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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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 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.
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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 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.
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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.
Written By
Jackson Hardy
Photography Contributed By
Mark Huddleston
Video By
Francesco Basti
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On average, homes in Tehachapi, CA sell after 74 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Tehachapi, CA over the last 12 months is $445,000, up 7% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Beautifully upgraded home in the desirable Stallion Springs community featuring fully paid solar and paid battery backup. This energy-efficient property offers approximately 2,028 sq ft of living space with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, designed with a split floor plan that provides privacy between the primary suite and secondary bedrooms. The fully remodeled custom kitchen features upgraded
There are homes that shelter you, and then there are homes that move you. This one belongs to the second kind.Set behind the gates of Bear Valley Springs, beneath a canopy of more than 20 mature oaks, this single-story retreat opens to the kind of view people build their whole lives around. Rolling golden hills, distant ridgelines, and skies that turn to watercolor at dusk. The covered deck was
Downtown Darling! First time on the market! This charming approximately 1302sf 3B/2B home is ideally located within walking distance of downtown Tehachapi's shops, restaurants, and year-round events. The spacious kitchen features top-of-the-line stainless steel appliances, abundant cabinetry, and generous storage. The inviting living room is anchored by a beautiful stone fireplace and enhanced by
Welcome to this beautifully remodeled Bear Valley retreat offering space, privacy, and breathtaking scenery in one of the area's most peaceful settings. This 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom home sits on a highly usable lot, providing the perfect blend of functionality and natural beauty--ideal for those looking to enjoy mountain living with room to roam. Inside, the home has been thoughtfully updated,
Wonderful opportunity for this 3 bed 3 bath cottage in the heart of Tehachapi. Close to the shops and restaurants of downtown. The kitchen boasts dual sinks looking out into the backyard with range-top built into the counter. One full bed and bath downstairs. Living room features a brick hearth fireplace, front covered porch, large back patio area and side parking large enough for your class A
This home is located in a beautiful area of Tehachapi. Close to town on your own 2 acres filled with oak trees and completely fenced. Home needs some work that is why we priced it accordingly. Shared well with house across the street. Hardwood floors, rock fireplace. Master bedroom on main level. Tons of windows. Kitchen has door access to outside small decking for outside enjoyment. Decks
Get your tools ready this home is ready to be finished. The hard work is done, plants and permits are paid for. All you have to do is finish building your brand new home, This home features 1250 SQFT Living area, 3 bedrooms 2 baths and 1100 SQFT garage are 3 car garage.CASH or HARD MONEY ONLY
This 15 acre land is located in the Tehachapi mountains in between Bear Mountain and the gate-guarded community of Bear Valley Springs. Total square footage is 659,062 with zoning E(10) RS. Come build your dream get away in the wilderness away from the busy city. Vacant lot, please call agent for gated access and any questions.
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.
Welcome home to this charming, move-in ready retreat tucked away on a quiet cul-de-sac in the desirable community of Stallion Springs! Backing to open district land, this property offers exceptional privacy, mature oak trees, and breathtaking mountain views you'll enjoy every day. The home features approximately 1,488 square feet with 3 spacious bedrooms and 2 bathrooms on a level, fenced
Experience the lifestyle Tehachapi is known for in this inviting 3‑bedroom, 2.5‑bath home tucked into one of the area's most established neighborhoods. The home's light‑filled living spaces and open layout make everyday living feel brighter, warmer, and more connected. The kitchen and dining area flow naturally for weeknight dinners, weekend baking, or hosting friends. Upstairs,
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
Stunning turn-key, move-in ready two-story home nestled in the scenic beauty of Bear Valley Springs, Tehachapi! This spacious 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath residence offers over 2,500 sq. ft. of living space on 11.34 acres of private land.Perched on an elevated homesite, this private hilltop retreat offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and natural landscape. The steep
Great opportunity to build a custom home or cabin, on 2.76 acres of peaceful mountain living in the Alpine Forest area! Unimproved land with tons of potential, and enough of a flat pad for your imagination to run wild!
Well maintained manufactured home in established park in Tehachapi City. Home features fencing in front yard area with covered patio with ramp access to front door, open living room with high ceilings and laminate flooring, dining room space off kitchen, nice kitchen open to laundry room. Laundry room has access to hall, kitchen, & door to back covered carport. Home is split wing with primary at
Wonderful home with breathtaking views located in the desirable gated Bear Valley Springs country club community, the home is situated on the Knolls just off the valley floor. The home features a large open-concept floor plan with beautiful open beam vaulted ceilings, Country kitchen with newer counter tops, farmers sink, large butcher block island that compliments the kitchen & dining area,
Welcome to a truly special custom home tucked beneath a canopy of magnificent oaks in a prime Bear Valley Springs location. With the Sycamore Trail just steps away and the backyard opening to abundant nature, this unique property offers the peaceful, private setting buyers come to BVS to find. Warm, inviting and full of character, the home blends mountain cabin architecture with Southwest flair
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.
Escape to mountain living in this stunning 2-story modern cabin-style home nestled in the private community of Bear Valley Springs!This beautiful home offers: 3 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms Nearly 1,900 sq ft of living space Open-concept kitchen with bar seating Spacious living room with a cozy brick fireplace Breathtaking views from every angle Situated on a 1.33-acre lot for added privacyEnjoy
Turnkey and beautifully remodeled, this move-in ready 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home offers comfort, space, and functionality. The bright open-concept layout features large windows that fill the home with natural light, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.The spacious kitchen boasts abundant cabinetry and opens to the dining and living areas, making it ideal for gatherings. A generously
UNIQUE RESIDENTIAL / COMMERCIAL PROPERTY !!! 3 BEDROOM, 1 & 1/2 BATH'S ! OFFICE/HOME AREA HAS 4 ROOMS UPSTAIRS AND 3 ROOMS DOWNSTAIRS THAT CAN BE UTILIZED AS LIVING SPACE OR OFFICE SPACE. OFFICE AREA ALSO INCLUDES A FULL KITCHEN, WOLFE STOVE, 2 GAS BURNING FIREPLACES IN THE KITCHEN AND ONE IN THE LIVING ROOM, A FULLY EQUIPPED KITCHEN THAT HAS A SUB-ZERO REFRIGERATOR, DISHWASHER, GARBAGE DISPOSAL,
Charming 3 bedroom, 1 bath home on a large corner lot located in downtown Tehachapi. Nice open great room, laminate wood flooring throughout, fresh paint, blinds, updated kitchen cabinets and nice size bathroom. Laundry hook up outside on carport. Large fenced back yard. Two portable AC units included . Garage access in now included!For more information and application visit our website:
1317 Fair Oaks Dr. - TehachapiBeautiful custom-built home available for lease in the desirable Heritage Oaks neighborhood! This spacious 3-bedroom, 3-bath home offers a comfortable and functional floor plan with a versatile bonus room perfect for a home office, playroom, or additional living space.The open-concept design features beautiful luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout, quartz
Charming 3-bedroom, 2-bath home in East Golden Hills. This home features an open living area, cozy fireplace, ceramic tile flooring with neutral carpet for easy upkeep and versatile decor. Enjoy a large backyard ideal for outdoor activities and entertaining. This residence offers a practical layout and comfortable finishes in a desirable location. Close to shopping, school and freeway.
For the first time ever the former Tangleweed farms is available for rent including the breath-taking 2500 sqft barn. This home was built in 2021 and is well designed for modern living. Five spacious bedrooms, open living concept and three full bathrooms allow for luxurious living. The barn was built in 2019 and allows for 2500 sqft of storage plus 1400 sqft of loft space. A great space for a
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