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
Sean Reid,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in California City, CA sell after 68 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in California City, CA over the last 12 months is $302,500, up 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to 21921 Calhoun Dr an exceptional newly renovated 4-bedroom, 3-bath home offering over 2,400 sq ft of spacious, open-concept living on a large 0.27-acre lot in California City. Step inside to a bright and airy layout featuring multiple living areas, abundant natural light, and a seamless flow perfect for both everyday living and entertaining. The kitchen is designed with both function
Seller is highly motivated and willing to assist with closing costs or help buy down the interest rate with the right offer. Rare opportunity to own a 5-bedroom, 3-bath Spanish-style home with a highly flexible layout and multiple private patios and balconies. Offering approximately 2,918 sq ft on a 10,000 sq ft lot, this well-maintained residence is designed for comfortable everyday living. The
Welcome to this beautifully constructed 2023 residence located at 10588 Peach Avenue in California City. Offering 2,134 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space, this stunning home blends modern comfort with stylish finishes throughout.Inside, an expansive open floor plan filled with natural light creates an inviting atmosphere, ideal for both everyday living and entertaining. The heart
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
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.
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.
Great build ready corner lot. build a home, start a business, hold it for the future. Right under a quarter acre. Access to Cal City BLVD with great frontage.
Welcome to this charming and affordable opportunity in California City! Priced under $200,000, this home offers incredible value with a newer roof and solar for added energy efficiency and long term savings.Step inside to a cozy living room featuring a beautiful wood-burning fireplace, perfect for relaxing evenings at home. The layout offers comfort and functionality, making it a great option for
Kern County lot outside of California City Zoned Multi Family, R-2. Great opportunity to build off the grid! Buyer and or Buyer's agent to confirm all measurements, Zoning, utilities, amenities etc, to their own satisfaction. Seller's makes no claims, warranties, guarantees either implied or expressed concerning the sale of this parcel. Call Listing agent for more information.
Beautiful brand new 4-bedroom, 2 bath home designed with modern finishes and energy efficiency in mind. The open kitchen offers quartz countertops, an oversized island, stainless steel appliances, and wine fridge. Enjoy durable luxury vinyl plank flooring, recessed lighting, indoor laundry, and a spacious primary suite with walk in closet. Paid solar and tankless water heater help reduce utility
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 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
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,
Priced to Sell! Buildable lot centrally located in California City, surrounded by new construction in a beautiful neighborhood. Just minutes from Edwards Air Force Base- an excellent opportunity! Seller will carry with agreed upon down payment and terms. Be part of the growth and build your dream home on this lot.
Beautiful roomy 4bedroom, 2 full bath, 2car garage with basketball hoop and electric exercise stair master house. Home has cozy fireplace, new tile flooring and fresh paint. House includes new air conditioning unit, microwave, dishwasher washer/dryer, faucet and large Refrigerator/freezer with ice maker. Large Back yard perfect for any get together and house comes with 2 separate entry and a
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.
Spacious & Modern 2-Bed, 2-Bath Unit – Recently Renovated! 2 Master Bedrooms with own bathroom inside of the room! Discover comfort and style in this beautifully renovated 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom unit located at 21411 Hacienda Blvd Unit B, California City, CA 93505. With 898 sq. ft. of living space, this single-floor, downstairs unit offers privacy and convenience—no one above you! Features You'll
Welcome to 8472 Underwood Ave, California City, CA 93505 – a beautifully updated single-family home offering comfort, style, and space both inside and out! This 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home features 1,271 sq ft of thoughtfully upgraded living space. Step inside to find modern laminate flooring throughout the main areas, complemented by plush carpet in the bedrooms for added comfort. The home is
Now available for rent! Schedule your tour today. Beautifully upgraded 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home for rent near Edwards Air Force Base, offering modern finishes, flexible living space, and a move-in ready experience.Located at 7648 Jimson Avenue, this fully remodeled home (2024) features a bright, open-concept layout with quartz countertops, updated cabinetry, and clean, contemporary design
Spacious 1-bedroom unit in a nice, quiet building. Features central A/C and heat, tile flooring in the living area and kitchen, and comfortable carpet in the bedroom. The kitchen includes granite countertops and comes equipped with a range oven, microwave, and refrigerator. Also includes convenient washer and dryer hookups. Owner pays water, sewer, and trash.available to move in by 4-15-2026one
Spacious 1-bedroom unit in a nice, quiet building. Features central A/C and heat, tile flooring in the living area and kitchen, and comfortable carpet in the bedroom. The kitchen includes granite countertops and comes equipped with a range oven, microwave, and refrigerator. Also includes convenient washer and dryer hookups. Owner pays water, sewer, and trash.available to move in by 4-15-2026
This 2 bedroom / 1 bathroom unit is 1 of 4 units in the complex. It has recently been painted. Unit has air conditioning and heater. Includes stove & refrigerator . Unit offers 1 car parking. Owner pays for water and trash. Unit is located downstairs . Ready to move in upon approval.
Excellent property ready to Occupied; In the heart of Cali city.One Story, Solar Panel (lease), Propane Gas, Two car garage, Beautiful and spacious Kitchen, Spacious living room, Spacious bedrooms, full baths , Fenced for more privacy, RV Possible . come and see this Excellent opportunity.
Welcome to 9200 Fuchsia Ave, California City, CA 93505 – a beautifully remodeled single-family residence that’s move-in ready!This spacious 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home offers 1,474 sq ft of comfortable living space and has been tastefully updated throughout. Step into a freshly painted interior and enjoy the stylish grey granite countertops in the kitchen, complemented by newly painted
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