The Bakersfield area continues to be one of the most affordable areas in southern California for prospective home owners. The average sales price in the greater Bakersfield area is a little under $130,000. A recent survey identified Bakersfield as the most affordable city in California. The cost of a home in Bakersfield was approximately 74 percent of the average price of 300 U.S. markets in the survey.

Interest rates and housing affordability in the coming year are expected to remain favorable. The most significant factor in the residential market will likely center around projections for increased employment; as employment increases, home sales should rise. 

The real estate industry in Kern County is one of the most progressive in the state. In fact, some of the newest neighborhoods have recently received local, state, and national design awards. Additionally, Bakersfield has earned a reputation statewide for its residential building quality that exceeds the norm. Many of the newer homes are also designed to be some of the most energy efficient in the country.