Moving to Bakersfield? Your Relocation Questions Answered

by Julio Ochoa

Thinking about moving to Bakersfield from Los Angeles, the Bay Area or out of state? These are the questions people ask me before they move, answered straight. Figures were checked in October 2026 and the sources are named next to them.

Is Bakersfield cheaper than Los Angeles?

Yes, by a wide margin on home prices. The Bakersfield median sale price was $419,800, compared with $1,032,508 in Los Angeles, according to Redfin for the three months ending September 2026. A median is the middle sale, not the same house in both places, but that gap is why most people start looking here.

How hot does it get in Bakersfield?

Bakersfield averages about 33 days a year at 100 degrees or more, and it hit 61 days in 2024, according to KGET weather records. Look hard at the AC on every home, and ask what the home costs to run in July. Summer electric is usually your biggest utility bill.

What is the air quality like in Bakersfield?

Air quality varies through the year, and winter brings valley fog. If air quality matters to you, check airnow.gov and valleyair.org before you decide. Those sites show current and past conditions.

How far is Bakersfield from Los Angeles?

It's about 110 miles on Interstate 5 over the Grapevine, roughly two hours with no traffic. The pass can close for snow in winter. If you'd drive it often, test it on a weekday at the hour you'd actually drive before you buy.

Can I get around Bakersfield without driving to LA?

Yes, there's a train and an airport. Amtrak Gold Runner trains run north to Fresno, Sacramento and the Bay Area, and Los Angeles is reached by Amtrak bus. Meadows Field Airport has nonstop flights on United and American. Routes change, so check them before you count on one.

Should I sell my current home first or buy in Bakersfield first?

It depends on your cash and your timing, and each option has a tradeoff:

Sell first: your sale money is settled and your offer is stronger, but you may need a short-term rental or a rent-back from your buyer.
Buy first: you move once, but you need the income or cash to carry two payments. Ask your lender what's possible.
Buy with your sale as a condition: some sellers accept it, but it weakens your offer when homes get multiple offers.
Rent here first: you buy with local eyes, at the cost of an extra move and a lease.

Write down your real move-in date. A new build that finishes in six months doesn't work if your lease ends in sixty days.

How do I choose an area in Bakersfield?

Compare areas by the things you can measure, and score two or three before your trip. Look at your commute, the age of the homes, actual lot sizes, and monthly extras like HOA dues and Mello-Roos. Also check whether an address is inside city limits or in unincorporated Kern County, because that changes who handles trash, permits and some fees. You choose where to look, and I help you compare homes using your priorities and the facts about each property.

Can I buy a house in Bakersfield without being there?

Yes, most of it happens from your phone. I tour homes for you live on video, including what listing photos hide. Offers and most escrow documents are signed electronically, your loan documents are signed in front of a notary, and a mobile notary can usually come to you. You can join the inspection and final walkthrough by video too.

What does it cost to own a home in Bakersfield besides the mortgage?

Plan for property taxes of roughly 1.25% to 1.5% of the price per year, higher with Mello-Roos. Add homeowners insurance, summer electric and HOA dues in many newer communities. Electricity is PG&E and gas is SoCalGas, while water and trash depend on the address.

Can I move my property tax base to Bakersfield if I'm 55 or older?

Possibly. Prop 19 may let a homeowner 55 or older move their current property tax base to a home anywhere in California, within two years of selling, up to three times. If the new home is worth more, the difference is added to your tax base. Confirm your situation with the Kern County Assessor or a tax professional.

How soon do I need a California driver license after moving?

If you move from another state, California requires a California driver license within 10 days of becoming a resident. Your vehicle needs to be registered within 20 days, according to the California DMV.

Get the full relocation guide

All of this comes from my free roadmap, Your Bakersfield Relocation Guide. It covers seven stops from first look to first month, including a two-day scouting trip plan and a cash worksheet for the move. If you want to know who you'd be working with, here's a quick page about me and my about page. I'm not a lender, an attorney or a tax advisor.

Call or text Julio at 661-933-8428. Ask me anything, even the random stuff.