Some Gems are Hidden in Plain Sight

Bakersfield is in Southern California, about 110 miles north of Los Angeles, nestled near the southern end of the San Joaquin Valley. The city is on the Kern River near the Sequoia National Forest.

Over the last 14 years, Bakersfield's population has grown by about 1.27% yearly. According to its official website, the city had a population of 411,109 in January 2024; in 2010, it was 348,760. The population has increased by 62,349, or 17.87%.

Bakersfield was named after Baker's Field, a settlement for travelers established by Colonel Thomas Baker on the banks of the Kern River in 1863. Ten years later, in 1873, Bakersfield was officially incorporated as a city.

Bakersfield experiences a semi-arid - hot-arid climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters—the average high temperatures in summer (June – August) range from 96°F to 101°F. The average low temperatures in the winter (December – February) range from 39°F to 44°F. The area is one of the driest in the United States, with an average rainfall of just 6.3 inches each year.

Some of the largest employers in Bakersfield include Kern Medical, Kern County Government, Adventist Health Bakersfield, Chevron Corp, Dignity Health, Bolthouse Farms, Aera Energy, Grimmway Farms, Frito Lay, Google, Ensign United States Drilling, Target, Foster Care Human Svc and Sun Pacific.

Some top attractions include the Kern County Museum, showcasing regional artifacts and exhibits; the California Living Museum (CALM), a 14-acre zoo that showcases plants and animals native to California; Rabobank Arena, for concerts and significant events; Fox Theater, showcasing various art pieces; and Buck Owens' Crystal Palace, a live music venue. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Panorama Bluffs offers stunning views of the Kern River Oil Field, and the Kern River provides fishing, hiking, rafting, and kayaking opportunities.

The most populous California cities near Bakersfield include Chula Vista, Fontana, Fremont, Fresno, Irvine, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Modesto, Moreno Valley, Oakland, Oxnard, Riverside, Sacramento, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose, Santa Ana, Santa Clarita and Stockton. 

The above cities are listed alphabetically and include an estimated population of more than 200,000 residents. 

LGI Homes offers high-quality, affordable homes in Bakersfield designed to fit a variety of lifestyles. Every LGI home comes with upgrades at no extra cost as part of the CompleteHome™ package, including custom kitchen cabinetry, upgraded flooring and countertops, Whirlpool® kitchen appliances, integrated technology, solar panels and two-car garages.

Bakersfield is affordable compared to other cities in California. According to Rentcafe.com, the cost of living in Bakersfield is 21% lower than the state average. In September 2022, California.com published an article stating that Bakersfield was California's second most affordable city. Remember, the cost of living in any city changes over time.

LGI Homes supports first-time homebuyers in Bakersfield by offering affordable homes with low monthly payments, builder-paid closing costs, included upgrades and an easy-to-understand buying process.

To tour an LGI Home in Bakersfield, call the phone number listed online or click the blue 'request info' button. An LGI Homes representative will help you schedule a tour of the community and home(s) you want to see. 

Every active community and available floor plan has an easy-to-find phone number and a 'request info' button. 

Some benefits of living in Bakersfield include a lower cost of living compared to other cities in California, affordable housing, and proximity to larger destination cities throughout southern California. Bakersfield has a diverse and growing economy, providing residents with career opportunities in numerous industries. The city is home to nearly 60 city parks, several colleges and universities, offers a variety of cultural events, and has a vibrant nightlife. For those who enjoy outdoor activities, it is also near the Sequoia National Forest and the Kern River, providing plenty of opportunities for adventure.

LGI Homes has developments with new California homes in several Southern, Central and Northern California cities. First-time homebuyers can find LGI homes in Riverside, Coachella Valley, Modesto, Stockton, the Bay Area and Sacramento.

Homebuyers can finance an LGI home by obtaining a mortgage from any lender, including our preferred lender. At LGI Homes, we strive to simplify the homebuying process; everything you need to buy a home is under one roof.

Our preferred lender offers competitive interest rates and can originate the same new home loans as other mortgage lenders, including FHA, USDA and VA home loans. Our lender is familiar with our homes and building processes, which helps streamline the homebuying process.