Bakersfield Apartments and Rentals

As the county seat of Kern County and the ninth largest city in California, Bakersfield is quickly becoming one of the most influential cities in the nation. Rapid growth fueled by a diverse economy has given rise to a unique Southern California metropolitan community with a focus on music, arts and locally-owned businesses.

Bakersfield is conveniently located equidistant between Fresno and Los Angeles, which makes it easy for residents to enjoy the diversity of Southern California by taking a short drive. Finding Bakersfield apartments for rent is the first step to becoming part of the growing urban center. 

Bakersfield has a desert climate, characterized by long, hot summers with little to no rainfall. However, locals can easily retreat to the lush mountains of the Sequoia National Forest, where camping, whitewater rafting and fishing are popular activities.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Bakersfield is home to 347,483 residents. The 40 percent increase in population since 2000 is a strong indicator of future growth and development, and expansion has contributed to job creation and a thriving local economy.

Although Bakersfield is known for being a top producer of oil and agriculture, the Greater Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce reports that Edwards Air Force Base is the top employer of Bakersfield residents, followed by the County of Kern and China Lake Naval Weapons Center. Because Bakersfield has the lowest sales tax in California with the minimum of 7.25 percent and no local utility or inventory taxes, it is an appealing location for business developers and entrepreneurs.

The sprawling 375-acre campus of California State University, Bakersfield, is the most popular choice for higher education among Bakersfield residents, and currently has almost 8,000 students in attendance at either the main campus or the satellite campus in Antelope Valley. Bakersfield Community College is part of the California Community Colleges system and offers almost 200 degree, certificate or technical training programs to students of a diverse population.

Bakersfield residents enjoy a comparatively low cost of living; the cost of living index in Bakersfield is 25.5 percent less than the California average, and an expansion of housing and apartment developments has contributed to the low prices in spite of the population influx.

According to city-data.com, the median gross rent for an apartment in Bakersfield was $881 in 2009. Rapid growth within the city has caused some residents to look to the outlying suburbs for rentals in Bakersfield, but development is limited due to concerns of potential erosion and landslides.

Country music enthusiasts will feel right at home in Bakersfield, since it's the birthplace of the Bakersfield Sound, a genre characterized by a raw, crisp sound in contrast to Nashville recordings of the 1950s and 60s. The Bakersfield Sound Museum features memorabilia from many of the pioneers of the genre and is a must-see stop for any true fans of the musical genre.

Many Bakersfield residents embrace its rural roots, and horseback riding remains a popular hobby with breeding and 4H shows hosted year round. The Kern County Fair is held every summer, and features a number of agricultural events in conjunction with carnival rides, a rodeo and music attractions.

Bakersfield has also gained notoriety as host of the Bakersfield Business Conference, a political conference held every five years that has featured a number of notable guests along the years.

To find a Bakersfield apartment or rental, check out our apartment listings. Rent.com® is happy to help you find your next home.