Located on the western end of the Mojave Desert, California City is a spread-out area with tons of space. The town was formed in 1958 when sociologist Nat Mendelsohn bought the land as a social experiment. He believed cities like Los Angeles would eventually overpopulate, forcing people to move to the desert. Today, it’s quiet and sparsely populated, with 15,000 people living across 204 square miles. “It’s not for everyone, but I was living in Northern California and was just drawn to the desert, and I love it,” says Renee Rivera of Desert Rose Realty, who has over a decade of experience in California City. “I used to deal with real traffic, now I can pull out of my driveway at 9 a.m. on a workday, and if there’s one other car at the stop sign, I say to myself, ‘Look at all this traffic.’” Many residents work at Edwards Air Force Base, located 18 miles southeast of California City. “[Mendelsohn] subdivided all the land into planned-out lots, so really, the entire city is one big subdivision,” Riviera says. “Maybe he made a bad bet, but it is still a great place to live if you want to be close to the Air Force base or just want some quiet.”
California City is a city located in northern Antelope Valley in Kern County.
California City is surrounded by desert and modern wind machines.
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Craftsman, ranch-style homes
The median price for a single-family home in California City is around $300,000, which is lower than the national median. “It’s affordable to live here, which is more than you can say for most of California, so a lot of people moved here and work remotely,” says Rivera. “You buy the lot and then you build on your property, so no two homes look the same. There are absolutely no cookie-cutter neighborhoods.” Most homes are Craftsman ranch-style builds from the 1960s on quiet, dusty desert roads. Some lots have rock and cactus landscaping, while others have rustic desert surroundings. Large plots of land are also available, ranging in price from $3,000 for a quarter of an acre to $1.5 million for 32 acres.
The modern ranch style is a popular design for many of the newer California City homes.
There are very few large Craftsman style homes in California City.
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Cal City MX Park and off-roading
A handful of parks are scattered throughout the city, but Central Park is the largest and most popular. Locals feed the geese at the lagoon or walk its paved, shaded paths, and the park is also home to a pair of baseball fields and the California City Pool. Down the street from Central Park is Tierra Del Sol Golf Course, an 18-hole course for players of all skill levels. Locals hit the links or practice at the driving range or putting greens. When asked what else locals do for fun, Rivera says, “We go off-roading, baby.” She adds, “We have all this desert around us, and we hop on our ATVs and the city is kind of our playground.” The Cal City MX Park is a track where locals can ride their dirt bikes with organized jumps and turns.
California City families take advantage of the local public pool during the summertime.
California City golfers enjoy a few rounds at the Tierra Del Sol Golf Course.
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Learning at Mojave Unified Schools
Kids in the area attend Mojave Unified School District, rated B-minus by Niche. Children attend Robert P. Ulrich Elementary School for kindergarten through second grade before transitioning to the C-minus-rated Hacienda Elementary School for grades three through five. Mojave Junior/Senior High School holds a B-minus rating, as does California City High School.
Children going to Elementary school will find themselves going to Hacienda Elementary.
California City High serves multiple cities as its local high school.
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Shopping in Tehachapi
There is not much shopping and dining in California City. “We have a Dollar General, a Rite Aid and the rest of it, we’re working on,” says Rivera. “If you’re organized and make a list, it’s really not that bad to drive into Tehachapi or Landcaster once a week for groceries.” There are a few restaurants like Golden Bamboo, a Thai spot with an outdoor patio along California City Boulevard. Tokyo Tuna is a local sushi restaurant, while a pair of pizza joints and three Mexican eateries are scattered along the main drag. Residents can take Kern Transportation buses to Lancaster. For air travel, locals can drive 74 miles to Bakersfield for domestic trips or 117 to Los Angeles International Airport for international travel. Highway 58 connects to Bakersfield and Route 395 links the area to Los Angeles; California City Boulevard leads 18 miles to Edwards Air Force Base.
California City residents can get their prescriptions filled at their local Rite Aid.
California City residents can find discount prices on everyday items at Family Dollar.
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Summer heat in the California desert
Because it’s in the desert, California City experiences extreme heat in the summer — temperatures regularly top out over 100 degrees. Winters are chilly and rain averages six inches per year.
A rustic sign welcomes visitors to California City.
California sunsets are one of a kind in California City.
