Agricultural Cuyama in the flatlands of SoCal
Cuyama is a rural community in the agricultural flatlands of Southern California. This rustic area was a prime location for farming and oil production in the 1940s, between Santa Maria and Bakersfield. Over 2,000 active oil wells remain in the Cuyama Valley today, alongside sweeping plowed-dirt fields below the Sierra Madre Mountains. "People like the ruralness of it. There's increasing agriculture, with vineyards, carrots and other vegetables," says Sandra Sepulveda, Realtor at Abundant Realty in Santa Maria, who has experience selling homes in Cuyama. "It's a small community for people who enjoy having elbow room and space between homes."
Large lots and acreage for agriculture at a lower price than nearby counties
Low-lying country roads traverse the orchards and vegetable fields in Cuyama. This area features traditional farmhouses and ranch-style homes built in the 1950s with large plots of land. Single-family home prices typically range from $150,000 to $700,000. Listings provide opportunities for potential farms with 100 to 350-acre lots that go for $1 million to $7 million. "There are larger lots, and the homes aren't on top of each other," Sepulveda says. "The price of homes is much more affordable than in Santa Maria and San Luis Obispo County."
Extreme heat and wildfires may affect the area, which also has decreased water quality and declining groundwater volume due to droughts and overuse.
The CAP Index Crime Score in Cuyama is 1 out of 10, compared to the national average of 4.
Behavioral learning and FFA at Cuyama schools
Cuyama Elementary School serves kindergarten through Grade 8 students and earns a C from Niche, encouraging behavioral learning through social development and positive self-image strategies. Cuyama Valley High School receives a B-minus with various sports teams and a popular Future Farmers of America (FFA) club.
Close to Los Padres National Forest and the Carrizo Plain Monument
Richardson Park is the nearest green space, with a playground, football field and picnic shelters next to a public swimming pool facility. Los Padres National Forest encompasses nearly 2 million acres of wilderness along a coastal mountain range, with hiking trails about 30 minutes from Cuyama. One is the Adobe Trailhead, a 2.5-mile trail with scenic views of the forested mountains. The Carrizo Plain National Monument is also within driving distance, providing a spring retreat with a highly anticipated superbloom of wildflowers. Residents can also take a picturesque drive along the Bitter Creek National Wildlife Refuge, a habitat for endangered animals like the California Condor.
Local cafe, a classic diner and supermarkets in Taft
Shopping and dining options around Cuyama are limited. The Buck Stop is a coffee shop with rustic contemporary décor, which serves brunch dishes made with ingredients from local farms. Noble Roman's Pizza Burger Falafel is a counter-serve diner. Tacos Y Marisco El Rinconcito serves Santa Maria-style tacos and barbecue dishes in a food truck along state Route 166. There are also wineries and vineyards to explore in the Ventucopa area. C & H Market is a grocery store along Primero Street, and more options are available in Taft, about 25 miles north.
Reaching Santa Maria and Bakersfield
The Cuyama Shuttle division of the Santa Maria Regional Transit (SMRT) system provides a van route from New Cuyama to Santa Maria twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with additional on-demand service. However, most residents rely on private vehicles for transportation. State Route 33 goes south toward Ventura, around 75 miles away. Los Angeles is roughly 130 miles south. State Route 166 is the area's primary thoroughfare, leading to Santa Maria and Bakersfield, each within 60 miles of Cuyama. The Meadows Field Airport in Bakersfield is the nearest airline hub, with flights to major cities.
