With a population of 35,000, Oildale is a city between Downtown Bakersfield and the Kern River Oil Field, which once produced as much petroleum as all of Texas. Merle Haggard grew up working in the oil fields here before finding a career as a renowned country singer. With plenty of agriculture and logistics companies, such as Amazon, Oildale captures the spirit of Bakersfield with energy, e-commerce and music. "The future is bright for Oildale," says William Gordon, an area local and Realtor at Watson Realty. "It's not Bakersfield proper, but it's part of what makes it Bakersfield, and everyone considers it that way."
The homes of Highland Knolls overlook the Oildale neighborhoods.
Oildale residents head to the Sierra Nevada foothills through the oil fields.
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Spanish Revivals and low-priced housing stock
Oildale’s housing stock features Spanish Revivals, Craftsman and ranch-style homes with low-pitched tile roofs and stucco exteriors. Meadow View is a neighborhood with 21st-century Spanish Revivals and convenient access to the oil fields and logistics centers. Parkview Estates is home to popular dining options and North Meadows Park. The median single-family price in Oildale is roughly $280,000, about $125,000 less than the nationwide median.
This Spanish style inspired home in Meadow View has drought-resistant landscaping.
The ranch style homes in North Country Meadows have large front yards.
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History of Oakdale and the "Bakersfield Sound"
The city is about 3 miles north of Downtown Bakersfield, which has a vast entertainment scene. The Historic Fox Theater is a 1930s venue restored to host live music and performances. Residents can also head to Mechanics Bank Arena to watch the Condors hockey team. The Kern County Museum showcases the country music scene and Haggard's childhood home. "Chester Avenue was the heart of the Bakersfield sound," Gordon says. "Buck Owens and Merle Haggard defined that era, and there was a debate on whether to make Nashville or Bakersfield the capital of country music."
Oildale has a complicated history. During the Great Depression, people from Oklahoma and the Dust Bowl migrated to California to work in the oil fields and pick cotton, living under less-than-adequate conditions. "The pleasant name is North Bakersfield, but its historic name is Oildale," Gordon says. "It's in better shape now than it has been in a long time, and it keeps improving."
The iconic tower outside the Kern County Museum in Homaker Park.
The Fox Theater in downtown Bakersfield was built in the early 1920's.
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Mexican grills, supermarkets and Downtown attractions
Chester Avenue is the city’s primary thoroughfare, bordered by strip malls with Pizzerias, Mexican grills and classic diners– all mainstay establishments in Oildale. Supermarkets and local convenience stores are along Chester Avenue, while Airport Drive is another commercial stretch with local businesses.
Oildale residents can get their last minute supplies at the Dollar General Market.
Tacos la Villa Mexican Grill is popular with the Oildale lunch crowd.
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Attending the B-plus-rated Kern High School District
With about 3,000 students, the Standard Elementary School District earns a C-minus grade from Niche. The Kern High School District is ranked the second-best district in Bakersfield, according to Niche, which ranks it a B-plus. High school students can earn college credit here, and the district offers intradistrict transfers.
Students arrive by bus to Standard Elementary School in Bakersfield.
A giant star highlights the welcome sign to North High School in Bakersfield.
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North Beardsley Skatepark and a 30-mile riverside trail
North Meadows Park is an ample green space with picnic areas, barbecue grills and a popular playground. One of Bakersfield’s most frequented skating areas is the North Beardsley Skatepark. Riverview Park has the Parkway Bike Trail, a 30-mile paved path along the Kern River.
An Oildale resident shows his finesse while teeing off on the first hole at Riverview Park.
North Highlands Park near Highland Knolls has large green areas and play equipment.
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Easy access to the BFL airport and the GET bus
The Golden Empire Transit (GET) District bus stops in Oildale along the 22 and 45 routes. California state Route 99 reaches Interstate 5 and Los Angeles about 115 miles south. Oildale is directly east of the Meadows Field Airport (BFL), which provides domestic flights to cities such as Phoenix, Denver and San Francisco.
Decreasing property crime, summer heat waves and air quality
According to the Bakersfield Police Department, the violent crime rate rose in 2023 to an average of 6 cases per 1,000 residents, while the property crime rate decreased to 34 cases per 1,000 residents.
