La Cresta, which means 'the crest' in Spanish, sits atop the Kern River Bluffs, a cliffside with panoramic views. In the 1930s, Bakersfield Californian printed its first housing advertisement: "Homes bloom where cactus bloomed a month ago." With a population of 9,000, La Cresta has an eclectic mix of neighborhoods in the hills above the Kern River. "The biggest thing is the views," says Benny Villarreal, an area local and Realtor at Miramar International. "It's a little cooler on the east side, closer to the Kern River. You get a breeze near the mountains."
An aerial view above La Cresta looking toward the Temecula Valley.
A Family pulls over at Lookout Roadhouse in the La Cresta area to check out the view.
1/2
Spacious suburban homes in College Heights
The city's housing stock features Craftsman, traditional and ranch-style homes built between 1940 and 1970. Here, the gridded streets of East Bakersfield converge with northern suburbs. East Bakersfield features an urban atmosphere with fenced-in properties near popular restaurants. North of Columbus Street, neighborhoods like College Heights have quarter-acre lots and in-ground pools. The median single-family price in La Cresta is about $300,000, nearly $100,000 lower than both the Bakersfield and national medians.
La Cresta home features Cacti that look great and keep the water bills down
Large home seen hillside in La Cresta.
1/2
From logistics to ag and oil
Logistics is a growing industry in Kern County, with companies like Amazon employing about 5,000 people. Bakersfield is rooted in petroleum, with Chevron and Aera Energy operating in the local oil fields. Agriculture and food processing are also powerhouse sectors in the area.
Dual enrollment through Bakersfield College
The Bakersfield City School District serves elementary and middle schools, earning a C grade from Niche. The Kern High School District receives a B-plus grade, which Niche ranks as the second-best district in Bakersfield. High schools offer dual enrollment through Bakersfield College, a post-secondary option nearby with bachelor's degrees in industrial automation and sociology. Memorial Stadium is a community centerpiece for football games and Renegades sporting events about 2 miles east.
Bike trail with panoramic views
With facilities for pick-up basketball and soccer games, Jefferson Park also has a splash pad and an outdoor pool for the hot summers. It is also the venue for the East Bakersfield Festival, a community celebration in May. The Kern River Parkway Trail is a 30-mile paved bike path directly north of La Cresta. The trail goes through Panorama Park, for sunset views of the city, the river and the Tehachapi Mountains beyond. “It’s a well-known area where people can jog, hike and ride bikes up the hill,” Villarreal says.
Ride or hike along the Sylvan Meadows Trail in La Cresta.
Explore La Cresta's scenic routes on two wheels.
1/2
Local retail, restaurants and Downtown Bakersfield
La Cresta is close to casual Mexican restaurants and burger joints. About 2 miles east, Mall View Road leads to a large retail area with familiar chains, supermarkets and a Walmart Supercenter. This city is only around 3 miles from Downtown Bakersfield, a city center with historic theaters and museums next to a wide-ranging culinary scene, with sushi, farm-to-table and Basque-style eateries.
Discover the ultimate spot for socializing in La Cresta's mall.
Check out the gift shop at the Hafey Farms Country Store near La Cresta.
1/2
Flying out of Meadows Field Airport
The Golden Empire Transit District (GET) provides bus services to the Bakersfield area. La Cresta borders California state Route 178, which connects to the local expressways. Los Angeles is roughly 115 miles south on state Route 99.
The Meadows Field Airport (BFL) provides passenger flights to U.S. cities such as Phoenix, Dallas and Denver.
An aerial view above La Cresta looking toward the Temecula Valley.
Moderate crime and a hot desert climate
Crime rates in Kern County are slightly higher than the statewide average. In 2023, property crime decreased by about 16%, while violent crime increased by roughly 14%.
There is a hot desert climate, with summer heat waves reaching over 100°F in La Cresta. Residents living along SR-178 may experience noise from the road. Like much of Kern County, this city faces air quality issues due to the region's agriculture and petroleum production.
Written By
Jackson Hardy
Photography Contributed By
Kory Ross
Video By
Luke Basinger
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Miguel A. Hernandez,
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 La Cresta, CA sell after 31 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in La Cresta, CA over the last 12 months is $290,000, down 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This property, comprised of 29 units, presents an excellent investment opportunity. The majority of the units have been thoroughly renovated, both internally and externally. Additionally, the property includes an on-site laundry facility and covered parking for residents. Its prime location, in close proximity to shopping and dining options, makes it an attractive choice for tenants. Do not let
This well-maintained 4-unit property at 2709 Haley St. features four spacious 2-bedroom, 1.5-bath units, each offering comfortable layouts ideal for long-term tenants. Located in a high-demand rental market, this property benefits from Bakersfield's strong rental growth and low vacancy rates. With consistent rental income potential, this is a smart addition to any portfolio. Conveniently situated
Exceptional multi-family investment opportunity at 2700 Cornell St, Bakersfield, CA! This well-maintained 17-unit property features a strong and desirable unit mix with sixteen spacious 2-bedroom, 1.5-bath units and one 3-bedroom, 2-bath unit, attracting long-term tenants and maximizing rental appeal. Located in a high-demand rental market, this asset consistently produces strong rental income
This property, comprised of 29 units, presents an excellent investment opportunity. The majority of the units have been thoroughly renovated, both internally and externally. Additionally, the property includes an on-site laundry facility and covered parking for residents. Its prime location, in close proximity to shopping and dining options, makes it an attractive choice for tenants. Do not let
This well-maintained 4-unit property at 2709 Haley St. features four spacious 2-bedroom, 1.5-bath units, each offering comfortable layouts ideal for long-term tenants. Located in a high-demand rental market, this property benefits from Bakersfield's strong rental growth and low vacancy rates. With consistent rental income potential, this is a smart addition to any portfolio. Conveniently situated
Exceptional multi-family investment opportunity at 2700 Cornell St, Bakersfield, CA! This well-maintained 17-unit property features a strong and desirable unit mix with sixteen spacious 2-bedroom, 1.5-bath units and one 3-bedroom, 2-bath unit, attracting long-term tenants and maximizing rental appeal. Located in a high-demand rental market, this asset consistently produces strong rental income
@@@ SHOWINGS THIS WEDNESDAY THE 13TH AT 6:30 PM. @@@ Super cozy!!!. Freshly remodeled. Great location. Includes stove, fridge, microwave, washer, dryer Lots of yard space. 1. Must have a verifiable income of at least x 2.5 the rent. 2. No evictions or bad rental history. 3. Must have: from fair to good credit. 4. Pets, ask for details.5. Valid I.D and
PLEASE DO NOT FILL UP ANY APPLICATION ON LINE ,DO NOT GIVE ANY MONEY UP FRONT ANYONE ONLY WAY WE WORK YOU HAVE TO COME TO SEE THE UNIT PICK UP APPLICATION ------ We love to have you as a resident!! COMPLETELY REMODELED UNIT We are centrally located near the Bakersfield College area. Easy freeway access. Close to River and Inyo STREET , food and entertainment (restaurants, Our units come with.
Property Id: 10918Monthly Rent Payment Reduction from $1,450 to $1,150: Deposit Only $950 (***CONDITIONS APPLY***)Nice, Clean, and Cozy 2 bedroom, 1 bath back house with own entrance and parking. Garage with washer hook up included. Located near shopping centers, grocery stores, schools, and parks. Great Location!!!
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the 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.
