Life in Bakersfield offers something increasingly rare in California: a chance to thrive without breaking the bank. The city is a fast-growing hub in the Central Valley, offering affordability, economic growth, low living costs, and a close-knit community with several live events annually.
The city's robust economy, powered by energy and agricultural sectors, means you're moving into a community with genuine staying power. While other California residents watch their housing dreams slip away, you'll discover Bakersfield's residential communities deliver modern amenities and thoughtful design at price points that work for your family's future.
Let's examine why Bakersfield is such a hot destination for homebuyers and highlight where the best affordable communities in Bakersfield are to snag yourself a high-quality home at a great price.
If you're considering a move to Bakersfield, you're not alone. This commerce and logistics hub in the Central Valley has become a magnet for Californians seeking affordable homeownership without sacrificing quality of life.
At the end of March 2025, median home values in Bakersfield range from the low $400s to the high $430s, depending on the source. That's over $600,00 less than the median cost of homes in Los Angeles. Bakersfield offers a rare opportunity to plant roots in the Golden State without breaking the bank; the market has remained competitive for years.
Better yet, this growing city has one of the most robust economies in the entire state. Anchored by the agriculture and energy sectors, there are ample job opportunities. Job growth remains impressive (averaging 16.1% over the last decade), and it's one of the reasons that Bakersfield is one of the few Californian cities experiencing population growth.
It's perfect for young families and professionals with its mix of new construction communities, outdoor recreation access, and significantly lower cost of living than state averages.
The initial price tag doesn't tell the whole story when hunting for your ideal Bakersfield residence. While resale properties might tempt you with lower listing prices, hidden costs often lurk beneath the surface, and maintenance costs are higher.
Unexpected repairs and costly energy bills in aging structures can quickly eclipse any upfront savings. That's why many savvy buyers are paying attention to Bakersfield's booming new construction market.
Today's newly built homes in Bakersfield offer compelling long-term value that older properties don't match. Modern floor plans with energy-efficient systems that significantly reduce monthly utilities. At the same time, builder warranties provide peace of mind against structural issues or major repairs.
In planned communities, you'll also find thoughtfully designed neighborhoods with built-in amenities like parks, swimming pools, walking trails, and community centers that all come together to deliver a superior living experience.
The pricing stability and transparency are desirable in Bakersfield's new home market. Unlike the competitive bidding wars in the resale market, new construction typically offers set pricing (with designer upgrades included if you choose an LGI Home). You can secure further financial incentives, such as builder-paid closing costs.
All this means you can better plan your budget without worry about surprise renovation costs or the need to compete against multiple offers.
That's not all, however. There are plenty of other advantages to pursuing a new construction home over an existing property:
While Bakersfield offers attractive home prices throughout the city, two areas stand out for delivering exceptional value: Southwest and Northwest Bakersfield. These rapidly growing districts combine affordable new construction with easy commuter access and family-friendly amenities.
Here are our top community picks that offer the best bang for your buck in these sought-after areas:
This exciting new community is perfectly positioned for your daily life, just minutes from Highway 99 and the popular Kaiser Permanente Sports Village. This prime Southwest Bakersfield location puts you exactly where you want to be. It's close enough to major commute routes while maintaining your desired neighborhood feel.
Starting from $413,900, the thoughtfully designed homes in Harvest Grove deliver the space your family needs, with floor plans ranging from 3 to 5 bedrooms. Each home in Harvest Grove comes complete with LGI Homes' signature CompleteHome™ package, meaning you won't face the usual nickel-and-diming for upgrades. You can expect Whirlpool® appliances and granite countertops – features often cost thousands extra elsewhere. You also enjoy the benefit of fully fenced backyards and builder-paid closing costs on selected floor plans.
Step outside your front door and discover how many families choose Harvest Grove. The community's carefully planned amenities create natural gathering spaces, including modern playgrounds and BBQ areas perfect for weekend get-togethers.
The strategic Northeast Bakersfield location of Morningstar Ranch offers quick access to Highway 178 and downtown, letting you spend more time at home and commuting less. Your new neighborhood sits moments from the Mesa Marin Sports Complex and the recreational paradise of the Kern River, providing year-round outdoor activities for the whole family.
These single-story homes start at $437,900 and deliver exceptional value through thoughtful design and include features. Each home comes with standard solar panels, helping reduce your monthly utility costs from day one. The generous lot sizes also give your family room to grow, with space for play areas or future additions.
Like Harvest Grove, the CompleteHome™ package ensures your new home is move-in ready with premium features. At the same time, the community amenities include well-thought-out walking trails.
The value proposition for new construction in Bakersfield has never been stronger. Harvest Grove and Morningstar Ranch showcase the perfect blend of affordability and modernity that savvy homebuyers seek. These communities offer more than mere housing developments. They are carefully planned neighborhoods where families and other young professionals relocating to Bakersfield can thrive.
LGI Homes maintains its position as a leading builder in Bakersfield through our commitment to quality construction. It includes upgrades at no extra cost. Our transparent pricing structure and builder-paid closing costs help eliminate the stress from your home-buying journey. At the same time, our move-in-ready designs mean you could enjoy your new home sooner than you think.
Contact an LGI Homes New Home Consultant today to explore available homes in these communities and learn about our current financial incentives. Your path to homeownership in Bakersfield starts here.
*Median home prices in Bakersfield and Los Angeles were accurate at the time of writing. Home pricing and availability can change at any time without notice.