Oildale has a hot desert climate with average summer highs around 98°F. Precipitation is most common during the winter, and snowfall is rare. The city also faces poor air quality due to its geography, petroleum production and agriculture. Like much of California, earthquakes are frequent in the Bakersfield metro. Residents may experience higher noise levels near Airport Drive and SR-99 west of the city.
Written By
Jackson Hardy
Photography Contributed By
Mark Huddleston
Video By
Vladislav Sedykh
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Oildale, CA sell after 34 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Oildale, CA over the last 12 months is $289,950, up 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Turn-key and beautifully upgraded, this 3-bedroom, 2-bath condo offers 1,276 sq ft of refined living in a secure gated community. The bright, open layout features a modern kitchen with island and energy-efficient windows for year-round comfort and a Nest Thermostat. Recent upgrades include new AC unit with a 10 year warranty, new fuse panels, new garage door, new carpet, new roof, new windows,
Beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bath condominium located in a secure, well-managed gated community. This spacious residence features an open-concept kitchen with updated cabinetry, offering a functional layout ideal for everyday living and entertaining. Additional highlights include a private two-car garage with a newer garage door (approximately 2 years old) and a private patio, perfect for
This beautifully updated 3/2 home in a serene North Bakersfield neighborhood near Amazon. You will appreciate the thoughtful upgrades throughout, from wood like LVP flooring, fresh paint, window blinds, lighting and electrical fixtures. The expansive kitchen is a real treat with elegant granite counters romantic lighting, storage galore, and a cozy breakfast nook framed by bay windows. A tailored
Great investment opportunity for any investor or owner occupant that wants to have an income generating property. Twohomes on one lot. Fronthouse features three bedroom, one bath and rents. Back house was a one bedroom, one bath adobe style. Each home has indoor laundry and separately metered.This is offered at a wholesale price due to condition.
This charming 2-bedroom, 1-bath home offers plenty of space inside and out! Enjoy the convenience of an indoor laundry room and relax or entertain in the expansive backyard. Perfect for first-time buyers or anyone seeking a cozy home with room to grow.
This fully renovated 3-bed, 1-bath home features new flooring, fresh interior and exterior paint, modern ceiling fans, energy-efficient windows, and a beautifully updated kitchen and bathroom. Sitting on a spacious lot, there's room to grow or add your personal touch. Conveniently located near shopping centers, schools, the airport, warehouse facilities, and with quick freeway access, it's
Discover this lovely manufactured home featuring two spacious bedrooms and two full bathrooms, perfect for comfortable living. The home boasts a modern, updated kitchen with sleek countertops, ample cabinetry, and a seamless flow that makes cooking and entertaining a delight. Stay comfortable year-round with mini-split air conditioning and heating units throughout the house. Bright, open,
Step into comfort in this nicely appointed 3-bedroom, 2-bath manufactured home. The spacious living area welcomes you with an open floor plan, ideal for daily living and entertaining. A well-equipped kitchen features modern appliances and ample counter space, flowing gracefully into the dining room. Relax in the primary suite, complete with an en-suite bath and generous closet space. Two
This fully renovated 3-bed, 1-bath home features new flooring, fresh interior and exterior paint, modern ceiling fans, energy-efficient windows, and a beautifully updated kitchen and bathroom. Sitting on a spacious lot, there's room to grow or add your personal touch. Conveniently located near shopping centers, schools, the airport, warehouse facilities, and with quick freeway access, it's
Discover this lovely manufactured home nestled in a peaceful and friendly neighborhood. Featuring three spacious bedrooms and two full bathrooms, this residence offers comfortable living for families or those seeking a cozy retreat. The home boasts a nice-sized carport, perfect for parking and protection from the elements. A small, manageable yard provides a low-maintenance outdoor space ideal
We are excited to present for sale this rare 5-unit corner property with big value-add upside in the detached front 3 bed / 2 bath home. While four units have already been renovated two down-to-the-studs and two full remodels featuring vinyl flooring, new stucco, windows, AC units, counters, and appliancesthe front house is the real opportunity. It's freshly painted and clean, but with light TLC,
Calling all those 55 and better! This is your opportunity to own this sweet and updated 2 bedroom, 2 bath home in the quaint community of Highland View Mobile Home Park. It was recently renovated in 2023 with wood-like vinyl flooring, granite counter tops, newer appliances, tiled backsplash, and upgraded sinks. Modern, well maintained, and in a community that offers a community pool, rec area,
Great lookig home ready to move in with 4 bedrooms 1.75 baths the large family room was turned into a 4th bedroom and a large dining area or tv room was made to make this home even more versatile. Big kitchen with custom cabinetry with tons of storage and upgrated features sucha as spice rack, slidding drawers for pots and pans and so much more. Hll way bath has a jetted tub and tie floors.
