Affluent sun-kissed city beyond the Bakersfield noise
With a population of 19,000, Rosedale is where almond orchards meet sun-kissed views across subdivisions. About 7 miles west of downtown, this community has extensive 21st-century homes beyond the metro noise. It began as a farming settlement in the 1800s and is now one of the wealthiest areas in Kern County, with employment through the oil fields, e-commerce centers and local farms. "That's what we're known for - oil and ag," says Benny Villarreal, an area local and Realtor at Miramar International. "In Rosedale, it's about the location. You have newer homes close to new shopping centers. The city is growing west toward Interstate 5, so this is where the development is going."
Spanish Revivals with spacious lots and in-ground pools
Rosedale's housing stock includes Spanish Revivals, Craftsman and ranch-style homes. This lush city features 21st-century subdivisions with some properties reaching 3,000 square feet. Many properties have stucco exteriors, low-pitched tile roofs and in-ground pools. The gated community of Redwood Estates has two-story homes and quarter-acre lots. "There's more ranch-style homes and horseback riding in the west," Villarreal says. The median single-family price in Rosedale is about $690,000, significantly above median prices in Bakersfield and across the U.S.
Some of the area's best elementary schools
The Rosedale Union Elementary School District earns an A-minus grade from Niche and serves around 6,000 elementary and middle school students in the area. "Rosedale schools are going to be top-tier elementary schools in Bakersfield," Villarreal says. Kern High School District receives a B-plus grade from Niche, which also ranks it the second-best district in the Bakersfield area. In this district, high schools offer dual enrollment for students to earn college credit.
Gastropubs and a dine-in movie theater
In a highly residential area, Rosedale's restaurant scene is semi-limited but features various gastropubs, Mexican restaurants and a Brazilian steakhouse. Supermarkets are along the Rosedale Highway. This thoroughfare leads to Rosedale Village, a popular shopping center with Studio Movie Grill, a movie theater restaurant with menu items served to the audience.
Pocket parks for soccer games
Rosedale features various pocket parks at the center of planned neighborhoods. One of these is Silver Oak Park. Residents can play tennis at Westdale Park, which has a soccer field and a baseball diamond. The community gathers camp chairs before coming to the Starlight Movie Project, a community event with family friendly films projected in Polo Park.
San Joaquins Amtrak and flights at Meadows Field Airport
The Golden Empire Transit District (GET) provides bus services to the area. The Rosedale Highway runs east to west, reaching Downtown Bakersfield and I-5. Properties along Rosedale Highway may experience higher levels of noise. The Bakersfield Amtrak station is on the San Joaquins route, reaching Stockton, Sacramento and Oakland.
Domestic passenger flights take off from Meadows Field Airport (BFL), about 10 miles north.
Kern County crime trends and hot desert heat waves
In 2023, violent crime in Kern County increased by 14%, and property crime decreased by about 16%.
Rosedale has a hot desert climate. The city gets nearly 200 days of sunshine and summer heat waves that keep temperatures above 100°F for several weeks. This area has poor air quality due to its low desert geography, agriculture and petroleum production.
