Buttonwillow - an agricultural community with a rural atmosphere
Named after a lone tree that was an ancient gathering place, Buttonwillow is a modest agricultural community about 20 miles west of Bakersfield. Farms and orchards stretch on for miles on the outskirts of this area. With a population of only about 1,200, Buttonwillow offers a robust local culture centered around motor speedways, Mexican restaurants and a rural atmosphere. "It's hard to imagine such a tiny town in California like Buttonwillow," says Brandon Goedhart, real estate agent at Watson Realty in Bakersfield. "It's a small farming community that is very tight-knit. Most people know each other."
One-story homes on modest, balmy lots
Residential lots feature DIY landscaping and balmy gardens shaded by Italian cypress and palm trees. Buttonwillow has over 200 houses, typically around 1,300 square feet on average. Most of the housing stock is from the 1950s. On-street parking is common, although most houses have carports or garages. Buttonwillow primarily features one-story Spanish Revival and ranch-style homes with stucco features. Single-family home prices range from $100,000 to $450,000.
Barbecue and burrito places like El Sabroso
This community has limited shopping and dining options, although its local establishments are a staple. Willow Ranch is a barbecue joint serving brisket and tri-tip steak with classic American sides in a casual atmosphere. There are several Latino restaurants in Buttonwillow, such as El Sabroso, an unassuming eatery serving authentic Mexican dishes. “El Sabroso is an excellent Mexican place, and they have a verde mojado burrito that is very good,” Goedhart says. The area’s primary grocery store is Family Food Mart, which has a meat market and fresh produce. Bakersfield includes more options like Albertsons, which is about 20 miles east.
Athletic fields, wildlife and raceways
This area is a paradise for racing fans. The Buttonwillow Raceway Park is a testing site for new vehicles, with time-lapse events for sports cars and motorcycles. Another venue is Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway, which hosts NASCAR and monster truck races about 15 miles south. Buttonwillow Recreation & Park District is a central green space with athletic fields and playgrounds. Residents can see the endangered elk species and other wildlife on a guided tour at the Tule Elk State Natural Reserve. Buena Vista Lake is about 30 miles south, with lakes for jet skiing, fishing and swimming. In the same area, the Buena Vista Golf Course is one of the region’s most popular public courses, with fairways lined with palm trees against a mountainous backdrop.
Buttonwillow schools and agricultural career prep
Buttonwillow Elementary School serves students from kindergarten to eighth grade and earns a D grade from Niche. It offers various resources to keep students from falling behind, including intervention and AVID programs. Shafter High School receives a B-minus and has a career-focused curriculum, known for its agriculture department and Future Farmers of America (FFA) association.
Using Kern Transit and reaching LA or Bakersfield
Kern Transit is the area’s bus system, with fixed routes and a Dial-A-Ride service reaching other parts of Kern County. State Route 58 is the area’s main thoroughfare, leading to Bakersfield about 30 miles east. Also nearby, Interstate 5 is a route to Los Angeles, around 130 miles south. Meadows Field Airport (BFL) in Bakersfield is roughly 30 miles east with nonstop domestic flights.
Environmental awareness in the Central Valley
Like most parts of Kern County, Buttonwillow can have periods of poor air quality due to its geography, energy production and agriculture. Poor air quality can cause respiratory issues and low visibility. The area also faces extreme heat waves during the summer.
