Why Live in Old River
Old River, situated in the southwest corner of Bakersfield, offers a suburban lifestyle with a touch of rural charm. The neighborhood features tree-lined streets and well-landscaped homes, predominantly modern Craftsman and Mediterranean styles with red tiled roofs. Homes range from 1,120 to over 3,000 square feet on lots between 7,000 and 18,700 square feet. Residents enjoy proximity to shopping areas, wineries, and music venues, while still being surrounded by acres of vineyards and farmland. The area is served by highly rated schools, including Earl Warren Junior High and Independence High School. Local amenities include the 9-acre Bridle Creek Park with playgrounds, basketball courts, and a dog park, as well as nearby Greystone Park and the expansive Kaiser Permanente Sports Village. For shopping, Gosford Village, less than 3 miles away, offers stores like Kohl’s, Ross Dress for Less, and Petco, along with dining options such as Tacos y Mariscos Los Compadres and Sequoia Sandwich Company. Annual events like the Bakersfield Marathon, West Coast Beer & Taco Festival, and Kern County Fair provide entertainment and community engagement. Despite its many features, Old River is car-dependent, with downtown Bakersfield 11 miles away and Meadows Field Airport 18 miles away. The area does face challenges with air pollution, partly due to the local agricultural and petroleum industries, resulting in a higher-than-average asthma rate among residents.