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Property crime on the downswing
According to the FBI, violent crime in California City was slightly above the state and national rates in 2023. Property crime has been under state and national figures for the past five years. Locals will have to travel 28 miles to Tehachapi or 40 miles south to Lancaster for the nearest hospitals.
Written By
John Moyer
Photography Contributed By
Mark Huddleston
Video By
Nina Violi
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Carlos Echegaray,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in California City, CA sell after 70 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in California City, CA over the last 12 months is $301,000, consistent with the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to this beautifully maintained single-story, 3-bedroom, 2-bath, 2-car garage home, situated in a quiet, established neighborhood in California City. This property offers the perfect blend of comfort, functionality, and outdoor space. Step inside to discover a bright living area filled with natural light, an updated kitchen featuring modern finishes, and spacious bedrooms with ample
Located in the heart of California City, this spacious 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home offers an unmatched view of the surrounding mountains and the flexibility you've been looking for! With RV access, there's plenty of room for your desert toys, outdoor gear, or additional vehicles.Inside, you're greeted by a large living room with soaring ceilings that create a bright and open feel. The kitchen is a
Experience modern luxury in this newly built 2026 single-story estate offering elevated design, premium upgrades and superior craftsmanship. With 2,056 sq ft of refined space and over 3,100 sq ft under roof, the home impresses from the moment you enter.The bright open living room flows into a chef's kitchen with an oversized island, quartz counters, high-end appliances, LED-lit cabinetry, mosaic
Spacious 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom home offering comfort, functionality, and valuable upgrades throughout. This property features paid-for solar, helping reduce energy costs while adding long-term value. Thoughtfully modified for ADA wheelchair access, the home includes widened doorways, ramp access, and an open roll-in shower in the primary suite, creating a more accessible and versatile living
Welcome to this unique duplex home in California City, featuring two well-maintained units, each with 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom. Both sides offer comfortable living space with bright interiors, private fenced yard areas, and room for everyday living. Perfect for extended family living together or owning multiple living spaces under one roof. Located conveniently close to local amenities, schools,
Step into comfort and charm with this beautifully maintained single-family home offering 1,462 sq. ft. of living space. Inside, you’ll find 3 generously sized bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms, providing plenty of room for family, guests, or a home office. The inviting living room features a cozy fireplace—perfect for gathering on cool evenings—while the thoughtful layout and abundant natural light
Opportunity Knocks with this great home in California City! Priced well and waiting for your touch to bring out all this homes full potential. Nice living room of entry with sliding door to back covered patio, 3 bedrooms, full bath in hall, walk in shower in primary bathroom, great size primary bedroom that also has sliding door access to backyard. Kitchen has lots of cabinets & dining space too.
Experience unmatched quality with Clearview Homes custom construction in the desirable Rancho Estates in California City CA. The exterior features stone veneer on stucco, setting the tone for a home built with style and durability. Elegant entry iron door flows to the open floor plan with 9' ceilings creates an airy feel, while the Quartz kitchen with oversized island, black stainless
Built in 2003, this spacious 2,178 sq ft home sits on an expansive 18,295 sq ft lot and offers the perfect blend of comfort, flexibility, and outdoor living in Monte Vista Estates. Featuring two master suites and 2.5 bathrooms, the flexible floor plan includes an oversized primary suite that could easily be converted into two separate bedrooms if desired -- ideal for multi-generational living,
Larger than average lot on N Clover, between Sherman Place & Irene Ave. Imagine the possibilities! Have you heard the history of California City? Own a piece of California Cultural history and build something for yourself. Please utilize maps street view to get a good idea of what the terrain looks like. The parcel is flat. Lot measurements : 71.27 at street, 117.58 at rear, 199.45 to the west
SEMI-CUSTOM HOME!!! This 1,908 sq ft home features 3 bedrooms, 1.75 bath, open kitchen to the family and dinning room, tile throughout all common areas, ceiling fans in all bedrooms and living room including an electrical fireplace for those cozy winter nights. The master suite includes an en-suite bathroom with a large enclosed shower and walk in closet. All upgrades come included in this home
