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 64 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in California City, CA over the last 12 months is $299,000, up 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Discover your next home in California City!This charming move-in-ready property offers the perfect blend of comfort and style. Enjoy fully PAID solar panels, which means no electricity bill to pay! Inside, you'll find beautiful vinyl wood-look flooring throughout, an upgraded fireplace that creates a cozy focal point, and a welcoming entryway with attractive two-tone paint. The spacious open
Welcome to your Brand New House. 1,500 sqft of Living Space is Gorgeous and Ready to Move-in Make it Your Home! The house has 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, Laminate Flooring throughout, Ceiling Fans, New Light Fixtures, New Appliances, Stainless Steel Stove, Dishwasher and Refrigerator, Washer and Dryer. Electric Water Tank, Propane, that sit on a 10,292 sqft lot. plenty of room for an ADU or a Pool. The
Welcome to this beautiful 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom home located at 21404 Baldwin Ln in California City! Offering the perfect blend of comfort and outdoor enjoyment, this property features a sparkling pool and relaxing spa, creating your own private backyard retreat ideal for entertaining or unwinding under the California sky. Home has RV parking as well! Inside, the home offers a spacious and
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,
PRIME residential lot on CALIFORNIA CITY BLVD! This is your chance to acquire a prime piece of real estate in Cal City. Get one step closer to building your dream real estate project. Investors, builders, and developers, take notice! This prime building lot on California City Blvd. Zoned as Residential- Multi Family.Don't let this chance slip away! RM1/RM2.
Vacant residential land on R1 zoning. GPS coordinates: 35.194984, -117.739076. Buyer advised to check with City for utilities. No address assigned to parcel. APN: 288-061-08-00-7.
PRIME residential lot on CALIFORNIA CITY BLVD! This is your chance to acquire a prime piece of real estate in Cal City. Get one step closer to building your dream real estate project. Investors, builders, and developers, take notice! This prime building lot on California City Blvd. Zoned as Residential- Multi Family.Don't let this chance slip away! RM1/RM2.
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
Welcome to Your Next Investment! Enjoy Modern Living with this Brand-New Duplex! Offering modern upgrades, desirable features, and the potential for excellent rental income, this property is a smart choice for savvy investors! Enjoy the benefits of new construction with stylish finishes, updated appliances, and contemporary design throughout both units. Quartz countertops, laminate flooring,
Welcome to California City, where your dreams of owning residential property can come true! Come VIEW and MAKE an OFFER TODAY! Affordable LAND OPPORTUNITY located in EXPANDING CALIFORNIA CITY. Easy access. Seller High motivated and willing to finance.
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
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, are 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
Welcome to your new home in California City! This spacious property offers the perfect blend of comfort and convenience, making it an ideal choice for anyone seeking an enjoyable living experience in this vibrant district.Key Property Features include multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, ensuring ample space for your needs. You’ll be just moments away from a fantastic restaurant and a
Spacious 3 Bedroom Home in the "Desert Hacienda" community of California City. Light and Bright. New Carpet. Central Air and Heat. Backyard. Carport with room for 3 cars. Open Kitchen floor-plan leads to living room with a cozy fireplace. Master bath features two sinks and large tub. Laundry room with washer / dryer hookup (full size). Fully equipped kitchen with island, dishwasher, gas
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
Peggy McAdamsDesert Rose Realty
$1,700 per month
3 Bedroom/2 bath Home Available Now!! Rent $1700/ Security Deposit $1700
Welcome to this charming 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom mobile home located in California City, CA. This spacious mobile home features a modern kitchen with a stove, dishwasher, refrigerator, microwave, center island, and breakfast bar. The open concept living room boasts vaulted ceilings, perfect for entertaining guests. Enjoy the convenience of a washer/dryer in the unit. Step outside to relax on the
Spacious 3 bedroom, 2 bath home, completely remodeled now available on a quiet Cul de sac! Fresh paint, new waterproof wood like floors, all new staineless steel kitchen appliances, breakfast bar and plenty of kitchen cabinet storage. Home features a separate family room with a cozy wood burning fireplace. Large covered patio, huge backyard and on natural gas. Home also has a NEW HVAC system and
Spacious 3 Bedroom Home in the "Desert Hacienda" community of California City. Light and Bright. Central Air and Heat. New Carpet. Backyard. Carport with room for 3 cars. Open Kitchen floor-plan leads to living room with a cozy fireplace. Master bath features two sinks and large tub. Laundry room with washer / dryer hookup (full size). Fully equipped kitchen with island, dishwasher, gas
Dean DanaGeneral Realty Group,Inc.
$1,750 per month
Charming 3-Bedroom, 2-Bath Home with Spacious Layout & Cozy Features
This inviting 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home offers comfort, functionality, and plenty of natural light throughout. Soft carpeting runs through the living room and all bedrooms, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.The kitchen features classic wood cabinetry and comes fully equipped with a refrigerator, microwave, stove/oven, and dishwasher - everything you need for convenient everyday
2 story home with 4 bedrooms, 2 and 1/2 bathrooms on California City Blvd. Home has been completely redone with new paint, new flooring and new appliances. Home has both living room and family room (with fireplace). Upstairs you will find 4 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms and the laundry room. Kitchen has refrigerator, dishwasher, stove and microwave. 2 car garage. Fenced backyard.
Peggy McAdamsDESERT ROSE REALTY
$1,150 per month
Charming 2 Bedroom, 1 Bath in California City, CA!
Welcome to this charming 2-bedroom, 1 bathroom home located in California City, CA. This cozy house features tile flooring in the living room, dining area, and kitchen, creating a modern and easy-to-maintain space. With a medical center conveniently located across the street, you can have peace of mind knowing that help is just moments away. Situated in a prime location, this home offers easy
Updated California City Home! Three Bedrooms / Two Baths with fresh new paint. New Kitchen with quartz countertops and stainless steel appliances.. The Family room is large in size and has Central AC and Heating. Water heater is new. There is an attached two-car garage, plus a spacious backyard. Also recently added a new fence for privacy.
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