$407,072Average Value$278Average Price per Sq Ft18Homes For Sale
A little mountain town in the Kern River Valley
Known as Whiskey Flat during the California Gold Rush, Kernville still feels like the Wild West. With hiking trails through desert cliffs and rafting on the Kern River, recreation is just one of the reasons people flock to Kernville. About 52 miles from Bakersfield, this small town of less than 1,000 is a sought-after place for tourism and retirement among the Sierra Nevada Mountains. With the outdoors and a vintage downtown, Kernville is a mountain village and a rural retreat from the city.
The Kern River runs through the downtown area of Kernville.
Walk through the rustic town square of Kernville.
The Kern River flows alongside Kernville into Lake Isabella.
The trailhead starts here for several of the hiking trails found in Kernville.
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Mountains and river recreation
Kernville has many sightseeing and nature-oriented attractions. “People move here for the outdoor activities first and foremost,” says Julie Jones, Sales Associate at Julie Jones Home, Ranch & Commercial, who has lived in the area for over 15 years. Kernville has hiking trails, rafting and campgrounds along the foothills. Riverside Park is a popular spot for fishing and whitewater kayaking on the rapids. The Whiskey Flat Trail moves through Sequoia National Forest, offering panoramic vistas of wildflower fields and the Greenhorn Mountains along a 23-mile route.
Kernville is nestled in the northern mountains of Lake Isabella.
Visit Kernville and drop by Riverside park as your first stop in this riverside town.
Riverside Park in Kernville sits beside the Kern River as it flows into Lake Isabella.
Whiskey Flat Trail is a popular hiking and mountain biking place for Kernville residents.
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Riverside properties and industries for employment
The Kern River flows through the town center, dividing it into two sections. Ranch-style homes sit on the western banks closer to the downtown, while the east side has land and development with newer farmhouses on multi-acre lots. On average, homes in Kernville sell for $347,000. The average sale price in California is $673,000 by comparison. Riverside homes with acreage and scenic views sell for up to $1 million. Manufactured homes are also available, and prices start at $50,000. Available homes in Kernville are less common than in surrounding areas and stay on the market for 71 days, compared to the national average of 42. "Kernville is a little slower-paced, and the market doesn't have a lot of turnover, so properties stay on the market longer than in a metropolitan area," Jones says.
Although there are several employment options in Kernville, there may be fewer opportunities than in surrounding areas. Southern California Edison is a power company in neighboring Wofford Heights. In addition, the United States Forest Service and Kern County administration positions are popular workplaces. Kern Valley Hospital is the nearest medical center in Mountain Mesa and employs over 200 people.
A Colonial Revival inspired home in Kernville installed new solar panels.
Most of the ranch style homes in Kernville were built in the mid 20th century.
Ranch style and cabin style homes can mostly be found in Kernville.
Southern California Edison in nearby Wofford Heights offers jobs for Kernville residents.
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Downtown Kernville and Western attractions
Downtown Kernville is one of this community's brightest attractions and most vital retail hub. The storefronts mimic Western architecture, with locally owned businesses resembling rustic restaurants and antique saloons. The east side of the river has more local eateries like Ewings on the Kern, an old-fashioned steak house with an epic landscape view. The town's only grocery store is Sierra Gateway Market.
Kernville's Wild West-themed festival that pays homage to the town's beginnings, Whiskey Flat Days, draws in over 10,000 visitors each February for rodeos, country music and gunfighting skits. Another attraction is the Kern Valley Museum, which acts as a time machine to the 1800s, with exhibits that explain the town's former mining industry.
The Kern Valley Museum has a wealth of local Kernville historical antiques.
Kernville residents can get everything on their grocery list at Sierra Gateway Market.
The Kernville Saloon is a great place for local residents to play pool.
Kern River Brewery Company is a great place for fresh beer and great lunch.
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Education in Kernville
Kernville Union Elementary School District serves about 800 students in the area and earns a C rating from Niche. Students then transition to the Kern High School District, which has a B-plus grade and is the largest in California, with over 42,000 students. Kern Valley High School is most likely the nearest option in Lake Isabella. Nearby higher education options include Bakersfield College, Portersville College and Cerro Coso Community College.
Commute to Bakersfield and further travel
Kernville is car dependent, with few sidewalks outside of downtown. Kern Transit provides public transportation to the area with bus service throughout town. Bakersfield is about 52 miles southwest on state Route 178, and Los Angeles is about 166 miles south on state Route 99. The Meadows Field Airport provides passenger flights to international airports in cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco.
