Are you thinking of moving to Bakersfield, CA? If so, you’ll want to read this blog post first. In it, we’ll outline everything you need to know about Bakersfield before making the big move. From the cost of living to the climate, we’ll cover it all! So, whether you’re already in Bakersfield or just thinking about moving there, be sure to read on for the inside scoop. You won’t regret it!
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Bakersfield, CA: The Pros And Cons
Con – Pollution
When people think of Bakersfield, California, they think of three things: oil, heat, and pollution. That’s not surprising—it is, after all, the home of one of the largest oil fields in the United States. But how exactly does that translate to air pollution? According to the American Lung Association, the city is ranked number two in ozone pollution in the country and number one for year-round particle pollution.
The city’s high ranking for year-round pollution stems from its location: it sits on a plain surrounded by mountains on three sides that trap airborne particles. Weather conditions only exacerbate this issue—in 2011 alone, there were four days when pollution reached very unhealthy levels. And the situation isn’t unique to Bakersfield—many cities in California have high levels of smog thanks to their large agricultural industry, but it’s only in this state that petroleum plays such a huge role. In fact, Kern County produces 66% of all oil in California and 10% of the oil produced in the U.S.
Person after person will tell you that Bakersfield is a great place to live and raise a family, but if you have asthma or any other chronic lung problems, you might want to think twice before moving here.
Pro – Cost of Living
One of Bakersfield’s pros when living in this city is that the cost of living is significantly less than in Los Angeles. Bakersfield is more affordable than most other parts of California. Although Bakersfield is higher than the national average, which is 9%, Los Angeles is 49% higher. Housing costs in Bakersfield are basically the same as the national average while Los Angeles is around 129% higher.
However, Bakersfield has a housing cost that is the same as the national average, the utilities are the ones that will drain your pockets, which is 61% higher than the national average. Overall, if you want to live in a place where it’s near a big city, then Bakersfield is the city to move to! This brings us to our next point.
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Pro – Next to Los Angeles
Many people move to Bakersfield because it’s nice to be close to a big city like Los Angeles without actually living in that big city. If you’re thinking of moving here, check out the LA area while you’re here! It’s only 2 hours away.
It’s a classic story: you live in an area with a lower cost of living than the city you love, but you can’t bear to be that far away from it. You’re torn between moving somewhere where the rent is cheaper and being near the excitement of your big city. Luckily, Bakersfield, CA is a mid-sized city with plenty to offer and an affordable cost of living. If you need to get out of your current location but don’t want to leave your beloved Los Angeles behind, Bakersfield might just be the place for you!
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Con – The Crime Rate
Although there are some neighborhoods in Bakersfield, CA that are generally safe, you can’t deny that crime is something you can’t avoid. Crime is higher here than it should normally be, which is a cause of concern for many. The crime rate is 94% higher than the national average which is not a joke and you have a 1 in 23 chance of becoming a victim of crime. However, there is a silver lining for this city, which is the decreasing amount of crime by 1% every year as well as being 11% safer than other cities in the USA. You just have to find the sweet spot of Bakersfield and know what to avoid, which is an article we’ve tackled here.
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Con – The Car Dependent City
Bakersfield’s high air pollution is one reason why many choose to avoid it. A study by the American Lung Association says that Bakersfield is among the worst cities in America for air quality and ranks as the most dangerous city in the nation for short-term particle pollution.
For a long time, Bakersfield was dependent on cars. The city has a poor walkability rating and with 16 routes, the Golden Empire Transit only helps to improve this condition. However, Bakersfield aims to change its status into a transit-oriented city. With fewer people using their cars, less air pollution occurs. The city will also receive federal funding for regional transportation projects, giving Bakersfield an opportunity to become more connected. So whether you bring your car or not when living in Bakersfield, CA is your choice!
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Pro – Job Opportunities
Bakersfield is a city in Southern California that has been growing rapidly for the past decade and is expected to continue at the same rate for the next 10 years or so. With such huge amounts of growth, it’s no wonder that people are attracted to the city. However, it can be hard to decide whether or not Bakersfield is really the right place for you and your family. After all, you could find yourself living in a big city with many options and little time, or you could find yourself in a small town with little opportunity.
The truth lies somewhere in between: Bakersfield is neither a big city nor a small town; it’s just right. There are plenty of jobs available, but they have different requirements than you would find in a New York office. Over the last ten years, businesses have been growing by 10.6%. In the next few years, the growth is expected to grow by 24.2%. There are a lot of businesses here, including the Amazon fulfillment center, Bakersfield City School District, Grimmway Farms, and Webster Bank. So if you’re looking for a job in Bakersfield, it’s very likely that you’ll find one.
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Pro – The Healthcare
If you’re moving to Bakersfield, don’t worry about finding a great place to get your health care. There are plenty of hospitals in the region that offer top-of-the-line care, and they’ve been recognized for it! Adventist Health Bakersfield has been named one of America’s 250 Best Hospitals and The Bakersfield Memorial Hospital has been ranked 94.12 out of 100.00 possible points for hygiene practices. In addition, Dignity Health Mercy and Memorial Hospitals have earned the Gold Seal of Approval and Advances Certification to be a Primary Stroke Center: so if you need medical attention, this is an area where you can find it!
Bakersfield is a great city with plenty of job opportunities and a relatively low cost of living. However, it’s important to be aware of the downsides, such as the high crime rate and pollution levels. If you’re considering moving to Bakersfield, make sure you do your research first! And if you’re looking for a way to reduce your carbon footprint while living in Bakersfield, consider installing solar panels on your home. ARC Energy Solutions. can help with all your solar needs.
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Start a better living with Solar power!
ARC Energy Solutions.
ARC Energy Solutions is a solar energy company that is dedicated to providing the Bakersfield community with affordable, efficient, and transparent solar solutions. We offer a free consultation where you can gain insights into the panels and equipment that will be utilized in your personalized installation. We want our customers to feel knowledgeable and ready when they take the leap to solar!
