Top Student-Friendly Neighborhoods to Rent Near Major Colleges and Universities Near Bakersfield

College life is naturally about a lot more than classes, textbooks, and degrees. At its best, it’s also an unforgettable experience, and where you hang your hat at the end of your day plays a huge role in that. This includes variables like how easy it is to get to campus, where you grab your coffee on your way to an early-morning lecture, and what there is to do when you need a break from all that studying.

That said, Bakersfield may really surprise you in this department. It doesn’t get nearly as much attention as some of California’s big coastal college towns, but it has a lot to offer that students really appreciate. Think staples like space, variety, and a lot more housing flexibility than you’re likely to find in San Francisco or Los Angeles.

Here, Bakersfield College and California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB) are the major school choices, and they collectively move thousands of students through the city each year. There are also plenty of conveniently located housing pockets that are ideal for eager Bakersfield students looking for just the right situation.

Current Average Rental Prices for Apartments in Bakersfield

I’m Shannon, your ApartmentHomeLiving.com Local Expert for Bakersfield, California. It’s my pleasure to introduce you to some of the best options for student-friendly local living in this wonderful town.

Bakersfield College

Bakersfield College has been part of the local landscape since its founding in 1913, which actually makes it one of California’s oldest colleges. Students still come from all over Kern County for a chance to study there while enjoying the hilltop campus’s beautiful view of northeast Bakersfield’s Panorama Bluffs.

Because of the location, most students start their housing searches in nearby north or central Bakersfield. This not only helps simplify commutes but also offers easy access to essential everyday conveniences. Here’s a look at some of my top recommendations.

La Cresta Alta Vista

Because of how close it is to campus, La Cresta Alta Vista is often the first place prospective Bakersfield College students consider in their search for a suitable apartment.

Depending on where in the neighborhood you live, you could be looking at a breezy 5- to 10-minute drive to class each day. Some students even choose to bike their way up the hill when the weather’s nice. La Cresta Alta Vista also connects easily to Highway 178, which makes getting across town in a jiffy super easy – perfect if you’re also looking into internships or seeking part-time work.

Students and other locals alike love living close to the scenic Panorama Bluffs overlooking the Kern River valley. Nearby Panorama Vista Preserve provides easy access to even more gorgeous, wide-open views, not to mention multiple walking trails. Just what the doctor ordered for days you don’t want to spend your free time staring at yet another screen.

Looking for a couple of awesome hangouts to add to your list? Be sure to hit up Niles Street. The neighborhood cafes and casual restaurants there make great places to meet up with a couple of friends after class or grab a quick lunch now and then.

Homaker Park

Homaker Park is a little closer to Kern River Parkway, making it one of Bakersfield’s best-loved outdoor recreation options. It also comes attached to a slightly different personality and vibe, compared to La Cresta Alta Vista.

The Kern River Parkway Trail runs for several miles along the river, and it’s the place to be if you can’t imagine life without morning jogs, regular bike rides, or even just plenty of fresh air. Many students love coming here to decompress and recenter after exams or on the weekends.

Transportation-wise, Homaker Park is within easy reach of both Highway 178 and Union Avenue, two major routes locals count on to get from northeast Bakersfield to other parts of the city, including downtown. Downtown is naturally a great place to head if you’re into shopping, live music, or a show at the historic Fox Theater.

Downtown Bakersfield

If you’re the type of would-be student who loves the idea of living somewhere truly energetic, you definitely don’t want to sleep on Downtown Bakersfield itself during your search.

This neighborhood is full of popular local landmarks, including the iconic Fox Theater, the Bakersfield Museum of Art, and Mill Creek Park. (Mill Creek is one of my favorite places to go for public events and options like community gatherings.) Downtown is also the hub for many of the city’s bus routes, making it one of the more transit-friendly options you could go with.

Food options are plentiful and include picks like casual taquerias and cozy spots to grab a quick coffee. I’m partial to Dagny’s Coffee Company myself, but many of the cafes downtown double as informal study alternatives to the library.

Downtown Bakersfield is also the place to be if you like easy access to concerts, street fairs, and other fun events throughout the year. There’s a pretty sweet nightlife and culture scene to explore here, too.

Oleander Sunset

Oleander Sunset is one of Bakersfield's oldest, most unique neighborhoods. It’s also one that its residents are fiercely proud of, and with good reason.

Oleander Sunset has a special charm that most newer developments just don’t have, thanks to its tree-lined streets and gorgeous vintage architecture. Even a simple walk down the street here feels like taking a wonderful trip through time.

Bakersfield College students who live here choose it for its convenient central location. Downtown Bakersfield is just a short drive away, and major throughways like Union Avenue and California Avenue make getting where you need to be an absolute snap.

And when they’re looking for something to do in or near the neighborhood? Oleander Sunset residents love gathering at local markets or participating in community events. In fact, the sense of community and the friendly people are among the most often cited benefits of living here. So, if you’re looking for a convenient spot that also feels homey and welcoming, it’s hard to beat this one.

Riviera Westchester

If any point in your search for affordable Bakersfield apartments near Bakersfield College leaves you wishing for a happy medium between Downtown Bakersfield’s energy and Oleander Sunset’s history, be sure to check out Riviera Westchester.

