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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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
Jorge Ortiz,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in California City, CA sell after 66 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in California City, CA over the last 12 months is $290,000, down 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
TThis 2025-built 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home is the one that makes you stop scrolling and say, "I need to see this today."Step inside to warm hardwood and laminate floors flowing throughout — zero carpet, zero hassle. The open-concept layout connects a bright living area with a modern kitchen, made for everything from quiet weeknights to lively weekends with friends. The kitchen brings ample
POOL HOME AVAILABLE NOW!Ask us for more details!Looking for space, potential, and a great location? This 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom home sits on a corner lot at the end of a cul-de-sac and offers endless possibilities. Featuring two spacious living areas, a large center kitchen with stainless steel appliances, and a versatile bonus room that can easily become a 5th bedroom, home office, or game
Price reduction to sell Fast Welcome to this beautiful Home located in a very nice and quiet Neighborhood with lot of space to build an ADU for extra income , Ready to Move in offering 3 Bedrooms 2 Full Bath , Granite counter tops in kitchen and Bathrooms , Solar Panels so you can save Money in energy Bills , New Roof ,private Fence , RV Access and Much More Come See it and you Won't be
Investors take note! 2.5 acres of prime M-1 zoned land in California City are now available for development. This strategically located property lies within the approved cannabis business development zone, near the California City Municipal Airport and existing cannabis projects. Buyers are responsible for verifying utilities and adherence to City of California City ordinances for cannabis
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. This parcel is deeply discounted for a quick sale - buy now and hold for your own future use or to hold. As they say, "you can't build more dirt"Please utilize maps
Investors, builders, and developers, take notice! This prime building lot on California City Blvd. Zoned as Residential- Multi Family. The existing infrastructure, provides a short connection to utilities. This vacant Land awaits your vision. Boasting a prime location Near 66th st., this tract size lot is flat and offers exceptional visibility and accessibility. Sitting on an improved dirt street
Welcome to this Brand new 4-bedroom home! Featuring stylish modern fixtures and contemporary cabinetry throughout. This thoughtfully designed property offers an open floor plan, spacious bedrooms, and high-quality finishes. The kitchen showcases sleek cabinetry, modern hardware, and elegant surfaces perfect for both everyday living and entertaining. A great opportunity to own a move-in ready new
Prime California City Area Land - Great Investment Opportunity!Rare opportunity to acquire one or more of three adjoining 2.56-acre parcels located in Kern County, literally across the street from California City and next to the desirable Rancho Estates neighborhood. APNs 234-240-02, 234-240-03, and 234-240-04 are offered by the same owner, creating an excellent opportunity for an investor,
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 20525 AIRWAY BLVD SITS ON LEVEL CORNER LOT UTILITES ARE THEIR JUST NEED TO CONNECT CLOSE TO ENTRANCE OF CALIFORNIA CITY AND SHOPPING CENTER NOT FAR FROM EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE ON A PAVED ROAD
PRIME COMMERCIAL LAND - HIGHWAY 14 FRONTAGE AREA! Excellent commercial development opportunity with three consecutive C-4 zoned parcels available in a prime location in California City, just off Highway 14 and near the Shell Gas Station. The Highway 14 freeway off-ramp provides quick and convenient access to the property, making this an ideal location for businesses seeking excellent visibility
Built by Licensed General Contractor ''Clearview Homes,'' LIC #922328, since 2008, our homes offer unmatched quality. Each home comes with a standard 10-year structural warranty for your peace of mind. YOUR DREAM HOME AWAITS! New Custom Construction located in the High Desert of California City. Features 1,429 sq. ft., 3 Bedrooms & 2 Baths located on a Corner Lot! Open Floor Plan boasts a grand
Discover the perfect opportunity to build your dream home on this spacious 1⁄4-acre lot, ideally located just blocks from local schools and the heart of downtown. This flat, usable parcel offers endless potential, making it easy to design and create the home you’ve always envisioned. Enjoy the convenience of nearby amenities while embracing the relaxed lifestyle that California City has to offer.
Welcome to this spacious 3-bedroom 2 -bathroom home featuring newly updated flooring and a comfortable, functional layout. The home is move-in ready and offers plenty of indoor and outdoor space.Utilities are not included. Renter's insurance is required for the duration of the lease.Applicants will be asked to provide proof of income /employment and other documentation as part of the
Available now !Near Tierra Del Sol Championship Golf Course and California City's Central Park. This home has natural gas, city sewer and a new A/C. As you approach the entrance of this home, you'll appreciate the covered front porch for your enjoyment. Inside this lovely home you can appreciate the fresh paint throughout with upgraded flooring . The large living room has a vaulted ceiling, a
Discover this beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom duplex offering modern finishes and an open, airy floor plan. The bright living space features high ceilings, large windows, and tile flooring throughout, creating a clean and inviting feel.The kitchen offers plenty of counter and cabinet space with granite countertops and a seamless flow into the dining and living areas perfect for
Discover your next rental home in this beautiful 3-bedroom, 2- bathroom property. This residence features a spacious and welcoming living room centered around a cozy fireplace, perfect for relaxing evenings. The functional layout includes a dedicated kitchen and a charming dining area, providing ample space for daily living and entertaining. Full kitchen includes refrigerator, stove and
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
Welcome to our 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom apartment located in California City, CA. This second-floor unit boasts central A/C & heat for year-round comfort. The living room features carpet flooring throughout, while the kitchen has tile flooring for easy maintenance. The U-shape kitchen is equipped with wood cabinets, refrigerator, stove/oven, and dishwasher. The apartment complex offers a common area
Welcome to 9425 Evelyn Ave – A Beautifully Remodeled Home in a Tranquil Neighborhood. This charming single-family home offers 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and approximately 1,796 square feet of living space on a spacious 10,000+ square foot lot. Fully remodeled and move-in ready, this home blends comfort, convenience, and location. Step inside to enjoy central air conditioning and ceiling fans
Welcome home to this spacious 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom mobile home located in the heart of California City. This inviting home offers a comfortable and functional layout, complete with central air conditioning to keep you comfortable throughout the year.Step outside and enjoy the private side porch, the perfect place to sip your morning coffee or relax in the evening after a long day. The
Great home on nice private lot3 Bedrooms / 2 Bathrooms / 1321 Square FootFresh Paint and nice Neutral Flooring throughoutOpen Living Room and Dining area. Nice sized Kitchen with Breakfast bar and plenty of cabinet space.2 car garage / Fenced corner lot.Email For information and Pre-screening requirements to view the inside of this home.
Welcome to this charming 2-bedroom, 1.5-bathroom two-story townhouse offering approximately 1,200 square feet of comfortable living space. This home features a spacious layout, a kitchen equipped with a dishwasher, stove/oven and refrigerator, natural gas heating, and a private fenced backyard. Water is INCLUDED in the rent, helping make your monthly expenses more predictable. The property also
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
