Louise Lopez expertly guides queer individuals to vibrant, inclusive U.S. and North American neighborhoods with 15+ years of dedicated experience, ensuring they find not just a home, but a community where their authenticity is celebrated and protected.
While moving to LGBT Bakersfield isn’t anything like New York City or San Francisco, the truth is that it is a beautiful, thriving city with a growing LGBTQ community that anyone would be happy to call their own…
The community in Bakersfield is diverse, with people from different backgrounds and cultures, so you’re bound to blend right in! While Bakersfield is thought to be a little more conservative, trust us when we say that living here doesn’t necessarily mean that things will always be tense or dramatic for you.
However, some people have experienced the shorter end of the stick with slurs hurled at them or getting fired because of their gender identity or sexual orientation. Even so, we like to keep things balanced here, and the way we see it, there’s a chance for everyone to make a positive contribution to making the city more accepting and inclusive.
Bakersfield is situated on the Kern River, only two hours’ drive from L.A. and close to Sequoia National Forest. Owing to its favorable quality of life, reasonable cost of living and abundance of housing, this city is regarded as a wonderful place to live.
Although Bakersfield is not the most beautiful city, it has promise for future citizens and is conveniently located along the main road from southern to northern Cali, meaning your options are bountiful for weekend escapes. Though you might well not want to leave as Bakersfield provides its residents with pleasant weather and a wide range of business and leisure possibilities.
Bakersfield is a truly intriguing city that welcomes those looking for a progressive and inclusive place to work, play, and raise a family. If you’re contemplating relocating to LGBT Bakersfield, you might just discover the accepting surroundings you or your family require to prosper.
There is even a quirky gay scene in Bakersfield, but like Casper, Billings, Fort Wayne, Little Rock, and other mid-sized cities in the United States, it is rather low-key. This is why a gay realtor in Bakersfield is priceless, as they can assist you in finding your new perfect home in the gaybourhood most suited to you.
Despite the relatively hidden LGBT culture of Bakersfield, moving here should not make you feel uneasy. The majority of people in Bakersfield are accepting of the LGBTQ community, and you will quickly discover that the majority of businesses, shops, and services will serve you with pride.
We’ll go over what you should expect when moving to LGBT Bakersfield, as well as how you can make the transition easier on yourself (or with your family) and make sure you’re prepared to enjoy every minute of your new life here!
Check your preconceptions at the door because moving to LGBT Bakersfield is not what you expect…
In this article we will cover...
- Highlights Of Moving To LGBTQ Bakersfield
- Does Bakersfield Embrace The LGBTQ Community?
- Is Bakersfield An Expensive City To Move To?
- The Best Gay Neighborhoods In Bakersfield
- LGBTQ+ Community Organizations In Bakersfield
- LGBTQ+ Community Events in Bakersfield
- LGBT-Owned Businesses In Bakersfield
- Final Thoughts On Moving To LGBTQ Bakersfield
- Finding Gay Realtors In Bakersfield
Highlights Of Moving To LGBTQ Bakersfield
Residents of Bakersfield are well aware that their underappreciated city is brimming with hidden gems. Once you move here, you’ll be able to quickly befriend locals and spend your free time discovering that Bakersfield is overflowing with culture and captivating sights…
On top of this, thanks to an offbeat yet deeply engaged LGBT community, which congregates at a few undercover queer hot spots in the city’s most popular neighborhoods, securing a relocation here will allow you to meet queer people with similar interests.
Almost anything your heart desires is available here, and when relocating to LGBT Bakersfield, there are numerous things to look forwards to, such as distinctive architecture, endearing coffee shops, and boozy brunch haunts.
Let’s take a closer look at a few of the aspects that make up Bakersfield California before we get into the details.
Pollution Is A Thing Here
Bakersfield was placed first for annual particle pollution, out of scores of other cities in the nation, second for 24-hour particle pollution, and third for high ozone days. Bakersfield has poor air quality and severe pollution.
The city’s thriving petroleum industry holds the key to why it has such horrible pollution. In actuality, Kern County produces 10% of the country’s oil supply and 66% of the oil in the state. California’s largest oil field, spanning an area of 10,750 acres, is located in Kern County.
Bakersfield Is Hot
Most of the time, the city is hot. It has a hot, dry, desert environment that is predominant throughout the summer. Bakersfield experiences 191 clear days annually on average. This region is good for a variety of crops, including carrots, almonds, and citrus, due to the abundant sunshine.