Kernville crime rates
Between 2022 and 2023, property crime in Kern County fell by nearly 10%, while violent crime dropped by over 25%. In comparison, California's crime rates increased during this time frame. Kernville experiences a desert climate with temperatures exceeding 110°F during the summer, and heat waves can last for several months. The county also struggles with air pollution, although quality is improving due to the energy companies shifting and clean air initiatives from the county, such as offering rebates for electric vehicles.
Written By
Jackson Hardy
Photography Contributed By
Mark Huddleston
Video By
Anne Sheridan
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Bart Tipton,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Kernville, CA sell after 34 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Kernville, CA over the last 12 months is $415,000, up 12% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
HOT commercial lot centrally located in the beautiful Kern River community of Kernville sitting above the river. Ready for development and with tons of potential, this centrally located lot has utility hook-ups on the property per seller, is surrounded by popular businesses and restaurants and is within walking distance to the main street and river. Approximately 1.5 hours from Bakersfield and 3
Just hitting the market, property for sale at 1 Elm Street, Kernville, CA 93238, USA. Great building lot on a prime corner of Pine Drive and Elm Street in a neighborhood of very nice homes. Legal access, Electric & water at site-hook up fee, paved roads, slight slope, property survey, and elevations done. Home in video NOT included..
Come and see a unique and rare opportunity to own a chance to build a dream...it is not often that Single Family lots in Kernville come up for sale. Yet alone lots that have GREAT views of the town and mountains and valley, and that also have utilities in place! This lot recently had a home that was fully removed due to fire and the utilities including septic are all in place and capped, even the
Tucked away in the serene beauty of the mountains, this 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom oasis offers the perfect blend of peaceful seclusion and convenient access. Wake up to breathtaking mountain views and unwind in your private sanctuary just blocks from the river, a scenic park, and the heart of town. Inside, enjoy a warm and inviting layout with spacious bedrooms, and a cozy living space perfect for
REDUCED PRICE! INSTANT EQUITY. Over $15,000 below comps. Everyone Loves a Log Home, here's your chance to have one of your own. Walking into this 1716 sqft Log Home you are transported into a dream. With 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, Open concept Great Room w/wood stove, huge center island in the kitchen and views, the whole family feels welcomed. Step out the French Doors to the covered deck with
HOT commercial lot centrally located in the beautiful Kern River community of Kernville sitting above the river. Ready for development and with tons of potential, this centrally located lot has utility hook-ups on the property per seller, is surrounded by popular businesses and restaurants and is within walking distance to the main street and river. Approximately 1.5 hours from Bakersfield and 3
Built in 1961, this charming 3-Bedroom, 2 Bath home offers 1,379 square feet of classic Kernville character in a highly walk able location near town. Original tile accents in both the kitchen and bathrooms preserves the home's authentic mid-century charm, while a wood-burning fireplace creates a warm and inviting living space. Positioned on the up slope of the hill, the property captures
Built in 2008, this stunning 3-bed, 2-bath home perfectly blends luxury, functionality, & breathtaking views. Step inside to find beautiful hardwood floors, granite countertops, & custom cherry wood cabinetry throughout. Every detail has been thoughtfully designed - from the solid core interior doors to the Rinnai tankless w/h, electronic air filter system, & 40-year roof. Gourmet kitchen is
Endless Possibilities Await at 1 Silver Mine Road! Welcome to a prime piece of Kernville land, perfectly positioned for your dream home, weekend getaway, or investment opportunity. This spacious lot has access to power, water, and septic. Located just minutes from the heart of Kernville, you'll enjoy quick access to the Kern River, Lake Isabella, and all the outdoor recreation this charming
This is a very unique situation, and a great opportunity for the right Buyer! 2 nice sized residential lots located in the "Grove Park" subdivision, an easy walk to the Downtown Kernville shops, restaurants, parks, the Kern River and all the great events! The 2 lots total 1.89 acres in size, and are covered with beautiful Pine and Oak trees! The property is very diverse with a lot of elevation
This Spectacular Riverfront Property is being offered for the first time! The unique architectural design, fine quality craftsmanship & attention to details puts this home above and beyond... The Main Home features 2,938 square feet of "Luxurious Living Space" yet it retains a relaxed and comfortable feel perfect for enjoying this "Prime Riverfront Location"! The Entry Foyer w/ its Custom Curved
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