Why Bakersfield is Suddenly Everyone's Secret Crush
so here's the deal with bakersfield. it's not trying to be la. it's not trying to be sf. it's just... there. and apparently, that's exactly why people are moving here like crazy.
i moved here six months ago because rent in la was eating my soul. my one-bedroom in silver lake turned into a shoebox with a view of someone else's wall. in bakersfield? i got a two-bedroom with a garage and backyard for less than what i was paying for that "charming" shoebox.
according to the u.s. census bureau, bakersfield's population grew by over 5% between 2020 and 2023. that's not just people moving here for fun-it's people escaping somewhere else. and yeah, the job market is part of it. kern county's unemployment rate dropped to around 5.8% in late 2023, which is better than the national average. not amazing, but not terrible either.
i'm a freelance photographer, so i need space, light, and a town that doesn't make me want to scream into a pillow every morning. bakersfield's got that in spades. the light here is weirdly good-golden hour lasts forever, and the skies are huge. plus, the cost of living index here is about 8% lower than the national average. that means more money for camera gear and less time stressing about bills.
*local eats and weird gems:*
- 24th street cafe - old-school diner vibes, pancakes bigger than your face
- belvedere lounge - dive bar with live music and zero pretense
- camelot park - mini golf, arcade, and a weird sense of nostalgia
overheard at a coffee shop: "bakersfield is like that friend who's not flashy but always shows up with snacks and a six-pack." fair.
weather here? hot as hell in summer, but spring and fall are stupidly beautiful. right now it's 72°f and breezy, which means i'm outside shooting street scenes and pretending i'm in a wes anderson movie.
if you're wondering what's nearby: sequoia national forest is a two-hour drive, the coast is three, and la is just far enough to feel like an escape rather than a trap.
random tip: check out the historic kern county museum if you're into weird local history. also, the fox theater downtown is gorgeous and hosts everything from indie bands to classic film screenings.
not everything's perfect. the air quality can be rough, and public transit is basically a suggestion. but if you're tired of paying $2k for a closet and want a town with actual character, bakersfield might surprise you.
for more real talk, check out Bakersfield's Reddit community or browse local events on Yelp. and if you want to see what the fuss is about, TripAdvisor's top things to do is a decent starting point.
after six months here, i'm not saying i'll stay forever. but i'm also not rushing to leave. bakersfield's growing because it's honest, affordable, and weirdly charming. and honestly? that's enough for now.
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