The city’s average temperature is roughly 32.2 °C from April to October, when it may even hit 43.3 °C on the hottest days. You will encounter dense fog during the winter. Despite the fact that the fog is typically denser outside of populous areas, people are urged to exercise particular caution during this time owing to restricted visibility.
Career Opportunities
Bakersfield has various industries with many job opportunities. Some of the main industries here include mining, oil, agriculture, natural gas extraction, and regional corporates. The city is also popular for country music, so if you’d like to pursue your music career, you’ve headed the right way.
You Need A Car For Transport
Bakersfield is a spread-out city and isn’t very walkable. If you choose to live downtown amidst the busy center, things might be different for you. However, if you live further from the city center, you will need a car to get around.
If you have no car, you will have to depend fully on Bakersfield public transport to get around. While this might not be your most reliable option, the city is striving for changes in its amenities and transportation.
Does Bakersfield Embrace The LGBTQ Community?
Bakersfield is a diverse city with people from different cultures, backgrounds, and histories. However, Kern County isn’t the most progressive county, as conservatism is pretty rampant. The truth is that this is one of those regions where you’re constantly wondering whether you are safe as a member of the LGBT community.
While it’s not direct homophobia, residents and visitors alike are witness to the ignorance that’s rampant in the city. It’s obviously hard living in a place where you know public opinion doesn’t lean toward you. Unfortunately, there is significant resistance to what makes people different and homophobia and transphobia aren’t uncommon.
Even so, there’s no community that is completely homogenous, and everyone’s experience of living here is different. Just because you live in a conservative city doesn’t mean every person you meet will spill bile on you for being who you are. However, it’s important to note that many LGBT people in Bakersfield are witness to the bleak picture painted by the loudest and the worst conservatives.
You might not get a middle finger for being queer, but you may feel the pat on the back, see the fake smile, and hear the refusal to refer to you by your chosen pronouns. Ultimately, this should be a good reason to join the local LGBT community and ensure that your voice is heard in making Kern County more progressive.
Is Bakersfield An Expensive City To Move To?
Even though Bakersfield isn’t a cheap city, it’s certainly less expensive and more affordable than other California cities and areas. Housing expenses here are 11% cheaper than the national average, so buying a home here is cheaper than buying one in cities like San Francisco and L.A.
The reason why housing is more affordable here is that Bakersfield doesn’t have similar income-earning potential to nearby areas. As a result, housing here isn’t in strong demand, which means prices are lower. Utilities, on the other hand, are 36% higher than the national average, while groceries are 11% higher than the country average.
The average annual income for a single adult in the city is approximately $70,000. If you want to live in an affordable part of California, this city might be what you’re looking for.
The Best Gay Neighborhoods In Bakersfield
While all the media today seems to this that gayborhood is dead or on the verge of extinction. We have news for them – it’s not! Instead, gayborhoods across the USA are growing in number and diversity; they might look slightly different.
Instead of being the main street serving mostly-exclusive LGBT clients (something we now think of as a gay village), gayborhoods have evolved into cultural archipelagos, a collection of queer islands coalesced by sexuality and gender and liberal allies. And cities frequently have more than one.
Today, it turns out not all LGBT people in Bakersfield want to live in the relative chaos of downtown Bakersfield – and thankfully, they (and you!) have options. However, when choosing where to live in Bakersfield, remember that some areas are more conveniently located for all the fun queer events and activities.
By being aware of them in advance, you can arrive at your new residence in the gay-friendly neighborhood that best suits your needs.
Discover your ideal new home in one of these prominent gay and LGBT-friendly gaybourhoods in Bakersfield. Each one has its own distinct personality, a friendly vibe, and amenities you’ll love and soon wonder how you ever did without. Give yourself lots of time to get to know the diverse areas of Bakersfield, and bear in mind that this city has plenty to offer everyone – queer or otherwise!
Now let’s take a look at where the handful of marvelous gay areas in Bakersfield are and talk about the Bakersfield gayborhood where you might feel most at home! Or speak to a local LGBT real estate agent for a more detailed understanding of the best options today.
Tevis Ranch
Tevis Ranch is located on the city’s western side. It is a suburban area featuring modern single-family housing and flawless landscaping. Even though this neighborhood is a little further on the outskirts of Bakersfield, it is safe for locals that want to live away from the busy Downtown.
Tevis Ranch is known for affordable housing and is home to around 4,800 people. In addition, if you want to start a family or are moving with school-going children, the public school system in this neighborhood is highly rated. Old River Elementary School is located in this neighborhood and is very popular with the locals.
