moving to Bakersfield California (Vista, Shafter: foreclosures, renting, credit)

[manjwn]

We are looking at a move to Bakersfield and I am interested in the following information. Our work area will be off Stockdale Hwy between Callowya Road and Buena Vista Road.

Housing in the area - cost of hoursing, taxes and a good realtor needed
Education for a 11 year old girl 5th grade and a 13 year old boy, 8th grade- what schools to be in and what not to be in.
Nice subdivisions - but not to elite, we don't shop at the Neimen Marcus's of the world.
When I look on the internet I see a lot of foreclosures, are there really that many around?

I have heard Seven Oaks in the area but I am afraid it may be to high, what are the other good neighborhoods with good schools.

Any good advice and what to stay away from is greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[TimC2462]

Hey manwn, check out my posting history. You should see a lot of posts about Bakersfield.

I would look for housing in the Northwest area. That would be north of Rosedale Highway (or 58) and west of Hwy 99. The Seven Oaks is a pricey neighborhood, but very very nice. The foreclosure map would look spotty all over. If you need additional info, PM me.

[manjwn]

Thanks Tim
I am new to this type of communication, how do I find your previous post?

[TimC2462]

Click on my user ID to access the menu. Click on "Find all posts by TimC2462". Any idea when you'll be moving to Bakersfield? Are you renting or buying? I'd suggest renting first to get a feel for the city, but there's that $8000 tax credit expiring soon.

[mark_rivers19]

@ TimC2462

your previous posts are really helpful. thanks again!

[Caliguy2007]

If you wanna be closer to your job,you should live in either the Northwest or Southwest,and both areas do have lots of nice communities.

I know their are foreclosed homes around,but I honestly don't keep track of how many their is....Their is also a cute small town called Shafter,which is about 15 mins to the North of Bakersfield if you would like to live somewhere that's more slower paced...Shafter also has older and newer neighborhoods with nice homes and probably cost less than what you pay in Bakersfield for a similar home.