$419,731Average Value$231Average Price per Sq Ft5Homes 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.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Kernville, CA sell after 102 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Kernville, CA over the last 12 months is $475,000, up 76% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Beautiful Updated 3 Bedroom 3 Bathroom Plus Bonus Room House on one of the Best Streets in Kernville! Beautiful updated Floors. Updated Bathrooms. Large Master Bedroom with completely Remdoleded Master Bathroom. Bonus Room above the Garage with Pool Table ready to have some fun. Beautiful Front Deck with Endless Views to Enjoy anytime of year! Graded spot that could fit an RV or Trailer in front
Located in Kernville and close to the Kern River and Lake Isabella this beautiful 1984 Manufactured home has recently been totally gutted, upgraded & remodeled. New paint on interior, exterior and trim. New deck and new 5-foot cedar dog eared fence. New dual pane windows, new interior and exterior doors with keypad entry. New electrical & plumbing throughout. New Crown Molding, new Younger and
Christine Hodge DelgadoMiramar International - Kernville
This 2.619-acre lot could be the spot for your next dream home. Utilities are unknown. Buyer to verify lot dimensions, utilities, restrictions and feasibility before purchase. The address used in the listing may be a placeholder. A true address number will be issued at the time of development. This is a flat fee limited-service listing. Please call the number on the listing and that will connect
This is a really cute place !! The unit is 2 bedroom 1 bath. Tiled flooring through out with new kitchen tiled counters & electric on demand water heater. Appliances are fairly new and all stay. The property is fully fenced and has an awesome patio to enjoy. Adjoining storage is a laundry. There are actually 4 storage areas so plenty of room for any extras. Nice set up with big living room,
This unit is move-in ready and in excellent condition. The Manufactured Home is 14x46 so 644 sq ft with one bedroom 1 full bath open floor plan. Nice size for a couple or single person. New roof and flooring through out in 2020. Nice set up the living room has a wood burning stove along with a mini split. Kitchen has 2 pantry's and new Whirlpool oven and stove. Hallway laundry with washer /dryer.
Spectacular 2013 ( Cavco Premium Loft Series) Park Model + addition. Loaded with all the bells & whistles. Sellers have made numerous upgrades. Awesome cabin decor thru out with over the top kitchen. Seamless Corian type counters, solid wood cabinets, kitchen island work space & storage. Appliances are all full sized & high end. Full sized bath + master & huge walk-in closet. 2 additional loft
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