$227,947Average Value$181Average Price per Sq Ft38Homes For Sale
Bakersfield suburb centered around oil
Named after the 27th U.S. President, William Taft, the city is an oil-centric suburb outside Bakersfield. With a population of 7,000, this sunny city has a well-established history in Kern County – California's energy production capital. Companies such as AERA Energy and Exxon Mobil operate at Midway-Sunset Field, the largest oil field in the country. Beyond its industry, Taft draws potential homeowners with lower housing prices than surrounding areas and a rural atmosphere. "Taft has so much potential, and it continues to grow," says Paris Davis, an area local and Broker at The Davis Group Real Estate. "This little town is the gateway to California's coast. It has beautiful, scenic roads that lead to the mountains and the beaches. Taft should be on people's horizons."
Taft is an amenity rich community with parks, stellar schools and more.
Iconic Taft Water Tower stands tall against the sky.
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Eclectic bungalows and low prices
Taft has Craftsman and ranch-style homes with Spanish architectural influence, stucco walls and tile roofs. One neighborhood is Ford City, which features eclectic bungalows on sandy lots. The median single-family home price is about $230,000, nearly half the value of the nationwide median. Houses are lower compared to the California market, representing less than a third of the statewide median. "In 2020, when Bakersfield prices began to skyrocket, lots of families moved here because of the lower home prices and a short commute," Davis says.
Taft's updated mid-century home with solar innovation.
Taft's elegant two-story home boasts a tile-roofed, two-car garage.
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Mexican cantinas in an Old West center
The city center is reminiscent of the Old West, with sunny streets and 20th-century storefronts. Mexican restaurants and cantinas are among the city's most popular eateries. Supermarkets and locally owned grocery stores are along California state Route 33. The local retail hub is Center Street, with attractions like the Taft Fox Theater, an Art Deco cinema with three screens.
Black Gold Brewing Co. in the heart of Taft.
Captivating downtown Taft store fronts invite exploration.
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Museums, monuments and the Oildorado festival
The energy industry is evident in local culture. The West Kern Oil Museum presents Taft's oil history with antique artifacts and equipment at the site of an old well. Every five years, Kern County comes to Taft for Oildorado, a 10-day event in October with oil field competitions and a "shootout" between the Sherriff's posse and a group of outlaws.
Taft's oil worker memorial, a tribute to industry dedication.
Explore history at the West Kern Oil Museum in Taft.
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Taft schools and the Oil-Technology Academy
The Taft City School District serves about 2,500 elementary and middle school students, earning a C-minus grade from Niche. With around 1,000 students, the Taft Union High School District, which receives a B grade, is ranked the fifth best in the Bakersfield area, according to Niche. The district also offers the Oil-Technology Academy, which teaches students about working in the petroleum industry. Taft College is a post-secondary, two-year school with on-campus housing.
Lincoln Junior High School
Public Middle School
Taft, CA
Taft Union High School
Public High School
Taft, CA
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Green spaces and the local trail system
The Franklin Field Complex is a 67-acre area with playgrounds and baseball diamonds. The West Side Community Center features a bowling alley. Those walking along the 4-mile Rails to Trails paved path with views of rolling plains may find themselves beside the Oil Worker Monument, the largest bronze sculpture west of the Mississippi, paying homage to workers from the early 1900s.
Lush green lawn at "A" Street Park in Taft.
Veteran's Memorial Park Taft, CA
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Using the TAT and reaching Bakersfield
The Taft Area Transit (TAT) is a public bus system that travels through the city and to neighboring Maricopa. California state Route 119 leads to Bakersfield, a significant city center about 36 miles northeast. The Meadows Field Airport in Bakersfield provides domestic flights to U.S. cities such as Denver, Dallas and Phoenix.
Crime graphics tool and air quality issues
The city has a desert climate with hot summers and heat waves over 100 °F. Like many cities in central California, Taft tends to also have poor air quality because of the region's geography and oil production.
Crime data in Taft is not readily available.
Written By
Jackson Hardy
Photography Contributed By
Christopher Montagne-Waggoner
Video By
Taylor Gilbert
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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.
