Bakersfield, California: Good Weather, Music and Living

Four Seasons at Bakersfield by K. Hovnanian is an active adult community set among other desirable neighborhoods a few miles outside of downtown Bakersfield, California.
dd
Four Seasons at Bakersfield by K. Hovnanian is an active adult community set among other desirable neighborhoods a few miles outside of downtown Bakersfield, California.

Bakersfield, California, is known for its sunny weather, Basque restaurants, and The Bakersfield Sound. There are outdoor recreations including golf courses and fly-fishing, live performance venues, music clubs, and much more. There are even several active adult communities for visitors who decide to call Bakersfield home.

Climate and Geography

Centered between Fresno and Los Angeles, Bakersfield is one of the country’s sunniest cities. The region has an arid climate with hot, dry summers and cool winters. There is little rain from May to September, though rain does regularly fall through the winter and early spring.

Mild temperatures during the autumn, winter and spring let outdoor enthusiasts take advantage of the region’s various attractions. A short drive brings active adults to the Southern Sierra Nevada Mountains, where they can enjoy hiking, fly-fishing, whitewater rafting, and other outdoor recreations.

Bakersfield Attractions

Many regional attractions let visitors and residents explore the area’s rich history. Within close proximity of Bakersfield, active adults will find a wide range of regional museums, nature preserves, and recreation centers. A few to try include the West Kern Oil Museum, the Sequoia National Forest, Silver City Ghost Town, and the Tule Elk State Nature Reserve.

Attractions within the Bakersfield area include a variety of entertainment options. There are public golf courses, shopping centers, live performance venues, raceways, and much more. There are many annual festivals held both in Bakersfield and in the surrounding area. Some of the most well-known include the Bakersfield Jazz Festival in May, Village Fest in September, and the Via Arte Italian Street Painting Festival in October.

Country music lovers will certainly enjoy visiting the city which launched the genre now known as The Bakersfield Sound. This crisp mix of guitar, fiddle, drums, and steel guitar took shape in the 1950s and 1960s with well-known artists like Buck Owen and Merle Haggard. Today, Bakersfield visitors and locals alike enjoy the food and live music at Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace.

When it comes to dining, Bakersfield is home to the country’s largest collection of Basque restaurants. These popular eateries feature the cuisine of Basque County, a region in the South of France and Northern Spain. These memorable meals are served family-style at long trestle tables to reflect the Basque culture.

Some of Bakersfield’s most famous Basque restaurants include Wool Growers Restaurant and Cocktail Lounge, Benji’s French Basque Restaurant, and Sandrini’s Basque and Italian Restaurant. Any first visit to Bakersfield should include a reservation at a Basque restaurant to experience this distinctive cuisine firsthand.

Active Adult Communities in Bakersfield

Active adults who choose to settle in Bakersfield will find several desirable age-restricted communities. Solera at Kern Canyon and Four Seasons at Bakersfield each offer affordable homes and amenities which support an active adult lifestyle. The Greens at Seven Oaks provides true country club living, including a 27-hole championship golf course, two clubhouses, two restaurants, and a variety of social and recreational activities.

Whether planning a vacation in Bakersfield or considering the city as a retirement destination, active adults will have no trouble finding things to do in this vibrant California city.

Can you spot the $207,744 difference between these identical homes?

Financing is the difference!

Get the details in The 62+ Loan Homebuyers Guide.

55places Mortgage is a joint venture between Mutual of Omaha Mortgage and 55places.com.
Details here.

We're here to help! (800) 928-2055

Call us to speak with a customer service representative.

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get Weekly Updates

I agree that 55places and its affiliates, partner providers or agents may call, text, or email me about my inquiry, which may be made with automated means. I understand that my consent is not a prerequisite for buying a property. I may revoke my consent at any time by contacting optout@55places.com. Message/data rates may apply. I also agree to 55places.com’s Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

The Best Places to Snowbird in 2021

We’ve gathered 25 of the best places for snowbirds, including cities in Florida, Arizona, California, Texas, South Carolina, and Nevada. For each entry, we’ve also provided a list of recommended 55+ communities in the area. If you’re ready to find your own winter retreat this season, here are some of the best places to consider.

A boat pier at sunrise in Lake Placid, Florida.

Lake Placid Living: A Look at 55+ Communities in This Central Florida Gem

8 minute read Located in the heart of Central Florida, Lake Placid offers the best qualities of small-town America. Surrounded by scenic lakes, nature preserves, and cultural attractions, the “Town of Murals” is perfect for active adults. With two 55+ communities in Lake Placid—Covered Bridge and Tomoka Heights—the area’s affordability makes it an appealing option

Relaxed 55+ adults camping with friends and drinking a cup of coffee while enjoying retirement.

How to Choose the Right Retirement Community for You

Choosing the right retirement community is an important decision. There are questions you should ask yourself when considering an active adult community. These are some of the most important questions to ask yourself when choosing the retirement community for you, as well as some active adult communities to consider.

Mature couple plays tennis, enjoying an active adult lifestyle.

How Can I Be Sure the Active Adult Lifestyle Is Right for Me?

As you approach retirement, it’s natural for your lifestyle needs to change. That lively neighborhood with young families may have been perfect in the past. However, now you might prefer something different. What does an active adult lifestyle involve?

Award badge over an outdoor, resort-style pool at On Top of the World in Ocala, Florida.

The Best Large 55+ Communities

Join us on a journey to uncover the gems among the largest 55+ communities. These fifteen attractive neighborhoods all offer 1,000 homes or more.

About 55places

We’re changing the way people 55 and older are searching for their perfect next place. With a national network of hand-selected real estate experts, plus comprehensive information, unbiased content, and on-the-go insight about thousands of communities across the country, we’re a trusted resource paving the way from here to home. Whether you’re interested in a low-maintenance single-level residence, an active lifestyle or age-qualified community, an intimate enclave, or anything in between, we can help you make your next move the best one yet.

Scroll to Top