Prime M1-zoned property in the heart of California City's industrial cannabis zone. Fully compliant for licensed cannabis operations--cultivation, manufacturing, distribution, and delivery previously approved. Located on a 22,651 sq ft lot, this secure, fenced, and gated site features 4 warehouse units totaling approx. 6,544 sq ft: two 2,000 sq ft units, one 1,200 sq ft, and one 1,344 sq ft. Each
This is a vacant residential land located in California City. It is ready to build your dream home. Utilities e.g. water, electricity, and natural gas available. R1 Zoning, the lot size is 11,281 sf which is over a quarter of an acre (0.259). It's a great investment opportunity. Living in California City offers residents a sparse suburban feel; most residents own their homes. In California City,
Stunning, private condo for rent. No one above or below, all on a single floor. Located in quiet community, lake front living with a view! One bedroom, one bath includes private car port spot with storage, laundry room on site, refreshing pool .. all just steps away. There is no place like it in all of California City. Wake up to a peaceful lake right outside your window. Enoy yoir own
Now Available for Lease – 8319 Charles Pl, California City, CA 93505 Welcome home to this beautifully refreshed 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom residence offering 1,562 square feet of comfortable living space in a quiet California City neighborhood. This home has just been updated with brand-new vinyl plank flooring throughout and fresh interior paint, giving it a clean, modern feel from the moment you
This is a spacious home located in California City by the golf court and park. If has a formal double door entrance into living room. The kitchen has granite counter tops and oak cabinets with a walk in pantry. It has black appliances dishwasher plus stove and microwave. Open to the family room with fireplace and wood flooring. There is a sliding glass doors leading to oversize yard with covered
WELCOME TO CALIFORNIA CITY!! STOP BY TO SEE THIS BRAND NEW CONSTRUCTION 2 BEDROOMS 1 FULL BATH UNIT WITH WASHER AND DRYER FOR RENT!!! YES, WATER, TRASH, AND ELECTRICITY ARE INCLUDED!!!
Welcome to this beautifully rental ready remodeled residence where modern elegance meets thoughtful design. Featuring fresh interior and exterior paint, the home is enhanced by durable tile and wood-look luxury vinyl plank flooring that delivers both timeless style and everyday practicality. The stunning, updated kitchen showcases sleek quartz counter tops, creating a refined and inviting space
CLEAN 2 BED / 2 BATH CONDO WITH GARAGE & PRIVATE YARD – AVAILABLE 03/01/26 Welcome home to this well-maintained, privately owned 2-bedroom, 2-bath condo located on a quiet cul-de-sac in California City (93505). Built in 2007, this spacious 880 sq. ft. unit offers comfort, functionality, and privacy—perfect for a starter home or anyone seeking a peaceful residential setting. The home features a
Great home in a quiet neighborhood. Ranch floor plan with new flooring and paint. East commute to base and mines. Loads of storage. Large yard and patio for entertaining.
Welcome to this beautifully remodeled home in California City, offering comfortable and energy-efficient living. This 3-bedroom, 1-bath residence features SOLAR PANELS that help lower monthly electricity bills—an excellent benefit for tenants. Enjoy a bright, open layout with abundant natural light, a freshly painted interior, and a spacious patio ideal for relaxing or entertaining. The large
Spacious, Fully Renovated 2 Bedroom / 2 Bathroom – Double Master SuitesWelcome home to this beautifully renovated upstairs 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom unit located in a quiet 6-unit community. Designed with comfort and space in mind, this home features dual master suites, making it ideal for roommates, families, or anyone seeking privacy and flexibility.Property Highlights:Two large master
Spacious, Fully Renovated 2 Bedroom / 2 Bathroom – Double Master SuitesWelcome home to this beautifully renovated upstairs 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom unit located in a quiet 6-unit community. Designed with comfort and space in mind, this home features dual master suites, making it ideal for roommates, families, or anyone seeking privacy and flexibility. Property Highlights:Two large master
Lovely renovated home on natural gas.3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms.New paint throughout, new flooring throughout, home newly painted. Fireplace in living room. 2 car garage. Large backyard with shed.Yard fenced. 2 covered patios in yard
Available immediately, this spacious 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home offers 2,008 sq. ft. of living space on a large 0.26-acre lot. Features an open floor plan filled with natural light, a bright kitchen with ample cabinetry, and a cozy living room with a fireplace. The primary suite includes a large bathroom with dual sinks, separate tub, shower, and private toilet area. Enjoy a spacious backyard
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