Bakersfield, CA Foreclosed Homes & Properties

Foreclosure Homes for Sale in Bakersfield, CA: What You Need to Know

As the largest city in bustling Kern County, Bakersfield, California enjoys a great deal of economic prosperity and agricultural opportunity. In fact, Bakersfield holds the title of the fourth-most productive agricultural county in the entire United States. 

Local History

Thomas Baker, a former colonel and lawyer from Ohio, was first brought to California by the gold rush of the mid 19th century. He settled on the banks of the Kern River in 1863 and this area became known as Baker’s Field, a popular stopover for travelers passing through. Bakersfield was officially incorporated as a city in 1873 and was the site of the incredibly destructive Kern County Earthquake of 1952, which measured at a 7.5 on the moment magnitude scale and was felt throughout California. Between 1970 and 2010, Bakersfield’s population grew 400%, cementing it as one of the fastest-growing cities within California.

Demographics and Population

As of the 2010 census, Bakersfield has a population of 347,483 citizens with an ethnic breakdown of 56.8% White, 8.1% African American, 6.2% Asian, and 4.9% descending from two or more ethnicities. Of Bakersfield’s 111,132 households, around 46.8% house children under 18 and 51.5% are married couples living together. The population according to age is relatively evenly spread with 31.5% under 18, 27.9% between 25 and 44, and 21.4% between 45-64. 

Economic Opportunities in Bakersfield

Nearby farms and agricultural conglomerates make up some of the top employers in Bakersfield including the Giumarra Companies, Bolthouse Farms, and Grimmway Farms. Kern County is also a huge producer of oil, ranked in 2013 as the most oil productive county in the nation. Many manufacturing and distribution companies have decided to call Bakersfield home over the years due to its inexpensive land. 

Things to Do in Bakersfield 

Hart Memorial Park is a hidden gem in northeast Bakersfield, featuring two fishing lakes and tons of picnic tables and playgrounds. Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace seamlessly mixes live music, delicious food, and historical significance. The Fox Theatre in the heart of downtown has been standing strong since Christmas Day of 1930 but has since given over its silver screen to a live performance stage. 

Cost of Living 

Despite its location in a state infamous for high costs of living, Bakersfield falls very close to the national average in a number of categories including grocery costs, housing, utilities, and transportation. One huge advantage is its affordable healthcare costs, falling well below the national numbers.