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
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Tehachapi, CA sell after 73 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Tehachapi, CA over the last 12 months is $439,000, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to 28100 Preakness Drive, a charming 3 bedroom, 2 bath home nestled in the desirable community of Stallion Springs.Offering approximately 1,338 sq. ft., this home feels surprisingly spacious while maintaining a warm and inviting atmosphere throughout. The bright living area offers plenty of room to relax and gather by the pellet stove on those chilly nights that are coming soon, while the
Experience elevated living in this exceptional custom-built new construction residence, perfectly situated in the prestigious Golden Hills community of Tehachapi. Thoughtfully designed with impeccable craftsmanship and luxurious hand-selected finishes, this stunning 4-bedroom, 3-bath home offers the perfect balance of elegance, comfort, and modern convenience on a .54 acre lot.From its
Melissa StewarteXp Realty of Greater Los Angeles, Inc.
Perched on 5.32 private acres with incredible views overlooking Bear Valley Springs, this is the kind of property that makes you stop and take it all in.Set back from the road for added privacy, this beloved 3,126 sq ft home is filled with natural light, soaring vaulted ceilings and oversized windows that bring the surrounding mountains and valley views into nearly every room. The open-concept
Adorable Bear Valley Springs home on over an acre! Enjoy both a charming covered front patio and a spacious covered back patio, plus a fenced yard and storage shed. Inside, you'll find a welcoming formal entry, tall ceilings in the living and dining areas, and a cozy wood-burning fireplace with a large sliding glass door leading to the back patio. The kitchen features tile floors and counters,
A brand-new roof, installed in February 2026, provides peace of mind, while the welcoming front porch invites you to relax and enjoy the mountain lifestyle. Inside, you'll find a bright, open, and airy floor plan centered around a cozy wood-burning stove, creating the perfect gathering space. The well-designed kitchen is a chef's delight, featuring abundant cabinetry with under-cabinet lighting,
Discover a charming home in one of Tehachapi's most desirable locations, conveniently situated within city limits and close to schools, shopping, and everyday essentials. This inviting property features a spacious open living room with a cozy fireplace and comfortable carpet flooring, perfect for relaxing or entertaining.The dining area flows seamlessly from the open kitchen, which offers
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 located in an established park within Tehachapi City. A fenced front yard and covered patio welcome you home, complete with convenient ramp access to the front door. Inside, enjoy a bright, open living area with high ceilings and laminate flooring, plus a dedicated dining space just off the kitchen. The spacious kitchen flows into the conveniently located laundry
Corner home located in Tehachapi City with a large yard.This home has been a rental since they purchased home.The house has wood floors and was recently painted inside and outside.Has Tile counters and white cabinets in kitchen. The home does have a duel pack on the roof for heating and air. The primary bedroom has a shower only in the bathroom and the main bath has a full tub.We have a home
Located in Golden Hills WestDouble Door entry and living room with fireplace. Dining area is large and has tile floors and ceiling fan. Kitchen has pantry and butcher block style counters. Laundry room off kitchen and also a half bath. There is a den/office area off the garage. 3 good size bedrooms all have carpet. Primary has full bath and two sliding closets. Guest bath is full bath and has
The owner had a vision but unfortunately it did not come to fruition. Has oak trees. Nice area.Come take a look and envision your dream home on this lot.
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
"CORPORATE HOUSING FULLY FURNISHED!Beautiful brand new home with all the bells and whistles built in 2024 in Stallion Springs. Beautiful furniture, custom sofa with sleeper, 55 inch smart TV, electric fireplace, ceiling fans in livingroom and bedroom. Kitchen fully loaded with everything you need to make meals and bake including granite counter tops. New full size appliances, counter depth
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.
Mountain Charm, Endless Views 6+ Acre Retreat with Bonus SpacesWelcome to your private mountain escape! Perched on 6.08 serene acres with sweeping valley views, this 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offers the perfect blend of character, space, and versatility. Whether you're craving peaceful solitude or a creative space to spread out, this home delivers.Step inside to soaring vaulted ceilings, warm
Property Id: 2716865 2 Bedroom, 2 story, 1.5 bath Apartment with attached Garage Our unit has Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring downstairs with plush carpet throughout the upstairs and bedrooms. Kitchen comes with Refrigerator, Oven, Stove, Dishwasher, microwave, and garbage disposal. Small, fenced backyard. We are pet friendly. Garage has full size hot water heater as well as laundry hookups for
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
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 along with a garage for extra storage. This property requires a minimum credit score of 675.
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,
Welcome to Bear Valley, a charming 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom + loft home. This beautifully decorated, cozy wood-burning fireplace home, is perfect for the chilly mountain evenings. The fenced corrals make it an ideal property for equestrian enthusiasts. The covered RV area and a fully fenced 1-acre lot, has plenty of space for all your outdoor activities. Enjoy the convenience of propane, a
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
Susan Everroad-CrookeBerkshire Hathaway Home Services
Beautiful Custom Home in Country Setting with spectacular Tehachapi Mountain views. This 3 bedroom, 3.5 2921 sq ft home has so many features to offer. This home boasts a large open great room with floor to ceiling rock fireplace with wood burning insert, vaulted ceiling, reseeded lighting, floor outlets, large dining area off kitchen or could be an office. The kitchen features a separate dining
Charming 3-Bedroom Country Home with Bonus Room & Spacious BackyardThis beautiful 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offers a bonus roomperfect for a home office, gym, or creative studio! Step inside to a welcoming great room featuring vaulted ceilings and a cozy fireplace. The formal dining room flows into a well-appointed kitchen, making entertaining a breeze.A large laundry room with extra storage leads
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