First-Time Buyer's Guide to Bakersfield Neighborhoods
A data-first look at Bakersfield ZIP codes for first-time buyers: median sale and list prices, days on market, home age and size from current MLS data, plus the property-level costs to check before you choose.
Bakersfield covers a lot of ground, and prices, home ages and home sizes change a great deal from one ZIP code to the next. Instead of labeling areas, this guide gives you the numbers from recent MLS sales, then explains the property-level costs that change what a home actually costs you each month.
Bakersfield by ZIP code
| ZIP | Sales (90 days) | Median sale price | Median active list price | Median days on market | Median year built | Median sq. ft. | Median $/sq. ft. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 93301 | 19 | $360,000 | $347,000 | 26 | 1950 | 1,432 | $232 |
| 93304 | 72 | $305,000 | $315,000 | 21.5 | 1953 | 1,217 | $240 |
| 93305 | 35 | $280,000 | $309,900 | 25 | 1952 | 1,112 | $240 |
| 93306 | 136 | $379,500 | $365,000 | 21.5 | 1981 | 1,676 | $218 |
| 93307 | 115 | $360,000 | $357,450 | 24 | 2004 | 1,155 | $238 |
| 93308 | 129 | $330,000 | $326,450 | 27 | 1970 | 1,344 | $236 |
| 93309 | 138 | $345,000 | $344,900 | 27 | 1976 | 1,520 | $227 |
| 93311 | 181 | $512,250 | $540,000 | 23 | 2010 | 1,812 | $251 |
| 93312 | 147 | $445,000 | $479,475 | 24 | 2002 | 1,850 | $243 |
| 93313 | 116 | $424,750 | $445,000 | 21.5 | 2003 | 1,653 | $234 |
| 93314 | 122 | $590,000 | $589,900 | 27.5 | 2010 | 2,141 | $255 |
| Bakersfield | 1,210 | $410,000 | $419,500 | 24 | 1994 | 1,574 | $237 |
Source: GEMLS/CRMLS via My Realty Company, as of September 15, 2026. Residential sales in the 90 days ending September 15, 2026; active listings as of that date. ZIP codes with fewer than 15 sales are omitted. Medians for small samples, such as 93301, can move a lot from month to month.
How to read this table
- Median price and size go together. Some ZIP codes with lower median prices also have smaller median homes. Compare price per square foot, not just price.
- Home age affects financing and upkeep. Where the median home was built around 1950, expect older roofs, plumbing and electrical systems. FHA appraisals check HUD's minimum property requirements, and older homes are more likely to need repairs before closing.
- Days on market are similar across the city, clustered in the low-to-high 20s. Individual listings still vary widely.
- Loan limits: in every ZIP code shown, the median sale price is under Kern County's 2026 FHA limit ($541,287), except 93314. All are under the conforming limit ($832,750).
Costs that vary by property, not just by ZIP
Two homes at the same price can have very different monthly costs. Check these for any home you're considering:
- Property taxes. California's base levy is 1% of assessed value, but voter-approved bonds and special assessments differ by tax rate area. Look at the actual tax bill.
- Mello-Roos (Community Facilities District) taxes. Common in newer developments. Sellers must disclose them. They can add meaningfully to the annual tax bill.
- HOA dues and rules. Review the budget, reserve study and any pending special assessments.
- Homeowners insurance. Get a quote early. Premiums and availability depend on the home's age, roof and location.
- Flood zone. Check FEMA's Flood Map Service Center. If the home is in a special flood hazard area, lenders will require flood insurance.
- Commute and utilities. Drive your actual commute at the hours you'd travel, and ask for the seller's typical summer utility bills.
A first-time buyer's process
- Get pre-approved first. Your budget narrows the table above to the ZIP codes and home types that fit.
- Pick your program. FHA (3.5% down with a 580+ score), conventional (as little as 3% down for eligible borrowers), VA (may not require a down payment for eligible borrowers), and CalHFA MyHome (deferred-payment assistance for eligible first-time buyers) all have different rules.
- Compare total monthly cost, not list price, using taxes, Mello-Roos, HOA and insurance for each specific home.
- Visit at different times of day to judge traffic, noise and commute for yourself.
- Inspect thoroughly, especially on older homes.
- Work with a local agent who can pull comparable sales for the exact homes you're considering.
Quick checklist
- Pre-approval amount and target monthly payment
- Shortlist of ZIP codes that fit your price and size needs
- Tax bill and Mello-Roos status for each home
- HOA documents (if any)
- Insurance quote
- FEMA flood zone check
Ready to see what your budget looks like? Contact us or use our mortgage calculators.
Sources
- GEMLS/CRMLS via My Realty Company, Bakersfield residential sales and active listings by ZIP code, as of September 15, 2026
- HUD Mortgagee Letter 2025-23 (2026 FHA limits); HUD Handbook 4000.1 (minimum property requirements)
- FHFA, 2026 conforming loan limit announcement
- California Constitution, Article XIII A (Proposition 13); California Civil Code §1102.6b (Mello-Roos disclosure)
- FEMA Flood Map Service Center (accessed September 15, 2026)
- CalHFA, MyHome Assistance Program (accessed September 15, 2026)
Related: Buy a Home in Bakersfield, CA
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