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Tehachapi

Tehachapi

Located in Kern County

$462,016 Average Value
$231 Average Price per Sq Ft
13 Homes For Sale

A small town in the Tehachapi Mountains

Tehachapi is a mountain town in Kern County with just over 12,000 people. The word "Tehachapi" means "hard climb." While it may be difficult to ascend, its elevation of 4,000 feet gives it desirable weather conditions. In the winter, snowfall blankets the Tehachapi mountains, which is a rare occasion in Southern California. With horse pastures and scenic views, Tehachapi is a rural township with a slower pace between Bakersfield and Los Angeles.

Residents can enjoy all four seasons living in Tehachapi.
Residents can enjoy all four seasons living in Tehachapi.
Check out cool sculptures in downtown Tehachapi.
Check out cool sculptures in downtown Tehachapi.
Tehachapi has several working farms and pastures near the foothills.
Tehachapi has several working farms and pastures near the foothills.
The residents of Tehachapi enjoy the view of the nearby mountains.
The residents of Tehachapi enjoy the view of the nearby mountains.
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Assorted single-family houses, acreage available

This city sits around the grid-style blocks of downtown, which grow and develop into winding roads. In the city center, older ranch-style homes sit on small lots, morphing into newer subdivisions, while custom-built Spanish Revivals, cabins and farmhouses with abundant acreage are farther out in the country. "You're going to get more of those rural country people from Bakersfield who want to have those horses and land," says Eric Van Denk, CEO and Broker at Central Valley Property Advisors, who has lived in the area for over 15 years. "You're limited in Bakersfield, but out there, there are large ranches that you can buy and build on." The average home price is around $435,000, compared to the California average of $673,000. In the city center, condos cost roughly $215,000, while manufactured homes range from $35,000 to $185,000. Homes in Tehachapi spend roughly 51 days on the market, compared to the national average of 41 days. "Tehachapi has a slower pace, and a lot of people go out there to see the snow," says Van Denk.

Among the several companies based in Tehachapi, Airstreams is a wind and renewable energy company with about 250 employees. The Tehachapi Hospital and Tehachapi Unified School District have a combined 475 employees. National companies include SoCalGas and Lehigh Hanson, which has a cement manufacturing factory in the city. The California Correctional Institution is a supermax prison in Tehachapi and also one of the area's largest employers.

There are several affordable cabin style homes in Tehachapi.
There are several affordable cabin style homes in Tehachapi.
Some of the ranch style homes in Tehachapi date back to the mid 20th century.
Some of the ranch style homes in Tehachapi date back to the mid 20th century.
The Airstream Renewables teaches students about wind turbines in Tehachapi.
The Airstream Renewables teaches students about wind turbines in Tehachapi.
Tehachapi offers several health care jobs and is home to the Adventist Health hospital.
Tehachapi offers several health care jobs and is home to the Adventist Health hospital.
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Tehachapi Unified School District earns a B-minus

According to Niche, the Tehachapi Unified School District serves over 4,000 students and earns a B-minus grade. The district's student-teacher ratio is 23-to-1. Higher education options include Cerro Coso Community College in Tehachapi or Bakersfield College. California State University has two campuses nearby in Bakersfield and Lancaster.

The sign at Tehachapi High School welcomes students and staff as they enter the grounds.
The sign at Tehachapi High School welcomes students and staff as they enter the grounds.
Tompkins Elementary School has a 24 to 1 student-teacher ratio.
Tompkins Elementary School has a 24 to 1 student-teacher ratio.
Heritage Oak School is a private school for Tehachapi students.
Heritage Oak School is a private school for Tehachapi students.
Jacobson Middle School offers several sport activities for Tehachapi students.
Jacobson Middle School offers several sport activities for Tehachapi students.
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Parks showcasing the Tehachapi Mountains

Surrounded by a mountain range, the city has scenic parks that put the area's rugged terrain and towering peaks on display. Tehachapi Mountain Park has pine-covered hiking trails that climb elevation to reach stunning views. Within city limits, the Valley Recreation and Park District at West Park has a baseball diamond for Little League games and a skate park. At the center of the community, Philip Marx Central Park has a playground and splash pad on a tree-lined lawn. The Brite Valley Aquatic Recreation Area is a small lake for fishing and kayaking.

Tehachapi residents can go to the Brite Aquatic Recreation Area to play.
Tehachapi residents can go to the Brite Aquatic Recreation Area to play.
Tehachapi skateboarders and scooter enthusiasts enjoy BUD'Z Skate Park.
Tehachapi skateboarders and scooter enthusiasts enjoy BUD'Z Skate Park.
Railroad Park a well kept park located in Downtown Tehachapi.
Railroad Park a well kept park located in Downtown Tehachapi.
Tehachapi chamber of Commerce is central to all in downtown.
Tehachapi chamber of Commerce is central to all in downtown.
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Downtown Tehachapi with attractions like the Depot Museum

Tehachapi Boulevard is the area's central downtown, with modest storefronts, historical displays and Spanish-style buildings. This area offers a mix of classic American businesses alongside trendy restaurants and markets. Hand-painted murals highlight the area's scenery and agricultural history. Downtown's diverse eateries range from Thai to Mediterranean cuisines. "There are a lot of mom-and-pop stores, and there's a cool farmers market downtown," says Van Denk. "However, you're not seeing as much traffic downtown as you used to. It's moving to more mainstream shopping centers." The Tehachapi Town Center is another commercial area on the west side of town, which has a strip mall with box stores and chain restaurants.

