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Shafter

Shafter

Located in Kern County

$327,710 Average Value
$234 Average Price per Sq Ft
13 Homes For Sale

Small-town living in Shafter

Just 18 miles from downtown Bakersfield, Shafter is a small city on the cusp of never-ending farmland. The small-town lifestyle is apparent in the close-knit community, yet this city keeps growing. “Shafter and Bakersfield are closer to each other than people think. With the recent growth in both cities, their borders practically touch. However, Shafter is more of a small town surrounded by farmland, and you can typically get a bit more bang for your buck,” says Autumn Mitchell, Realtor with Scott Tobias Real Estate, a born and raised Kern County local. “The city is also home to numerous industrial sectors, such as the Target distribution center, providing jobs throughout the entire region, with residents commuting to work from Taft, Lamont and Bakersfield,” Mitchell says.

Spanish-style ranch homes and small bungalows

Shafter consists of the small city along Central Valley Highway and the overarching region, dotted with new subdivisions. The landscape blends old and new, composed of small, one-story bungalows and new subdivisions full of iconic California ranch-style houses with two-car garages and the occasional private inground pool. The average home price hovers around $325,000, ranging from a small blue bungalow for $260,000 in the heart of town to a four-bedroom modern ranch with hardwood floors for $530,000.

A well-maintained bungalow-style home in Shafter.
A well-maintained bungalow-style home in Shafter.
A series of Spanish-style homes in Shafter.
A series of Spanish-style homes in Shafter.
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Advanced Placement at Shafter High

The Richland Union Elementary School District and Kern High School District serve the neighborhood. Students attend Sequoia Elementary School and Richland Junior High School, scoring a C-minus on Niche. Students then move on to Shafter High School, boasting a B-minus rating on Niche. Shafter High also offers Advanced Placement courses and a range of athletic programs, such as the swimming and soccer teams.

The student population of Richland Junior High is 675 and the school serves 7-8.
The student population of Richland Junior High is 675 and the school serves 7-8.
The AP participation rate at Shafter High School is 25%.
The AP participation rate at Shafter High School is 25%.
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Afternoon escapes in the park

Shafter is home to multiple small parks, such as the Shafter Skate Park along East Ash Avenue, where teenagers can practice their kickflip. Spanning about 14.5 acres, Veterans Park is one of the largest city parks, featuring a colorful playground and splash pad packed with kids in the summer. Mannel Park has a playground, volleyball court and outdoor fitness station in the heart of town. Outdoor enthusiasts can also enjoy the miles of hiking trails in Sequoia National Forest, about 33 miles away or head to Iron Valley Fitness on a rainy day.

People on the fitness equipment at Mannel Park in Shafter.
People on the fitness equipment at Mannel Park in Shafter.
A family strolls through the playground at Mannel Park in Shafter.
A family strolls through the playground at Mannel Park in Shafter.
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Local businesses along Central Valley Highway

Although Shafter may be small, the city still has multiple restaurants and shops for everyday needs. Locals can head to the Apple Market for fresh produce and groceries, while Shafter True Value is a small hardware store for home improvement needs. For a bite to eat, Giovanni’s Italian Eatery is a local favor for a large bowl of pasta, while El Michoacano offers a range of authentic Mexican specialties. The Tin Cup Coffee also stands out, serving crafted lattes and breakfast sandwiches in a laidback atmosphere.

A hearty spaghetti and meatball lunch served at Giovanni's Italian Eatery in Shafter.
A hearty spaghetti and meatball lunch served at Giovanni's Italian Eatery in Shafter.
Tin Cup Coffee, in Shafter, partners with Covenant Coffee a local roaster in Bakersfield.
Tin Cup Coffee, in Shafter, partners with Covenant Coffee a local roaster in Bakersfield.
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Exhibits at the Shafter Depot Museum

What once served as the city of Shafter’s gateway to the world, the Santa Fe Railway opened the Shafter Depot in 1917. Hundreds of travelers and mail passed through its doors before closing in 1978. The Depot is still open today as a museum showcasing the city’s past. The museum is also the host of various community events throughout the year, such as Christmas at the Depot, where multiple themed Christmas trees from local families and organizations are displayed.

Commutes around town

California State Route 43 runs straight through the city, converging into Santa Fe Way eastbound, leading residents in the City of Bakersfield just 18 miles away. A few bus stops are located on East Lerdo Highway and James Street for those relying on public transportation, while Minter Field Airport is nearby for small, individual aircrafts. Ongoing development of a high-speed rail line is also in effect, connecting Bakersfield to Merced, 171 miles away.

Important to Know

Bakersfield has severe air pollution because of its location and proximity to nearby oil rigs, highways, railroads, and farms. This leads to a concentrated area of poor air quality, ranked among the worst in the country by the American Lung Association.

Hannah Rainey
Written By
Hannah Rainey
Joseph Choo
Photography Contributed By
Joseph Choo
Jarrod Bock
Video By
Jarrod Bock

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Greg Holland, an experienced agent in this area.

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Shafter Housing Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$374,160
Median Sale Price
$367,080
Median Single Family Sale Price
$367,080
Median Change From 1st List Price
2%
Last 12 months Home Sales
317
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-18%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$234

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
3,490
Number of Homes for Sale
13
Median Year Built
1980
Months of Supply
0.50
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,439
Significantly below the national average
1,924
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,346
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
6,969

Open Houses

  • 0 Beech Ave Unit 202305944, Shafter, CA 93263

    $4,500,000

    • 0 Beech Ave
    • Unit 202305944

    Situated on an expansive 78.66-acre parcel of land, this prime real estate offers an incredible opportunity for residential development in a highly sought-after location. Located in a rapidly growing area, this land possesses immense potential for creating a thriving residential community. With the potential for 197 individual lots, this property provides ample space and flexibility for designing

    Agent Photo
    Miguel A. Hernandez
    Diamond Realty Group
    (661) 689-6264
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  • 0 Beech Ave Unit NS23131064, Shafter, CA 93263

    $4,500,000

    • 0 Beech Ave
    • Unit NS23131064

    Situated on an expansive 78.66-acre parcel of land, this prime real estate offers an incredible opportunity for residential development in a highly sought-after location. Located in a rapidly growing area, this land possesses immense potential for creating a thriving residential community. With the potential for 197 individual lots, this property provides ample space and flexibility for designing

    Agent Photo
    Miguel A. Hernandez
    Open Door Real Estate
    (661) 228-8923
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  • 714 Este St, Shafter, CA 93263

    $406,870

    • 4 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 714 Este St
    • New 1 day ago

    Residence 2 is our 1844 square foot plan with a wonderful great room. This plan features 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Home is under construction. Pictures shown are similar to home under construction color and elevations may vary. Lot 18 Este St. Estimated completion September 2025.

    Maria Valdez Greg Balfanz, Broker

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Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

Shafter Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
20,743
Median Age
30
Population under 18
33.3%
Above the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
9.1%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$59,285
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$75,511

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
65.9%
Below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
13.9%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
4.2%
% Population in Labor Force
58.3%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
6''
Average Winter Low Temperature
40°F
Average Summer High Temperature
98°F
Annual Snowfall
0''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®®

45 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®®

0 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.

Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
Shafter