The jagged peaks of the Sierra Nevada Mountains surround Ridgecrest, a military city in the Mojave Desert centered around the China Lake Naval Air Warfare Center. With 28,000 residents, the population comprises engineers, military personnel and civilians. Off base, the California desert provides natural scenery and outdoor recreation on the outskirts of town. "We're between the Mojave Desert and Death Valley," says Eloy Rodriguez, resident and Broker Owner at Ridgecrest Realty. "We have unique geographical and geological formations. There's a lot of dirt bikes and off-road action here."
The jagged peaks of the Sierra Nevada Mountains surround Ridgecrest.
The China Lake Museum is a military museum in Ridgecrest, California focused on the history of Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake.
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Spanish Revival architecture with low home prices
The city primarily has single-level architecture with Spanish Revival and ranch-style homes both common. Houses built around 1950 sit closer to the city center, while houses on the edge of town may be brand-new, costing slightly more. The median single-family price is about $280,000, significantly lower than the nationwide median. "It's very good for raising a family," Rodriguez says. "Property values are relatively inexpensive for California. People in Los Angeles can buy here and have a lot of money left over."
Ridgecrest primarily has single-level architecture with Spanish Revival as a common one.
Ranch-style homes is typically what you would find in the neighborhoods in Ridgecrest.
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Driving off-road vehicles over the dunes
The Trona Pinnacles is a collection of more than 500 tufa spires with a screensaver-worthy setting to stargaze as the glowing Milky Way rises above the desert. The Wagon Wheel OHV area has trails for off-road vehicles. Leroy Jackson Park has soccer fields, a baseball diamond and tennis courts. A paved walking path in Petroglyph Park leads to rock carvings and informational displays. Death Valley National Park offers hiking trails with scenic vistas about 68 miles north.
The Trona Pinnacles in Ridgecrest is a collection of more than 500 tufa spires.
A paved walking path in Petroglyph Park leads to rock carvings and informational displays about Ridgecrest's ancient history.
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Petroglyph exhibits and touring the Navy's aircraft
Petroglyphs are an ancient rock art that carried spiritual meaning for the native Coso people who once inhabited the region. Residents can explore its history at the Maturango Museum, which has artifacts, wildlife exhibits and geology. Additionally, the China Lake Museum features various aircraft and the history of the naval base. "We have one of the largest Navy bases in the country, which is interesting because there's no water, and it's in the middle of the desert," Rodriguez says.
Ridgecrest residents can explore its history at the Maturango Museum, which has artifacts, wildlife exhibits and geology.
China Lake Museum features various aircraft and the history of the naval base.
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Mexican restaurants, old-fashioned diners and a Walmart Supercenter
The sunny California streets are lined with palm trees, leading to a charming local culinary scene with Mexican restaurants, old-fashioned diners and Asian eateries. While Ridgecrest does not have a traditional downtown, the city does have supermarkets like Albertsons and Walmart Supercenter. "It's a small town. Aside from outdoor things, our claim to fame is the super Walmart."
Olvera's in Ridgecrest is a casual spot for Mexican staples such as enchiladas and tamales, plus margaritas.
Walmart Supercenter in Ridgecrest is has it all from electronics, clothes and groceries.
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Burroughs High School - among the best in Kern County
The Sierra Sands Unified School District earns a B grade from Niche and serves about 5,000 students. Cerro Coso Community College is also in Ridgecrest and has around 6,500 students.
Students can take advantage of numerous sports opportunities at Burroughs High School in Ridgecrest.
Cerro Coso Community College in Ridgecrest was was established in 1973 as a separate college within the Kern Community College District.
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Taking Ridgecrest Transit and flying out of Bakersfield
While many residents drive, Ridgecrest Transit offers some options for public transportation, including dial-a-ride service and a daily fixed route to neighboring Inyokern. The Ridgecrest Regional Hospital provides medical service to the city with an emergency room on China Lake Boulevard. Las Vegas is also less than 4 hours away. Los Angeles is about 150 miles south, while Bakersfield is around 110 miles west. The Bakersfield Airport (BFL) provides flights to major U.S. cities and international destinations, like Mexico City.
Crime rates and a desert climate with heat waves
Ridgecrest authorities have reported an increase in violent crime in recent years, with rates spiking above both the state and national averages. Property crime is less common, however.
