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.
Check out cool sculptures in downtown Tehachapi.
Tehachapi has several working farms and pastures near the foothills.
The residents of Tehachapi enjoy the view of the nearby mountains.
1/4
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.
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.
Tehachapi offers several health care jobs and is home to the Adventist Health hospital.
1/4
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.
Tompkins Elementary School has a 24 to 1 student-teacher ratio.
Heritage Oak School is a private school for Tehachapi students.
Jacobson Middle School offers several sport activities for Tehachapi students.
1/4
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 skateboarders and scooter enthusiasts enjoy BUD'Z Skate Park.
Railroad Park a well kept park located in Downtown Tehachapi.
Tehachapi chamber of Commerce is central to all in downtown.
1/4
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 has a vibrant downtown with theaters and museums.
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.
1/4
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.
Written By
Jackson Hardy
Photography Contributed By
Mark Huddleston
Video By
Francesco Basti
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Darren Humphrey,
an experienced agent in this area.
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
On average, homes in Tehachapi, CA sell after 89 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Tehachapi, CA over the last 12 months is $440,000, up 9% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Gorgeous inside and out, this beautifully maintained 4-bedroom, 2-bath home is truly move-in ready. Step into a welcoming formal entry with space for storage, leading into a spacious great room featuring a rock-accent wall surrounding the electric fireplaceperfectly positioned for a TV above and creating a stunning focal point. The formal dining room sits just off the kitchen and includes window
Beautiful New Construction located in East Golden Hills. Spacious 4 BR 2 BA Home. Open Floorplan, granite countertops, kitchen island for entertaining. Views from every window. Close to freeway access, shopping and hiking trails.Professional Pictures coming soon.
Discover your dream home in the heart of Tehachapi! This beautifully maintained residential features 4 spacious bedrooms anda dedicated office space, perfect for today's modern family. Nestled in a desirable neighborhood, you'll enjoy the convenience of being just minutes away from top-rated schools, shopping centers, and variety of delightful Restaurants.The home boasts a contemporary design
One of the very best lots in the area. Close to town about 10 minutes away. The area is covered with oak trees (mature oak trees) gorgeous homes surround. Lot already has a well and electricty. Had a manufactured home on it originally but it has been removed. You wont find another one like it. Well priced with well and electricity. Go direct and look at this one for your dream home.
Three stories of livable space with two parcels included and wide-open mountain views—a rare blend of scale, flexibility, and location in Tehachapi. The ~3,938 sq ft ( 366 m2) plan delivers 4 bedrooms / 4 baths (2 full, 1 three-quarter, 1 half) across three levels, including a finished lower level that functions like a second living floor for media, fitness, studio, play, or overnight guests.
This manufactured home has been completely re done, inside and out. Inside is brand new everything. All appliances stay, as well as furniture can be negotiated. Seller doesnt want to move anything they dont have to. Brand new appliances, and furniture. Tags still on furniture and dishwasher still has blue film on it. Like a brand new penny. Recently painted and repaired outside. Storage shed
Gorgeous inside and out, this beautifully maintained 4-bedroom, 2-bath home is truly move-in ready. Step into a welcoming formal entry with space for storage, leading into a spacious great room featuring a rock-accent wall surrounding the electric fireplaceperfectly positioned for a TV above and creating a stunning focal point. The formal dining room sits just off the kitchen and includes window
This .55 acre property is ready for you to build your mountain dream home on. The slopping lot has a professionally graded bulding pad, a high quality storage shed, and gorgeous mountian valley views. There is also a water meter on the property, so no hassles in buying meter. A Custom set of plans are available for a 3 bdrm. 2 bath home that seller will be happy to pass on to buyer. You must see
Excellent opportunity to acquire industrial land in the growing Tehachapi market. Located on Stiekman Street, this parcel is zoned M1 PD (Light Industrial with Precise Development Overlay), offering flexibility for a variety of uses including warehousing, light manufacturing, logistics, and contractor yards. Three adjacent parcels are also available for sale, giving buyers the option to purchase
Vacant land ready for commercial development on 6.85 acres with excellent visibility along Highway 58 in Tehachapi. Positioned directly next to Love’s Travel Center, this parcel is zoned C-2 (General Commercial), allowing flexibility for a wide range of uses. Potential opportunities include gas station, travel center, truck stop, EV charging station, hotel, warehousing, logistics, light
Explore the exceptional development opportunity at 29201 Deertrail Drive in Tehachapi, CA. This expansive property, spanning over approximately 24.2 acres, is nestled within a highly desirable HOA community, offering a truly rare and valuable chance for visionary builders and investors.Imagine creating your dream estate in a neighborhood that perfectly blends natural beauty and modern
This is a great buy for someone who is looking to build now. Easy to access and not to far back. No water hook up is available from AF Water district. Well required. Very useable and ready to go.
