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Retirement Living In Bakersfield - California


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Area Description

The Central Valley’s southern gateway, Kern County is a vast puzzle piece in the landscape of California. More than 8,000 square miles in area, it is the third-largest county in the state. It stretches from the foothills of the Tehachapi Mountains north to the trail of the Sierra Nevada and from the edge of the state’s eastern desert to the foothills of the Coast Range, providing a transition between Southern and Central California.

The largest city in the county is Bakersfield. Bakersfield is the 9th largest city in California and the 52nd largest in the nation, larger than Pittsburgh or New Orleans. Although we are a large urban area, you will quickly find our people are one of our greatest assets, so you will feel right at home. Explore our world renowned music, our unique food, our dynamic agricultural products, our museums and arts community, and our exciting outdoor activities. One thing is certain: Bakersfield continues to deliver more than you will expect. That’s why we say in Bakersfield there is More to Explore!

Region Characteristics



Area Amenities

Things to Do, Recreation & Fitness


    Bakersfield highlights include unique museums; a vibrant arts scene with symphony orchestra, several performing arts groups, and the oldest continually–operating community theater in California; a Cal State campus; and an abundance of great food. The county’s most unique dining experience is unquestionably the selection of Basque restaurants, and Bakersfield has more such eateries than any other city in the nation. Kern’s thriving Basque community represents one of the largest Basque populations outside of the Pyrenees, giving rise to this large array of restaurants. These richly atmospheric places feature family-style meals, many courses, a selection of hearty entrees, and sometimes delicacies such as pickled tongue or oxtail stew. Some staff even speak the ancient language of Eskuara - a compilation of Latin, French, and Castilian. The renowned Buena Vista Museum of Natural History and Science explores local paleontology, geology, and anthropology with its collection of natural artifacts, some of which are found nowhere else in the world. Located on 14 park-like acres, the California Living Museum (CALM) showcases more than 80 animal species indigenous to Kern County and features a habitat for black bears, birds of prey, several species of foxes, a waterfowl pond, deer yard, and underground reptile house.

Cultural Activities


Bakersfield is a city of music. While “The Bakersfield Sound” is popular worldwide, our association with many other types of music from Jazz to Classical means there are actually Bakersfield Sounds (plural), all waiting for you to explore. Art is everywhere in Bakersfield. Lots of galleries, public art to enjoy, a burgeoning Arts Alive District downtown, multiple art events throughout the year and four unique museums. Bakersfield also has a vibrant performing arts community with several local theaters always offering a variety of shows.

Public transportation


Amtrak's San Joaquin runs multiple times daily between the San Francisco Bay Area (or Sacramento) and Bakersfield, where Amtrak Thruway buses connect you to great Southern California destinations.

Golden Empire Transit District serves the Bakersfield Metropolitan area: 160 square miles 7 days a week with 16 routes and over 1000 bus stops. All buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts and bike racks.

Medical Facilities


Bakersfield has 6 hospitals providing advanced medical services. The Bakersfield Heart Hospital specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of heart and vascular disease, but also care for a wide range of other medical and surgical patients. San Joaquin Community Hospital is a comprehensive source for all health care needs from a full-treatment burn center to the first Nationally Certified Stroke Center between Los Angeles and San Francisco in addition to a hospital-based, comprehensive cancer center.


What Will The Climate And Weather Be Like If I Retire In Bakersfield, California?

For those of you that retire in Bakersfield, you will have pleasant temperatures year-round.

Winter temperatures are cold with averages in the upper 40's and highs in the upper 50's. Nights are cold with lows in the upper 30's. Expect some rainy days in the winter.

If the weather in the spring is too cold for the outdoors, enjoy some indoor activities in Bakersfield such as a movie, a visit to a museum, dining, nightlife or some shopping. Spring temperatures are cool with averages in the low 60's and highs in the mid 70's. Nights are cool with lows in the low 50's. Expect a few days above 90°. Expect a few days of rain.

Summertime in Bakersfield is a great time to enjoy your retirement with a day at the lake, an outdoor concert, a local festival or other outdoor activity! Summer temperatures are warm with averages in the low 80's and highs in the mid 90's. Nights are mild with lows in the mid 60's. Expect a lot of days above 90°.

If you retire in Bakersfield, you can look forward to fall weather activities such as biking on a bike path, hiking, enjoying a walking path and more! Fall temperatures are mild with averages in the mid 60's and highs in the upper 70's. Nights are cool with lows in the low 50's. Expect some days above 90°.

Monthly Temperature Ranges

 Month  Low  Avg  High
 Jan  38 F°  47 F°  57 F°
 Feb  41 F°  52 F°  63 F°
 Mar  45 F°  57 F°  69 F°
 Apr  49 F°  62 F°  76 F°
 May  56 F°  70 F°  84 F°
 Jun  62 F°  77 F°  92 F°
 Jul  68 F°  83 F°  97 F°
 Aug  67 F°  81 F°  96 F°
 Sep  62 F°  76 F°  91 F°
 Oct  53 F°  67 F°  80 F°
 Nov  43 F°  55 F°  66 F°
 Dec  37 F°  47 F°  57 F°

Monthly Average # of Hot and Cold Days

 Month  Days Greater Than 90 F°  Days Less Than 32 F°  Days Less Than 0 F°
 Jan  0  6  0
 Feb  0  2  0
 Mar  0  0  0
 Apr  2  0  0
 May  8  0  0
 Jun  18  0  0
 Jul  28  0  0
 Aug  27  0  0
 Sep  17  0  0
 Oct  4  0  0
 Nov  0  2  0
 Dec  0  8  0

Rain & Humidity

 Month  Rainfall  Rainy Days  Humidity
 Jan  1 "  7  37 %
 Feb  1 "  7  40 %
 Mar  1 "  6  43 %
 Apr  1 "  4  43 %
 May  0 "  2  45 %
 Jun  0 "  0  48 %
 Jul  0 "  0  53 %
 Aug  0 "  0  53 %
 Sep  0 "  1  50 %
 Oct  0 "  2  45 %
 Nov  1 "  4  40 %
 Dec  1 "  6  36 %

Snow

 Month  Snowfall  Snow On Ground Days  Snowy Days
 Jan  0 "  0  0
 Feb  0 "  0  0
 Mar  0 "  0  0
 Apr  0 "  0  0
 May  0 "  0  0
 Jun  0 "  0  0
 Jul  0 "  0  0
 Aug  0 "  0  0
 Sep  0 "  0  0
 Oct  0 "  0  0
 Nov  0 "  0  0
 Dec  0 "  0  0


Natural Disaster Areas


Cost of Living for Bakersfield, CA

Bakersfield, California cost of living for Housing, Healthcare, Transportation, Taxes, Utilities, etc.:

 Cost of Living

Demographics

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Age

Senior Housing Options


Senior Assistance in Bakersfield, CA

Bakersfield, California offers the following assistance for seniors:

What Job or Volunteer Opportunities Does Bakersfield Offer For Retirees?

The Volunteer Center of Kern County, Inc. is comprised of many agencies functioning as one central location for volunteerism efforts in Kern County. Volunteer Exchange Program: Volunteers ranging in age from pre-school to 54 years of age. RSVP - Senior Corps Program: Senior volunteers who are aged 55 and above. Volunteer Activities: Calendar of Special Events and Activities for Volunteers and the Community.

Additional Information

Visitor Information


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