Why Live in Cottonwood
Cottonwood, a neighborhood in Southeast Bakersfield, is undergoing significant revitalization efforts. Located just south of State Route 58, Cottonwood benefits from the Southeast Strong project, funded by a $22.1 million grant aimed at improving affordable housing, greenery, and public transportation. The neighborhood features a mix of mid-1900s bungalows and new ranch-style homes, with most residences clustered around South Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. Belle Terrace Park, set for a complete renovation in 2024, will soon offer new playground equipment, basketball courts, and soccer fields. Cottonwood residents have access to 61 parks throughout Bakersfield, providing ample green spaces. The Bakersfield City School District serves the area, with students attending Mt. Vernon Elementary, Sequoia Junior High, and Mira Monte High School, which offers Dual Enrollment courses at California State University, Bakersfield. Local shopping and dining options include Dollar Plus Mart, Fiesta Food Market, and Mariscos La Cazuela. The neighborhood is well-connected via several bus stops and the Golden Empire Transit, linking residents to shopping centers and Bakersfield College. Cottonwood is also near the Kern County Fairgrounds and Event Center, hosting year-round events. The area is home to several government buildings, including America’s Job Center of California and the Kern Agricultural Pavilion. However, Bakersfield faces challenges with poor air quality, being noted for the worst year-round particle pollution in the 2023 State of the Air report.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cottonwood a good place to live?
Cottonwood is a good place to live. Cottonwood is considered car-dependent and somewhat bikeable with some transit options. Cottonwood is a suburban neighborhood. Cottonwood has 4 parks for recreational activities. It is sparse in population with 2.5 people per acre and a median age of 26. The average household income is $47,854 which is below the national average. College graduates make up 4.1% of residents. A majority of residents in Cottonwood are renters, with 74.6% of residents renting and 25.4% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving Cottonwood can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
Cottonwood neighborhood guide.
Is Cottonwood, CA a safe neighborhood?
Cottonwood, CA is less safe than the average neighborhood in the United States. It received a crime score of 6 out of 10.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in Cottonwood?
The median home price in Cottonwood is $179,900. If you put a 20% down payment of $36,000 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.74%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $930 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $40K a year to afford the median home price in Cottonwood. The average household income in Cottonwood is $48K.
What are the best public schools in Cottonwood?
The best public schools that serve Cottonwood are:
What are the best private schools in Cottonwood?
The best private schools that serve Cottonwood are:
- Our Lady Of Guadalupe has an A Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 22:1 and an average review score of 5.0.
What are the most popular zip codes in Cottonwood, Bakersfield, CA?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near Cottonwood, Bakersfield, CA?
Home Trends in Cottonwood, CA
On average, homes in Cottonwood, Bakersfield sell after 63 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Cottonwood, Bakersfield over the last 12 months is $850,000, up 257% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$850,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$179,900
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$150,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$375
Number of Homes for Sale
2
Last 12 months Home Sales
6
Median List Price
$179,900
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
257%