business and Nursing. We also have a wonderful community college in Bakersfield College where many professionals go for continuing education.
Of course, oil remains one of our great claims to fame and all of the major oil companies have an interest here. Working oil pumps can be seen gracing the parking lots of churches and restaurants as well as in the numerous oil fields in and around town.
Community is probably our strongest asset. We may be a large town, but this community comes together to help those in need and to support great causes like the American Cancer Society (we are always in the top three in nation for raising funds during the Relay for Life). There is a small town feel to our community that belies the actual size of our city. We invite you to come see why we choose to call Bakersfield home.