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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On average, homes in Tehachapi, CA sell after 95 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 $438,500, up 7% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
**** 3 bed | 2 bath plus a BONUS Room & SOLAR!!! ****Welcome to this beautiful oasis located within city limits, just minutes from downtown, local shops, and entertainment, while still tucked away in a quiet neighborhood. This home features a spacious entryway that opens into an inviting open-concept living room, dining area, and kitchen complete with a large island and cozy fireplace perfect for
This beautifully maintained custom 4-bedroom 2.5-bathroom home located in a desirable neighborhood offers engineered wood floors, large bedrooms and best of all, an amazing, upgraded kitchen with granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances and a large built-in island.The Chef-grade kitchen seamlessly opens into the spacious great room, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. This open
Welcome to Cherry Lane Estates! This 3 bedroom 2 bath open and airy home is waiting for you to visit and see why you get the best of both worlds, mountain views and a 4 minute drive to the grocery store on a cozy culdesac. This property features a fenced yard, attached garage, separate laundry area, walk in closet, patios, gas fireplace, central A/C and heat.
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
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,
Downtown Tehachapi opportunity at 313 S Curry St: 7,405 sf lot (0.17 ac) with street access and an in-town location close to restaurants, parks, and schools. Per prior MLS data, zoning is noted as T1.4, allowing multiple options and potential uses including commercial, single family, duplex, and 4-plex (buyer to confirm with the City and any other agencies). Buyer to verify all info including
Prime 6.85-acre commercial vacant land opportunity with excellent visibility along Highway 58 in Tehachapi. This property is zoned C-2 (General Commercial), allowing for a wide range of potential uses including retail, service commercial, hospitality, fuel-related uses, and other permitted developments (buyer to verify). Strategically located adjacent to an established Love’s Travel Center, the
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.
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,
307 S Curry St is an in-town Tehachapi home with a downtown-close location and quick Hwy 58 access. 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, approx. 795 sq ft, built 1929, on an approx. 3,485 sq ft lot. Single-level layout with kitchen + laundry area and two bedrooms. Composition roof. Zoning noted as R1 (buyer to verify allowable uses, setbacks, and any development standards). EZ access to City events, shopping,
Prime 41.52-acre vacant land opportunity in Tehachapi offering strong potential for industrial and commercial development. The property is zoned M-1 PD (Light Industrial Planned Development), allowing for a wide range of uses including warehousing, distribution, logistics, contractor yards, light manufacturing, and other industrial applications (buyer to verify with Kern County). This large,
Opportunity awaits in this beautifully remodeled 2,356 sq ft home, located in the desirable gated community of Bear Valley Springs in Tehachapi. This spacious residence offers four bedrooms and three full bathrooms, thoughtfully designed for comfort and flexibility. Step into a generous dining area with an additional breakfast nook or extended kitchen space, complete with a sliding door that
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.
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 HOUSE*CLEAN &
🏡 28301 Bear Valley Rd, Tehachapi, CA 93561Located in the gated community of Bear Valley Springs, this charming country home offers space, privacy, and beautiful mountain surroundings.The 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom 1,841 sq ft home features a comfortable layout with generous living space, a functional kitchen, and plenty of natural light. Enjoy peaceful views and room to breathe while still
Beautiful, well maintained 2 bdrm., 1 1/2 bath townhome, with washer/dryer hook ups in garage. Water and trash are included in rent. The unit is spacious and quiet with good neighbors.
🏡 23451 Mashie Ct, Tehachapi, CA 93561Enjoy peaceful living in the gated community of Bear Valley Springs. This comfortable 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home offers a spacious layout with natural light, a functional kitchen with plenty of cabinet space, and a welcoming living area perfect for relaxing or entertaining.The home also features an attached garage, private yard space, and is located
Spacious 2 bedroom one bathroom apartment in Golden Hills. Hardwood floors in the living room and both bedrooms. Tile in both kitchen and bathroom. Master bedroom has a walk-in closet. Large eat in kitchen with refrigerator, oven/stove and dishwasher. Lots of storage. Two patios one in the front of the apartment and enclosed patio in the back. There is a separate private laundry room off
Looking for a cozy home in a beautiful gated community? This well-cared-for 3 bed | 2 bath home will be available starting April 1st!Features include:-Gas fireplace for cozy nights-Laminate flooring throughout-Well-maintained and move-in readyEnjoy community amenities included with rent!Located in Bear Valley Springs, offering stunning views, peaceful surroundings, and access to incredible
For Rent - Available April 1, 2026This 3-bedroom, 2-bath home is located in a quiet, highly desirable neighborhood near Tehachapi High School. The home features an open-concept living space, many upgrades, plenty of storage, and a large backyard. - Rent: $2,500 per month- Security Deposit: $2,500- Lease Term: 12 months- Utilities: Tenant responsible for all utilitiesAvailable April 1, 2026.
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
Welcome to this beautifully cared for 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home in the desirable Orchard Glen community of Tehachapi!This home offers comfort both inside and out, with near-new flooring, updated fixtures, stylish blinds, and a refreshed fireplace surround that creates a warm and inviting living space. The functional layout makes everyday living easy, whether you are relaxing at home or
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