Tevis Ranch is home to Tevis Ranch, where you can hang outside with the entire family. It has numerous picnic areas, a place to soak up the sun, and a playground. Tevis Ranch is also home to Seven Oaks Country Club, a private country club and 18-hole golf course that features pickleball courts, a fitness center, a tennis court, and five-star dining.
Olde Stockdale
Olde-Stockdale is also considered one of the best places to live in the state. It is Bakersfield’s most affluent neighborhood and has the highest median household income as opposed to other Bakersfield neighborhoods. Old Stockdale is home to only 2,500 people and is considered tight-knit and small.
It is an excellent choice for business executives, and young professionals thanks to its top-notch, well-maintained amenities. Olde Stockdale has many places where you can meet your friends or spend time with family, including shopping centers for shopping addicts.
Some of the best locations in this area include Miyoshi Japanese Restaurant, where you can experience authentic Japanese cuisine served in a contemporary setting, and Stockdale Country Club, which has been in existence since 1925 and is located on historic real estate.
Quailwood
Quailwood is located adjacent to the Kern River. This neighborhood became part of Bakersfield only a few years ago. It is home to around 1,500 people and is an excellent choice for those who love outdoor activities. Quailwood is home to green spaces, parks, and walking trails.
Residents here are very active, and you will see them out on their current adventures frequently. While this neighborhood has lots of lush vegetation and wildlife, Downtown Bakersfield is only a short distance away. If you want a neighborhood that will allow you to relax not too far away from the bustle of the city, Quailwood is it.
The neighborhood has various types of property, from single-family homes to apartment complexes and popular shops and restaurants; you will never run out of things to do here. Some favorite locations in Quailwood include Quailwood Park, which gets crowded in the afternoon when school lets out.
Truxtun Lake is also located here, and it’s an excellent place for fishing bass or rainbow trout. Quailwood is also home to Kroll Park, which is the perfect place to let your furry friends let loose.
LGBTQ+ Community Organizations In Bakersfield
Wherever you live, it is critical that you support LGBT organizations in any way you can use so that they can keep reaching out to and assisting other members of the community who are more vulnerable. After all, we are all stronger when we work together, and each of us will likely have a time in our lives when we require a little extra support.
Bakersfield has a supportive and diverse LGBTQ community, which has helped the city become more gay-friendly in recent years.
As a result, there are a variety of LGBT resources available to community members, their allies, friends, and families – and you ought to feel free to utilize them or consider giving your support as needed to keep your new home city moving forwards! They are also a place to meet new people and find your chosen queer family in Bakersfield.
The Center for Sexuality And Gender Diversity
The Center, as it’s popularly known, is a non-profit serving the LGBT community in the region. It offers a safe and supportive space to the LGBT community and serves as a linkage to the greater LGBT community of Kern County.
The Dolores Huerta Foundation is on a mission to organize and inspire communities to create volunteer organizations that are empowered to seek social justice. The foundation’s social justice work is aimed at Education Equity, Civic Engagement, LGBTQIA+ Equality, and Health and Safety. The foundation believes that those who are directly affected or impacted by inequity have the know-how to drive community-driven solutions when empowered with the necessary resources, training, and tools.
Bakersfield LGBTQ+ is a social justice, non-profit organization for LGBTQ individuals, their families, and the community. The organization aims to make positive changes in people’s lives through social support, networking, and education.
Rainbow Voices of Bakersfield is on a mission to educate the community in choral music and to enlighten, enrich, and entertain through their performances.
LGBTQ+ Community Events in Bakersfield
After moving to a new city, you will likely want to create new connections, meet new people, and network. Thankfully, LGBT Bakersfield plays host to a variety of annual events for lesbians, transgender persons, gays, and anyone else who wants to have a good time.
While there are many queer events in the city, the ones listed here are the largest and greatest and are all worth marking in your calendar as you won’t want to miss them.
Bakersfield Gay Pride Festival
Bakersfield Pride is responsible for organizing the city’s annual Pride festival and parade. Bakersfield Gay Pride Festival is an annual celebration of the local LGBTQ+ community and all its contributions to the city. It is an event where you can network, have fun with friends and family, and enjoy a myriad of activities.
Commuter Meet and Greet happens every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month at The Center from 5:30 PM to 7:00PM. It is a social networking event in a safe environment where LGBTQ+ adults and their allies can meet without a particular agenda. Here, you will enjoy great conversation, and be privy to nurturing ideas and camaraderie.
