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
James Mower,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Ridgecrest, CA sell after 87 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 8% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
A must see gorgeous home waiting for the right buyer to make it home! This four bedroom, two bath beauty has an untouched remodel. Be the first to enjoy these new updates. The kitchen features granite countertops and new lighting making it a highlight of the home. Large and set nicely for entertaining with a layout that accommodates many different options including hosting outdoor parties. The
Perfect opportunity for a site-built home, manufactured home, or a barndominium! Start with a parcel located just off Highway 178 between Ridgecrest and Inyokern. Breathtaking mountain views, desert sunsets, and amazing starry nights. Peace and quiet awaits. If you desire to build or just establish a retreat getaway this is the ideal location. Electric is available at the north corners of parcels
Perfect opportunity for a site-built home, manufactured home, or a barndominium! Start with a parcel located just off Highway 178 between Ridgecrest and Inyokern. Breathtaking mountain views, desert sunsets, and amazing starry nights. Peace and quiet awaits. If you desire to build or just establish a retreat getaway this is the ideal location. Electric is available at the north corners of parcels
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
Perfect opportunity for a site-built home, manufactured home, or a barndominium! Start with a parcel located just off Highway 178 between Ridgecrest and Inyokern. Breathtaking mountain views, desert sunsets, and amazing starry nights. Peace and quiet awaits. If you desire to build or just establish a retreat getaway this is the ideal location. Electric is available at the north corners of parcels
PAID SOLAR, POOL & .43-ACRE LOT! This beautifully maintained home offers the open-concept design today's buyers love. Spacious great room concept features attractive wood laminate flooring, a cozy gas fireplace flowing seamlessly into the dining area and stunning kitchen. Granite countertops, rich dark wood cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, white refrigerator, large island with deep sink,
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
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
SEVEN R-1 SINGLE FAMILY LOTS IN A PRIME NORTHWEST AREA! Incredible opportunity for just the right builder or investor!! All utilities are in the street. Curbs, sidewalks, cutaways for driveways, and gutters installed. Block wall built on the north end. Average size of each lot is .26 acres or 11,395 sq ft. 84'x135. Total of all 7 lots is 1.64 acres. Lots are surrounded by a high-end residential
Well loved and maintained home on in a Cul-de-sac. 3 bedroom 2 bathroom. Updated and durable flooring; tile in kitchen and bathrooms and vinyl plank in all other rooms. New dualpac installed a couple years ago. Use the swamp cooler for efficiency or stay cool with the A/C. The kitchen is just the right size, not too big not too small, but just right. All appliances and TVs stay, adding to the
5 ACRES WITH ELECTRIC JUST ON THE WEST SIDE OF RIDGECREST! Parcel has access to electric with pedestal located on the south east corner. The views are spectacular out here! Clear shot of the Southern Sierra Nevadas to the west and B Mountain to the northeast. Other established homes in the area. This plot was previously homesteaded. Join the peace and quiet on this acreage parcel located just
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 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
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: 2437226 This brand new duplex has only 1 Unit is available now as the other is occupied since July- Brand new construction 2-bedroom, 1-bath unit in a modern duplex at 1340 W Mariposa Ave, Ridgecrest, CA 93555. Never-lived-in condition with energy-saving features that make this one of the most efficient rentals in the area! Features: • 4kWp solar panel system •
Property Id: 907659 REACH OUT NOW for our Move In Special! Our 3 Bedroom, 2.5 bath units are all two story and have an attached garage. The unit has laundry hookup for your own washer and dryer in the Garage. There is also a full service laundry facility located onsite with coin operated washers and dryers. Units come with Refrigerator, Oven/Stove, Microwave, Garbage Disposal
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
Beautiful three bedroom one bath in central location of Ridgecrest. Very private no adjoining walls. Two car garage with laundry hook ups. Wood burning fireplace, small backyard, eat in kitchen. All tile in unit, no carpet. Ceiling fans, upgraded master cool and optional air conditioning. No pets. Call for viewing appointment.
Apartment is located in Ridgecrest CA. While it is small, it may be just what you are looking for. Apartment is one room that is both a living area and sleeping area, plus a kitchen that comes with a range and refrigerator, bathroom, private off street parking, small yard, evaporative cooler and gas heater. When replying, please provide the following information: Where you obtain your income
NEWLY REMODELED DUPLEX WITH SPECIAL RENT!COME AND SEE THIS 2 BEDROOM 1 BATH IN PEACEFUL NEIGHBORHOOD IN CITY OF RIDGECREST, IN PROCESS OF TOTAL REMODELING WITH NEW VINYL FLOORING, FRESH PAINT, NEW KITCHEN KITECHEN AND COUNTERTOPS, NEW CEILING FANS WITH FRONT AND BACK YARD AND LAUNDRY HOOK UP IN THE UNIT AND TWO CAR PARKING SPACE.UNIT WILL BE AVAILABLE SOON AND SHOWING IS ONLY BY
NEWLY REMODELED DUPLEX FOR RENTCOME AND SEE THIS 2 BEDROOM 1 BATH IN PEACEFUL NEIGHBORHOOD IN CITY OF RIDGECREST, IN PROCESS OF TOTAL REMODELING WITH NEW VINYL FLOORING, FRESH PAINT, NEW KITCHEN COUNTERTOPS, NEW CEILING FANS WITH FRONT AND BACK YARD AND LAUNDRY HOOK UP IN THE UNIT AND TWO CAR PARKING SPACE.UNIT WILL BE AVAILABLE SOON AND SHOWING IS ONLY BY
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