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On average, homes in Taft, CA sell after 52 days on the market compared to the national average of 57 days. The median sale price for homes in Taft, CA over the last 12 months is $228,445, up 9% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This incredible 160-acre parcel just outside Taft offers unmatched potential and opportunity.Currently submitted for review to be divided into eight 20-acre lots, this expansive property opens the door to multiple development paths whether you envision custom estates, agricultural use, recreational land, or a full-scale residential community.The land is flat, highly usable, and features beautiful
Small infill residential lot consisting of approximately 0.07 acres located in an established Taft neighborhood and surrounded by existing homes. Ideal opportunity for a builder, investor, or owner-user looking to develop a single-family residence in an area with nearby utilities and neighborhood infrastructure. Conveniently situated near local schools, shopping, and main thoroughfares, this
Historic Corral Canyon Ranch offers a rare blend of heritage, scale, and refined country living. Established in 1880 and encompassing more than 277 private acres, the ranch is surrounded by the protected beauty of the Los Padres National Forest and framed by sweeping views of the Sierra Madre Mountains. This remarkable setting provides a sense of quiet permanence and natural elegance, creating an
Great Opportunity!! This bright and spacious 4-bedroom, 2 full bathroom home sits on two lots, including APN 03932141, totaling 13,431 sq. ft. Situated on a permanent foundation, this property offers both comfort and privacy. The patio deck and yard are perfect for family gatherings, with ample room to create lasting memories. The fully fenced yard and end of the road location adds an extra layer
Investment Opportunity in Taft, CA $325,000. Triplex property consisting of three units located at 408 Lucard (Units A & B) and 410 Lucard. Two units are currently tenant-occupied, providing immediate rental income, with one vacant unit offering additional income potential or possible owner occupancy. Property presents an affordable entry point into multi-unit ownership with upside through
Charming 1975 classic in a sought-after neighborhood! This spacious 4-bedroom, 2-bath home offers a versatile layout featuring a formal living room and a cozy den with a gas fireplace. The updated kitchen boasts granite countertops and upgraded cabinetry, perfect for everyday living and entertaining. Enjoy natural light from newly updated skylights and energy efficiency with dual-pane windows and
Tucked into a quiet neighborhood in Taft, this piece of land(infill lot) holds the kind of potential that’s getting harder to find—a place where something meaningful can begin. This 3,162 sq ft lot, located right next to 324 San Emidio St, isn’t just vacant land... it’s a blank canvas. A place where a vision can take shape—whether that’s a cozy home, a smart investment, or a fresh start. Just
Location OverviewInfill lot on S 10th St, Taft, California (Kern County)Situated in an established residential neighborhoodNearby homes, local streets, and access to utilities in the areaQuiet small-town environment with open skies and dry, rolling terrainAccessibility & Nearby Areas~35 miles to Bakersfield (major city with hospitals, shopping, employers)~10 miles to
Discover this affordably priced 3-bedroom, 2-bath manufactured home in Taft, set on owned land with a permanent foundation. Built in 2007 by Champion Home Builders, this well‑kept home offers 1,080 sq ft of comfortable living on a 3,920sq ft lot with an open layout connecting the living, dining, and kitchen areas.The modern kitchen features stainless steel appliances and granite
Rare gem tucked in a quiet culdesac street in Taft. This beauty features 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. As you walk in your greeted with a large great room with formal dining that leads into the kitchen. The kitchen over looks the living room with a cozy fireplace. The primary bathroom was remodeled and the primary bedroom has access to you backyard oasis. The backyard features a good size yard with
Fully remodeled Feauturing 1,370 Sq feet of living! 3-bedroom, 1-bath home located in the heart of Taft. This move-in ready property features a bright living space, updated kitchen with new cabinetry and countertops, a beautifully renovated bathroom, new flooring, and fresh interior and exterior paint. Conveniently located near schools, parks, and local amenities, this home is perfect for
This comfortable two-bedroom home is located on the second floor and features a beautiful outdoor deck, perfect for relaxing or entertaining. The unit offers a well-sized kitchen, a full bathroom with a tub, and a bright, inviting living space. Brand-new window air conditioners are installed in the living room and one bedroom for added comfort. One bedroom features French doors that open directly
Cute and affordable, upstairs, 1 bed, 1 bath centrally located apartment! Includes range, refrigerator, single off street parking spot, trash, sewer, gas, and water! Pets ok with $50/pet additional rent. Professionally managed with easy online application, rent payments, maintenance requests, and option to add rent payments to your credit report! Apply now!West Valley Real
This lovely home is a freshly painted 3-bedroom, 2-bath home in Taft featuring a versatile bonus room that can serve as an office, play area, or hobby space. The property offers convenient laundry hookups, a detached garage, and a large fenced yard for outdoor use and privacy. Well-maintained, a move-in-ready feel. Located in Taft, this home combines practical layout and outdoor space for
Great location! 1 Bed, 1 Bath upstairs unit with a/c units, ceiling fans, oven/stove and refrigerator! Small dog or cat okay additional $40.00/mo. Easy online application, apply now!West Valley Real EstateDRE Lic # 01525550Amenities: Refrigerator, Range
Peaceful condo in a great location! Featuring a very large bedroom, remodeled bathroom with step-in low barrier shower, bright and sunny kitchen that opens to the secluded courtyard patio, central A/C & heat, range, refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher, built-in desk unit, moveable kitchen center island and 2 car garage with washer & dryer! Pets ok with $50/pet additional rent. Professionally
Cute and affordable, upstairs, 1 bed, 1 bath centrally located apartment! Includes range, refrigerator, single off street parking spot, trash, sewer, gas, and water! Pets ok with $50/pet additional rent. Professionally managed with easy online application, rent payments, maintenance requests, and option to add rent payments to your credit report! Apply now!West Valley Real
Great location! 1 Bed, 1 Bath upstairs unit with a/c units, ceiling fans, oven/stove and refrigerator! Small dog or cat okay additional $40.00/mo. Easy online application, apply now!West Valley Real EstateDRE Lic # 01525550
Cozy 2 Bed, 1 Bath home with laundry room, front porch and large back yard! Pets ok with $50/pet additional rent. Professionally managed with easy online application, rent payments, maintenance requests, and option to add rent payments to your credit report! Apply now!West Valley Real EstateDRE# 01525550Amenities: Evaporative Cooler, Range, Indoor Laundry
Start working today! Ready to go, featuring large open front room, bathroom and separate back room area, this retail shop space has been a successful hair salon for over 10 years and is a great location for your business venture! Professionally managed with easy online application, rent payments, and option to add rent payments to your credit report! Apply now!West Valley Real
Charming 3 Bedroom, 1.75 Bath with fireplace, oven/stove, dishwasher, microwave, storage building, plus a large covered carport! Pets ok with $50/pet additional rent. Professionally managed with easy online application, rent payments, maintenance requests, and option to add rent payments to your credit report! Apply now!West Valley Real EstateDRE# 01525550Amenities:
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