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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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An aerial view above La Cresta looking toward the Temecula Valley.
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.
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
David Madrigal,
an experienced agent in this area.
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