Tehachapi also has attractions and events that bring life to the streets. The Depot Museum is a former train station that delves into the history of the railroad with artifacts from the early 20th century. In mid-August, the Mountain Festival features arts and crafts vendors at Philip Marx Central Park, a rodeo, live music and a parade downtown. Another event, the Thunder on the Mountain car show, brings over 250 cars and motorcycles to Tehachapi Boulevard in late September. The Apple Festival is the town's October harvest celebration with a carnival, live music, pie-eating and apple-bobbing contests. Additionally, the Tehachapi Event Center hosts rodeos throughout the year.

Tehachapi offers residents safe and clean public parks to bring the family.
Tehachapi offers residents safe and clean public parks to bring the family.
Tehachapi has a vibrant downtown with theaters and museums.
Tehachapi has a vibrant downtown with theaters and museums.
Tehachapi's Depot also contains most of the railroad history in Tehachapi.
Tehachapi's Depot also contains most of the railroad history in Tehachapi.
Tehachapi has several early to mid 20th century homes that can be renovated.
Tehachapi has several early to mid 20th century homes that can be renovated.
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Tehachapi crime and police department

According to data from the FBI, the violent crime rate in Tehachapi has increased since 2022, while the property crime rate has decreased. In comparison, the state of California's violent crime and property crime rates have both increased over the same period. The Tehachapi Police Department offers consistent events to connect with the community, including Coffee with a Cop and Pickleball with the Police. The city experiences a Mediterranean climate, including all four seasons. Tehachapi does not face the same intense heat waves as other cities in the state and is well-known for its seemingly rare snow accumulation.

Commutes to Bakersfield and other travel options

While public transportation is limited, the park-and-ride area provides a bus route to the Lancaster Amtrak Station. Bakersfield is roughly 40 miles northwest on state Route 58. On state Route 14, Lancaster is about 47 miles southeast, while Los Angeles is 113 miles south. The Meadows Field Airport, in nearby Bakersfield, is the closest regional airport, providing flights to San Francisco, Denver and Los Angeles. The Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the closest international airport for flights to worldwide destinations.

Jackson Hardy
Written By
Jackson Hardy
Mark Huddleston
Photography Contributed By
Mark Huddleston
Francesco Basti
Video By
Francesco Basti

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Diane White, an experienced agent 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

Tehachapi Housing Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$490,000
Median Sale Price
$490,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$510,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$228,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
3%
Last 12 months Home Sales
168
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
17%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$231

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
10,087
Number of Homes for Sale
13
Median Year Built
1989
Months of Supply
0.90
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,828
Below the national average
1,924
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,242
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,062
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
882
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
15,681

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Aug 2
    12 - 2pm

    821 S Green St, Tehachapi, CA 93561

    $385,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,191 Sq Ft
    • 821 S Green St
    • New 3 days ago

    Home Sweet Home! Here'sa Wonderful Tehachapi Downtown Home with 3BR/2BA in approx 1,191 sq.ft. A Wonderfully established Downtown Neighborhood in the sought-after Clearview Area conveniently close to Schools, Shopping, Restaurants and Medical Services. This Home is light 'n bright with ample-sized Bedrooms, including a Spacious Primary Bedroom with large Walk-in Closet and Patio Door to the Rear

    Larry Barrett Coldwell Banker Frontier

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  • Saturday, Aug 2
    11am - 4pm

    19816 Meadows Rd, Tehachapi, CA 93561

    $515,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,843 Sq Ft
    • 19816 Meadows Rd
    • New 13 days ago

    Golden Hills Beauty with RV Parking & Breathtaking Views!This beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home is in the heart of Golden Hills with fantastic views.The kitchen has been remodeled with seamless granite counter tops and the whole kitchen was reimagined to have plenty of counter space creating efficient prep areas and functional storage, it is perfect for cooking and entertaining. The

    Jenn Settelmeyer Watson Realty

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  • Saturday, Aug 2
    11am - 1pm

    600 S Dennison Rd Unit 35, Tehachapi, CA 93561

    $175,900

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,456 Sq Ft
    • 600 S Dennison Rd
    • Unit 35
    • New 21 days ago

    Attention Seniors!! Well Cared for Newer Mobile Home in the sought after Mountain Aire Estates! This 2003 home features 3 large bedrooms in which 2 have walk in closets! The Hall bath has a walk-in tub/shower combo! The split wing floor plan gives privacy for the primary bedroom while giving the other 2 bedrooms easy access to the Spacious Great Room! Wonderful Laminate floors grace the Great

    Tehachapi Mountain Group Coldwell Banker Frontier

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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

Tehachapi Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
9,802
Median Age
37
Population Density
2 ppl/acre
Population under 18
28.1%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
17.3%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$55,661
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$74,994

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
90.2%
College Graduates
26.6%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
10.5%
% Population in Labor Force
49.9%
Below the national average
65.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
11''
Average Winter Low Temperature
31°F
Average Summer High Temperature
86°F
Annual Snowfall
5''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®®

36 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®®

48 / 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.
Tehachapi
Diane White
Watson Realty
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