$232,209Average Value$183Average Price per Sq Ft48Homes 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 48 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Taft, CA over the last 12 months is $225,000, up 7% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Charming updated home in the peaceful community of Taft! This 2-bedroom plus office/den, 1-bath home features a versatile layout with new neutral vinyl flooring, fresh interior and exterior paint, and a beautifully upgraded kitchen with new cabinets, hardware, and countertops. Enjoy year-round comfort with a new mini split unit. Situated on an approx. 6,000 sq ft lot with a detached 1-car garage
Charming updated home in the peaceful community of Taft! This 2-bedroom plus office/den, 1-bath home features a versatile layout with new neutral vinyl flooring, fresh interior and exterior paint, and a beautifully upgraded kitchen with new cabinets, hardware, and countertops. Enjoy year-round comfort with a new mini split unit. Situated on an approx. 6,000 sq ft lot with a detached 1-car garage
What a doll house! This charming 3-bedroom, 1-bath home is clean, bright, and beautifully updated. Recent improvements include updated wood-look vinyl flooring, fresh interior paint, updated baseboards and crown molding, an upgraded HVAC system, and refreshed exterior stucco, creating a move-in-ready home you'll love. Dual-pane windows fill the space with natural light, enhancing the warm 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
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
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 3,175 sq ft lot is 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 minutes away, Taft College brings energy, growth, and opportunity to the
Located in the desirable Sandy Creek Estates neighborhood, this beautifully maintained home built in 2018 offers an open-concept floor plan with quality finishes throughout. The inviting double-door entry opens to a spacious living room with abundant natural light. The kitchen boasts granite countertops, a coffee bar, a great pantry, and seamless flow into the main living space, making it ideal
2-bedroom, 1-bath home located in the heart of Taft. Offering 864 square feet of living space, this property features a functional floor plan, spacious living area and convenient alley access with additional parking potential. The lot provides easy upkeep while still offering outdoor space to enjoy. Conveniently located near schools, shopping, parks, and everyday amenities. Whether you're seeking
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
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
Welcome home to this charming 3-bedroom, 1-bath residence conveniently located in the heart of Taft! Situated just seconds from Taft Primary Elementary School, the Taft Plunge, local parks, and other community amenities, this home offers both comfort and convenience.Inside, you'll find approximately 1,100 square feet of living space featuring a spacious living area, comfortable bedrooms,
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
$2,475 per month
Updated 3 Bed/2 Bath Taft Home w/ Pool, Solar & $0 Deposit Option
Virtual tour available at This 3 bedroom, 1 bath home in Taft offers comfortable living with modern updates and energy-efficient solar. The interior features plank flooring, ceiling fans, tile countertops, a dual vanity in the bathroom, and a walk-in closet in the primary bedroom. The kitchen includes a gas range, stainless steel appliances, and a built-in microwave, with washer/dryer
Pleasant one bedroom upstairs apartment! 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 Lic # 01525550
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
Updated, contemporary, 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom condo with the comfort of central heating/air-conditioning along with the convenience of included range, refrigerator if needed and indoor laundry hook-ups! Also featuring a spacious, low maintenance, fenced backyard/patio that is perfect for outdoor entertaining, and covered parking spot! Pets ok with $50/pet additional rent. Professionally managed
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
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
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