Gayme Time offers a face-to-face, fun experience that’s not easy to find anywhere else. The event is for LGBTQ+ people and their allies of all ages. The event occurs every 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month at The Center. You can enjoy Pictionary, board games, card games, and much more!
LGBT-Owned Businesses In Bakersfield
It’s only normal to want to support queer businesses after relocating to LGBT Bakersfield. Making a safe space where individuals can relax, shop, eat, and meet without fear is one way to build a safer and more accepting society – and LGBT businesses are frequently doing the heavy lifting to achieve this goal.
It is crucial to support these projects wherever you reside to ensure the survival and development of the queer community. When you shop local, you are personally investing in your city and community – a small step that can be transformational when people do it en masse.
Here are just a few of our favorite LGBTQ+-owned companies in Bakersfield that you can support with your pink dollars…
Raven is a Queer hairstylist in Bakersfield. As the proprietor of Hair by Raven, she has a private studio so that you are comfortable without worrying about the traditional salon setting. Most of her client base is queer, and her suite is large enough to accommodate her growing clientele.
Started by Jeff Simpson and Gary Blackburn, the Sequoia Sandwich Company can only be described as a high-quality deli that offers hand-crafted sandwiches in an upscale environment. The store first opened in September 1999 and has been a success with the community’s support.
Adventures Pride is owned by Emily Fisher. As an LGBTQ community organizer and rock climber, she utilizes different designs to mirror a universal search for the exploration of the unknown. Her business started as a volunteer service to The Center where she was volunteering on the board.
Final Thoughts On Moving To LGBTQ Bakersfield
Thanks to its proximity to both San Diego and San Francisco (without the sky-high rents), Bakersfield is an excellent place to call home. The city is also close to the nearest Santa Barbara beach, which is an excellent idea for a weekend of fun. There is a lot to see and do in this city, so whether you like exploring museums, outdoor adventure, or hanging out at the park, your weekend plans are covered!
We hope you receive the freedom and security you deserve if you decide to start your new chapter in LGBT Bakersfield. However, please remember that life is what you make of it.
The best ways to learn more about LGBT Bakersfield are to live in a gay-friendly neighborhood, support local queer businesses and events, and join LGBT community clubs, organizations and teams.
We promise that if you go by these suggestions, moving to LGBT Bakersfield will be less challenging for you and that you’ll meet like-minded individuals and build up that all-important support network quickly.
Finding Gay Realtors In Bakersfield
Why would you consider someone’s sexuality when hunting for the ideal realtor? This may appear strange at first, but there are numerous reasons why contacting a gay realtor in Bakersfield is a good way to discover your dream house.
After all, it’s not unrealistic to expect fair, equal, and honest representation from someone who comprehends the queer community’s specific needs and desires when engaging in one of life’s most important transactions.
Further to that, sadly many people (up to one-third of Americans) still genuinely think that our community does not deserve protection and dignity in areas such as housing, adoption, employment, and other aspects of life.
As a result, it’s not surprising that LGBT people who use mainstream realtors frequently express discomfort, unnecessary trouble, unenthusiastic representation, or even antagonism or outright contempt.
Everyone deserves a pleasurable, stress-free home buying or selling experience while being adequately represented, which is why we believe you should hire a gay realtor to assist you in uncovering your ideal future home.
When looking for a home, LGBTQ realtors are more likely to be informed about the diverse communities in their area and fully comprehend which ones may be particularly well suited to you. This isn’t to say heterosexual realtors aren’t competent; they’ve just never had to deal with many of the challenges that LGBT people face.
Gay realtors conduct thorough research into the neighborhoods in which they sell homes to make sure their customers are safe, rather than just being concerned with how thriving, trendy, or up-and-coming a neighborhood is (or appears to be).
It used to be challenging to uncover professional LGBT-friendly real estate agents in Bakersfield – and it was virtually impossible to find one if you were relocating here from out of state and didn’t have access to a local referral.
Thankfully, you no longer have to search for a realtor without knowing whether or not they are accepting of others because you can use a list of gay, lesbian, and gay-friendly agents in Bakersfield to do all of your homework for you.
Simply go to the page, and you’ll be presented with a free list of gay, lesbian, and gay-friendly agents who can help you with your relocation, as well as other useful information like LGBT+friendly schools, shopping, storage firms, tradesmen, and more.
Read the biographies of LGBT real estate agents, then select the one who is right for you. It’s essential that you find someone who will be by your side and support you and your family during one of life’s most exhilarating occasions.
Even better, there is no hidden motive, cost, or obligation whatsoever!
