How is Bakersfield? (Los Angeles, Fresno, Sacramento: homes, to buy, live)

[PhysicianMD]

I am originally from Seattle and lived in NY/NJ. I was wondering what Bakersfield is like. Is it accessible to LA?

[Pacifico]

It's on the way to norcal from socal. The Baka Boyz originated from there. They used to DJ in the mornings on Power 106 an LA radio station. It may be considered more of a truck stop. I believe some farming exists in and around the area. Its easily a 4 HR or so drive to LA. However, it's growing and changing as many are moving there to buy homes. I had an opportunity to relocate there but personally it's far too desolate and nowhere near the great Paciifc.

[5thgenSF]

Originally Posted by Pacifico

It's on the way to norcal from socal. The Baka Boyz originated from there. They used to DJ in the mornings on Power 106 an LA radio station. It may be considered more of a truck stop. I believe some farming exists in and around the area. Its easily a 4 HR or so drive to LA. However, it's growing and changing as many are moving there to buy homes. I had an opportunity to relocate there but personally it's far too desolate and nowhere near the great Paciifc.

you don't seem to have a clue what you're talking about.

Bakersfield, California - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Bakersfield is a major city near the southern end of the San Joaquin Valley in Kern County, California. It is roughly equidistant between Fresno and Los Angeles 110 miles (180 km) to the north and south respectively. In the 2010 census, the city’s population was 347,483,[12] making it the 9th largest city in California and the 51st largest city in the United States. It is also the third largest inland city in California, behind Fresno and Sacramento. The city is currently in a state of rapid growth. Over the 40-year period between 1970 and 2010, it has grown 400% (from 70,000 to 347,000),[13] making it one of the fastest growing cities in California.[14] Bakersfield is the focal point of the larger Bakersfield-Delano Metropolitan Statistic Area (MSA). In 2010, it had a population of 839,631, making it the 62nd largest metropolitan area in United States.[15] The city is also the county seat for Kern County, the third largest county in California by landmass (which encompasses the entire MSA).[14]

[Curmudgeon]

Bakersfield is....well....Bakersfield. Plenty of threads about it here. Keep researching.

[JanND]

I was born and raised in Bakersfield. I loved it then. Lots of friendly downhome people back then. The stats and wikipedia stuff aside....It's mostly an overgrown farm/oil field town. It isn't a place people would call metropolitan....especially not what the previous poster labeled Bakersfield-Delano Metropolitan Statistic Area....It was a decent hick town when I grew up there, was relatively safe...Now it is not as small, not as safe and I cannot think of very many redeeming qualities....sorry just being truthful. If you are used to areas such as Seattle, Bakersfield won't even be close to what you want as far as culture and things to do. It sure isn't LA.

[tickyul]

I'm also from Seattle......from what I have read, you WILL find Bakersfieldadelphia quite nasty.

[Bruce81]

It is a good town if you have a family, and just want a laid back lifestyle. it is close to L.A, about 1.5 hours, and 2 hours from the central coast. If your young, single, want a cosmopolitan lifestyle then I would look elsewhere. But for the basics, shopping, food, its still pretty descent. Its not the prettiest place around, but it still offers what any other mid sized city would.

[Curmudgeon]

Originally Posted by Bruce81

It is a good town if you have a family, and just want a laid back lifestyle. it is close to L.A, about 1.5 hours, and 2 hours from the central coast. If your young, single, want a cosmopolitan lifestyle then I would look elsewhere. But for the basics, shopping, food, its still pretty descent. Its not the prettiest place around, but it still offers what any other mid sized city would.

With the bonus of really bad air!

[Fontucky]

Originally Posted by Pacifico

I believe some farming exists in and around the area.

Some???

Originally Posted by Pacifico

Its easily a 4 HR or so drive to LA.

Try two hours. It's only 112 miles from DTLA.

[Harrier]

Arvin is nearby - potatoes and carrots.

So is Weedpatch.

The best that I can say about Bakersfield is I once ran a cross country race there and achieved my best time - probally because the course was flat - perhaps also because I wanted to get out of the place as soon as possible.