The area also has a desert climate with hot summers. Heat waves can cause discomfort during summer, with temperatures above 100°F. However, temperatures drop significantly when the sun sets. The area also typically has clear skies, with views of the stars.
Written By
Jackson Hardy
Photography Contributed By
Michael Ng
Video By
Jahlil Harris
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Clint Freeman,
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On average, homes in Ridgecrest, CA sell after 95 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Ridgecrest, CA over the last 12 months is $250,000, down 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Step into this beautifully updated 3 bed/2 bath move-in ready home. This home features fresh interior and exterior paint, new laminate flooring, and beautifully refreshed kitchens and bathrooms. Home features include new range gas stove/oven/hood, classic timeless quartz countertops, fireplace in living room, front and back covered porch, and enclosed patio. Washer & dryer hookups in the attached
Situated on 2.05 acres with stunning mountain views, this spacious 4-bedroom, 2-bath home offers room to live, relax, and entertain. With a 3 car attached garage and fully fenced property features two RV stations, 1 complete with electric, and a dump station, the other with electric and water. Paid solar adds energy efficiency and long-term savings. Inside, you'll find a newly installed A/C
PERFECT FOR AN ACREAGE ESTATE HOME! 2.54 on the south east side of town. Other established acreage homes in the area but with open land to the north and northwest. Privacy to spare here! Spectacular views of Owens Peak and the Southern Sierras. Edison states a one-line pole extension is needed to bring electric to the parcel at an approx. cost of $5000. IWV Water District states city water is
Located on a quite cul-de-sac road, this 3 bedroom & 2 bath home offers solid potential with a little TLC. The living room offers a cozy fireplace and the kitchen has ample cabinet space. Enjoy the spacious back yard with mature trees & drought-tolerant landscaping - perfect for relaxing or entertaining. The attached 2 car garage adds convenience and storage. Whether you are looking for a fixer
TWO PARCELS ZONED COMMERICAL GENERAL JUST OFF COLLEGE HEIGHTS BLVD! Great location for apartments, a restaurant, or mini-mall to serve a growing population in this pocket of town!! City utilities are available in the street. Desert Christian Center Church is to the direct north, the Super Walmart to the direct north east, and the College Heights Apartments to the direct south. Electric pedestal
STYLISH UPGRADES IN AN ELEGANT HOME! Living room offers cozy charm with a wood-burning fireplace and rich VP flooring that flows into the dining area where French doors open to a spacious rear patio. Chef's kitchen is a showstopper with sleek quartz counters, a shiplap backsplash, matching white cabinets and appliances, and a gas oven/stove-perfect for creating culinary magic! Main bedroom easily
APARTMENT COMPLEX POTENTIAL! 8 ACRES-ZONED R2! Next to other established multi-family apartments and a skip away from Super Walmart. Ridgecrest is home to the China Lake Naval Weapons Center (NAWS), a mainstay U.S. Navy weapons top development and test center. NAWS was awarded $4B to rebuild after the July 2019 earthquakes and rebuilding continues. Ridgecrest hosts major retail, a large regional
9.27 ACRES JUST AT THE EDGE OF THE RIDGECREST CITY LIMITS! Parcel is located west of Ridgecrest Heights on West Bowman Rd at Brady St. City water is available but needs to be connected from water line running on the south side of Bowman Rd. According to IWV Water Dist water meter set up fee is only $5068 as this parcel is part of the Ridgecrest Heights Assessment District. Power can be accessed
BEAUTIFULLY REFRESHED FERGUSON-BUILT GREEN ACRES HOME! NEW ROOF JUST INSTALLED WITH 5YR ROOF CERT! BRAND NEW FLOORING, PAINT, & APPLIANCES! Ideally located near main shopping and everyday conveniences, this move-in ready home blends classic character with thoughtful updates. Step inside to brand new VP flooring and fresh interior paint throughout. The smart layout offers a spacious living room at
JUST SOUTH OF SUPER WALMART! Prime College Heights location for a new housing tract. 159 single family residential subdivision with lots ranging from 6,039 sqft to 12,678 sqft. on 42.74 acres is possible. City utilities service the area. Future homeowners have the convenience of major Ridgecrest shopping minutes away such as Super Walmart, Starbucks, Chipotle, Habit Burger, Albertson's and
Prime location to develop and start building. On the corner of two paved roads, this location is primed and ready to get started. On the South end of town down the street from Walmart and nice subdivisions. Invest in your future, build now or hold on to this land for future dreams! This area has man hole covers for sewer and stakes indicating sewer laterals. (Buyer to verify all utilities).