Quiet streets, green trees, and classic homes characterize this part of Bakerfield. Riviera Westchester is also the kind of place where many residents choose to stay for years, giving it a stable element that newcomers really love.

It’s pretty easy to get around from here, as well, thanks to major roads like Truxtun Avenue and Chester Avenue. Just hop in your car, and school, downtown, and lots of other parts of the city are just a quick ride away.

If you love quiet, historic places to spend a stray afternoon, you’ll love how close Riviera Westchester is to the Kern County Museum. Not only is this a great place to soak up a little culture, but it also hosts tons of seasonal events and festivals that people flock to from all over Bakersfield.

California State University, Bakersfield

If you’re looking for a school near Bakersfield that offers a more traditional education experience, then California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB) just might be for you. It first opened in 1965 and has grown steadily since. Today, it serves thousands of graduate and undergraduate students across dozens of different programs.

Naturally, as CSUB has blossomed over the years, so has the surrounding area of the city. As a result, this slice of Bakersfield means plenty of student access to well-planned communities and newer housing. Most students focus their apartment-scouting efforts on the southwest part of Bakersfield first, as it’s close to campus. Also, shops, grocery stores, restaurants, and other conveniences are easy to get to.

That said, allow me to introduce you to my top picks for student-focused Bakersfield apartments near California State University, Bakersfield.

Campus Park

If convenience tops your wish list when it comes to great places to live off-campus, then Campus Park is definitely the place to start looking.

As its name suggests, it’s right next to CSUB, so it’s easily one of the closest neighborhoods to score an apartment. In fact, a lot of apartment communities here cater directly to the nearby student population.

In many cases, CSUB students can easily bike or even walk to class if they like. And if you have your own transportation, nearby Stockdale Highway serves as a reliable commuting corridor for reaching lots of shopping centers, restaurants, and plenty of other parts of the city.

If you’re looking for a convenient place to hang out after class or over the weekend, check out some of the coffee shops and casual dining spots, all just right next door or down the street. Some amenities (like certain grocery stores) are even close enough for you to get your errands done between classes.

Stockdale

Stockdale is one of southwest Bakersfield’s busiest commercial areas, so it brings a lot to the table that makes it super convenient for anyone embracing the student living experience. It’s packed with retail centers, grocery stores, and convenient places to grab a bite to eat, so students love the way daily errands can easily be handled without straying far from home.

Stockdale also puts you in a great position, transportation-wise, as Stockdale Highway (plus multiple other freeway options) makes it super easy to get to school, as well as downtown and to various other parts of Bakersfield.

The Stockdale area also offers a wide range of different housing types, everything from classic apartments to affordable rental homes, so the mix of people here is diverse. You’ll find young professionals and families here, enjoying life right alongside University of California, Bakersfield, students.

Seven Oaks

If you like the idea of setting up shop in one of Bakersfield’s better-known planned communities and have some wiggle room to work with in your budget, then be sure to check out what’s available in Seven Oaks.

The neighborhood itself was actually built around the Seven Oaks Country Club, so it naturally features plenty of upscale homes and beautifully landscaped parks. It’s also a bit more expensive than a lot of Bakersfield’s student-heavy areas, but it’s extremely popular with both graduate students and working professionals looking to attend CSUB.

The restaurants and shopping experiences nearby are top-notch and very convenient. It’s also delightfully quiet in Seven Oaks, so it’s just the thing for students looking for a quiet place to really dig into their studies.

Laurelglen

Easy access to plenty of shopping and dining options, plus appealing residential calm, make Laurelglen a great place for CSUB students to consider living. It’s also a flexible neighborhood to take a look at, especially for students who plan on living with friends or roommates, as there are multiple housing types available (e.g., affordable single-family homes and apartment complexes).

The sheer amount of green space in Laurelglen also means plenty of wonderful little areas where frazzled students can relax, exercise, or take in a little fresh air with friends. There are also lots and lots of places to grab groceries, supplies, and coffee nearby. And personally, I think Laurelglen has some of the best takeout spots in all of Bakersfield – perfect student fare all the way.

So, if you’re looking for someplace well-connected that still feels just like home, then Laurelglen just might be your ideal new future home while you’re at CSUB.

Lakeview

Located just southeast of downtown Bakersfield, Lakeview is a surprisingly convenient neighborhood for students attending California State University, Bakersfield. Several major roads and highway connections mean a manageable, straightforward car commute all the way. You can also access public transportation via Golden Empire Transit, with bus routes serving the entire neighborhood.

Students living here have multiple rental options to choose from, including duplexes, single-family homes, and apartment complexes. Arrange to split the rent with roommates, and you’ve got even more attractive solutions to consider. You’ll also enjoy easy access to service businesses, restaurants, and even international markets.

There are plenty of desirable spots to spend an afternoon or unwind outside of the pressures of college life, too, including beautiful Lakeview Park and lots of other outdoor green spaces.

Bakersfield Rental Options Students Can Live With

Often, choosing the best Bakersfield rental option as a local student boils down to personal preference. Do you love the idea of being close to the action, or do you want somewhere you can study quietly for hours? Are you an outdoorsy type who loves sunshine and a good jog, or are concerts and restaurants more your thing?

Whatever you picture when you think of the ideal student life, Bakersfield has so much more to offer than a lot of outsiders realize. Take the time to explore all the options available to you before deciding once and for all where you want to live. You’ll be glad you did.