Discover this lovely manufactured home nestled in a peaceful and friendly neighborhood. Featuring three spacious bedrooms and two full bathrooms, this residence offers comfortable living for families or those seeking a cozy retreat. The home boasts a nice-sized carport, perfect for parking and protection from the elements. A small, manageable yard provides a low-maintenance outdoor space ideal
Whispering Meadows Apartments and Suites is a large Luxury apartment community set on 11 acres of lush landscape specializing in the finest furnished and unfurnished housing Bakersfield has to offer at the right price with amenities such as 2 pools, 2 spas, Large gas grills at pools and Garden areas, state of the art fitness center, car wash area, computer/copy/fax center, club house and more....
Located in the all ages manufactured home community of North Star Bakersfield, this home is a previously owned 2018 Champion with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms at approximately 830 square feet. This home has a covered carport, spacious layout, great location and much more! North Star Bakersfield offers a clubhouse, RV storage, and streets made for strolls around the neighborhood. And we even welcome
Welcome to Northview Meadows Luxury Duplexes! We feature single level 2 bedroom 2 bath and 3 bedroom 2 bath floor plans. Kitchens include stainless steal appliances, gas cooking, granite counter tops, a large pantry and a breakfast bar. You'll find vinyl plank flooring throughout with carpet in the bedrooms. Walk-in closets, ceiling fans, washer dryer hookups, and an attached 2 car garage are
Clean- well kept 2 bedroom 1 bath apartment now available for lease. This unit offers a comfortable layout with good sized bedrooms upstairs and functionial kitchen. The apartment is move in ready, providing an excellent rental option for anyone looking for a clean and affordable place to call home.
Belcourt Apartment is a gated apartment community in North Bakersfield. We offer new 1 and 2 bedroom apartment homes for rent featuring a host of modern amenities. These amenities include central heating and air conditioning, full sized washer and dryer in every unit, refrigerator, gas stoves, built in microwaves, dishwashers, ceiling fans, large lighted walk-in closets, kitchen pantries, and a
RV or Mobile Home sites available today for $625/month with water included! Rental requirements include income 3x rent, a 640+ credit score, and a $900 security deposit. Quiet, centrally located community near schools, grocery stores, Hwy 99, and more. Contact us today for availability, move-in-ready spaces available now! ¡Sitios para casas móviles o RV disponibles hoy por $625 al mes con el agua
One visit to Autumn Glen Apartments and you'll discover why so many people have chosen us as their ideal community. We offer functional features such as large kitchens, spacious bedrooms as well as central heating/air conditioning. Enjoy the refreshing pool and attractively landscaped grounds in a well-maintained environment. Autumn Glen is conveniently located near public transportation, the
Belmont Mobile Home Park Lot for rent. Rent a lot and move your Mobile Home, RV trailer, 5th wheel or Motorhome with a monthly rental fee. Utilities are available on site
Very cute 1 bedroom, 1 bath apartment, just remodeled and freshly painted in gated complex, off street parking, stainless steel stove and microwave and refrigerator, quartz countertop, tile floor throughout, air condition, lots of storage, private yard with covered patio. Requirements:$3000 Gross minimum monthly incomeOn the job 6 months or longerNo EvictionsNo petsNo
Turn key! A must see - super clean with recent renovations including full interior and exterior painting. Cozy atmosphere with large living room. Comfortable floor plan, ample storage, 2 car attached garage, covered patio and storage shed. No smoking and no pets allowed.
Gorgeous 3-bedroom unit is now available for rent. This beautiful home features new vinyl flooring, spacious bedrooms, and two bathrooms. Enjoy cozy nights by the fireplace and take advantage of the central A/C unit for those warm days. Convenience is key, with washer and dryer hookups available, as well as a two-car garage for your vehicles. The unit also boasts new blinds, lovely
Charming and newly updated 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom home on a spacious lot in North Bakersfield. This move-in-ready property features brand new appliances, updated countertops, fresh interior paint, and new flooring throughout.
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