Discover space, function, and thoughtful upgrades at this unique Ridgecrest property! Custom-built 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offers nearly 2,000 square feet of comfortable living. Built with 2x6 construction and enhanced insulation, the home is designed for efficiency and year-round comfort. Inside there is spacious living areas, a well-equipped kitchen with granite counters, stainless steel
EAST OF SUPER WALMART! 18+ ACRES ZONED COMMERICIAL! Perfect location for apartment complex, a high density/traffic shopping center, retail, or service stores. High visibility and signaled intersection to the west. Electric, water, and gas in the street. Street lights already are installed. Destined for expanded retail shopping, and high-end residential neighborhoods. Ridgecrest boarders the China
Prime location to develop and start building. On the corner of two paved roads, this location is primed and ready to get started. On the South end of town down the street from Walmart and nice subdivisions. Invest in your future, build now or hold on to this land for future dreams! This area has man hole covers for sewer and stakes indicating sewer laterals. (Buyer to verify all utilities).
Experience Ridgecrest living at Desert Oasis. Located at 238 N Gold Canyon St in Ridgecrest, this community is a terrific place to live. The professional leasing team will assist you in finding your dream apartment. Compare 1 to 3 bedroom apartments, then call for current pricing. Experience a new standard at Desert Oasis.WaterLoads Of Storage SpaceAir ConditoningFriendly &
Welcome to 1321 Pinto St, Ridgecrest, CA – Your Next Home Awaits! This inviting 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home offers 1,440 sq ft of comfortable living space on a spacious lot with beautiful scenic views and paved road access. Located in a quiet neighborhood, it’s the perfect place to unwind and enjoy the peaceful pace of Ridgecrest living. Inside, you'll find updated laminate flooring throughout the
Welcome home to Larkspur Village Apartments located at 340 S. Downs St., Ridgecrest, CA! We offer spacious two- and three-bedroom units at affordable prices. Our 2-story property features a private pool, playground, computer lab and laundry facilities. Every unit features a combination of carpet and luxury vinyl flooring, a private patio or balcony, washer and gas dryer hook-ups, a refrigerator
Well-maintained 3 bedroom, 1 bathroom home available for rent in Ridgecrest. This home offers a practical layout with comfortable living space and a backyard.Electricity is included thanks to the home’s solar system, helping keep utility costs down. The house is equipped with a swamp cooler for efficient cooling during hot months.Kitchen comes with a new stove, dishwasher, and
This property consists of 46 high-end, fully furnished, luxury units amongst beautiful resort type amenities. All units are accessed from an indoor common hallway. The units average 650 square feet in size for one bedroom and one bath, with four studio units around 450 sq ft. Premium units are equipped with private patios/balconies and an additional room that can be used as an additional bedroom
Property Id: 889576Included Utilities: Water, Sewer and Trash. CALL NOW FOR OUR MOVE IN SPECIAL. Single level 3 Bedroom, 2 full bath unit with an attached garage. The only units of their type.Located just one block from the new Richmond Elementary School.The unit has laundry hookup for your own washer and dryer in the Garage. There is also a full service laundry
Property Id: 2453552Just minutes from the NAWS front gate, this beautifully refreshed 3-bedroom, 2-bath home is move-in ready and waiting for you!Elegant tile flooring flows throughout the entire unit, keeping the space cool and comfortable all summer long. The kitchen impresses with solid wood cabinetry, matching solid-surface countertops, and a full suite of matching appliances a
Property Id: 2413986Welcome to your next home! This beautifully updated 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom apartment offers the perfect blend of comfort and contemporary style located just 1 mile from the NAWS front gate, making your commute a breeze.The thoughtfully renovated kitchen features stunning quartz countertops, offering both durability and a clean, modern aesthetic ideal for home cooks
Property Id: 2501222Just minutes from the NAWS front gate, this beautifully refreshed two-story, 2-bedroom, 2-bath home is move-in ready and waiting for you!Elegant tile flooring flows throughout the entire unit, keeping the space cool and comfortable all summer long. The kitchen impresses with solid wood cabinetry, matching solid-surface countertops, and a full suite of matching
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