Excellent opportunity to acquire industrial land in the growing Tehachapi market. Located on Stiekman Street, this parcel is zoned M1 PD (Light Industrial with Precise Development Overlay), offering flexibility for a variety of uses including warehousing, light manufacturing, logistics, and contractor yards. Three adjacent parcels are also available for sale, giving buyers the option to purchase
Welcome to refined luxury and timeless elegance! This exceptional 4-bedroom, 4-bath residence offers the perfect balance of sophistication, comfort, and functionality. From the moment you arrive, you'll be captivated by its stunning architecture, grand entry, and attention to detail throughout.Step inside to discover an expansive floor plan thoughtfully designed for both entertaining and everyday
*This is a guest house on a shared property.Water and trash fee will be included in the rent. (The utilities are shared and split between the units. Tenants will be responsible for 30% of the Gas and Electric bills.)You will have access to a private driveway, gated parking, covered porch, fenced yards, a storage shed, and a covered patio.**Security cameras on premises.***Please do
Charming 2-bedroom, 1-bath condo conveniently located close to town in Tehachapi. This unit features an attached one-car garage with laundry hookups in the garage. Water and trash are included, making for easy living in a great central location.Background check required
Renting for $2200 2 BEDROOM 1 BATH HOUSE WITH LARGE LOFT - COULD BE MASTER BEDROOM! LARGE SHOP. HOUSE HAS GREAT VIEWS OF THE VALLEY AND LAKE! WEST FACING HOUSE FOR SUNSETS OFF THE DECK!CLOSE TO GATE!!!!HORSE PROPERTY. CALL OR TEXT IF INTERESTED.Will consider animals that are trained - with pet deposit!MUST BE:*FRIENDLY*NO SMOKING IN THE
(Available the first week of March) Offered Fully Furnished..Situated on top of a hill on 20 acres of Land in the beautiful gated community of Bear Valley Springs stands a Cabin with priceless views of the Mountains and Valleys. Pure unspoiled nature. A treasure so breathtaking pictures cannot do it justice. The sound of silence is unimaginable. The star gazing in the dark sky is
This 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom apartment at 21225 Campo Ct offers 650 square feet of living space. The living room provides ample space for relaxation and features easy access to the kitchen. The bedroom is designed for comfort and includes a closet for storage. The bathroom is equipped with standard fixtures and includes a shower/tub combination. The exterior of the property features a
This sweet 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home with attached garage is available now! It has an eat-in kitchen with stainless steel appliances. Laundry is in the garage along with storage and a workbench. Plenty of space in the fenced in backyard to enjoy!
Spacious cottage-type apartment in Golden Hills. This unit, near Golden Hills elementary, has a great floor plan with a fireplace in the living room. This unit also has a private patio, garage and laundry hookups.
Valentine special rent by February 2026 receive $100 off rent for 12 month!!!quaint quite 4 unit building PRIVATE BACK YARDsmall pet okay, fireplace, hard floors, granite counter tops, newly remolded, microwave, dishwasher, stove, washer and Dryer hook ups in unitcall or text Lavonda for showing
Tehachapi life is waiting for you. This 950 sqft, 2-bedroom 1-bath appartment sits in a nice neighborhood, just literal minutes from all of what Tehachapi has to offer.Shopping. Tehachapi historical sites. The home features a nice kitchen, with desirable counter tops that are open to the living room,as well a comfortable and private back yard with a covered patio.
Welcome to West Golden Hills living at its finest! This beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home with an additional office offers the perfect blend of style, comfort, and conveniencenestled on a quiet cul-de-sac just minutes from town.Step inside and you'll find a warm, thoughtfully designed interior featuring luxury vinyl plank flooring, rich wood accents, and stunning craftsman-style
Comfortable city-limits lease with more usable space than most homes in this price range. This single-story offers 3 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, plus an office and a separate dentwo extra flex rooms ideal for work, hobbies, or a second living area.The kitchen and both bathrooms feature tile flooring. The home has new carpet and fresh interior paint throughout. The living room is bright and
Well maintained 3 bedroom 2 bathroom home in the desired Orchard Glen community. A great floorplan with an open living room, dining area, and a nice kitchen with breakfast bar. Nicely landscaped front and back yard. Tenants to maintain landscape.Background check required. Tenant is responsible for all utilities.
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.
