Lamont: Southern Gateway to the Bakersfield Market

Lamont is a census-designated place of approximately 17,000 residents situated immediately south of Bakersfield, where the flat agricultural expanse of the San Joaquin Valley begins to give way to the rising terrain of the Tehachapi foothills. While it lacks the municipal structure of an incorporated city, Lamont functions as a cohesive community with its own schools, parks, businesses, and identity. Alex Daredia has worked with numerous buyers who discover Lamont while searching for affordability close to Bakersfield's employment centers and find a community that offers far more than just a low price tag.

Housing Market Analysis

The Lamont real estate market revolves around a median home price of approximately $275,000 — a figure that sits comfortably below Bakersfield's median while offering proximity to the same job markets and services. The housing stock is primarily single-family homes ranging from modest two-bedroom starter properties in the $200K range to larger four-bedroom family homes that top out around $350K. Many homes sit on lots of 7,000 square feet or more, with established landscaping and the outdoor living spaces that are central to the community's lifestyle.

Days on market average around 40, making this a balanced market without the pressure of more competitive areas. Buyers have negotiating power here, and sellers who price correctly see steady interest. For investors, Lamont's rental market benefits from consistent demand driven by the agricultural workforce and proximity to south Bakersfield's industrial and logistics employment.

Community Areas

• Central Lamont: The heart of the community along Main Street, where you'll find local businesses, restaurants, and the most affordable residential properties. Homes here are typically older but offer tremendous value for first-time buyers.
• Weedpatch: The adjacent community immediately to the south carries its own historical significance. Housing here is similarly affordable, and the Weedpatch Camp museum draws visitors interested in Dust Bowl and labor history.
• East Lamont: Newer residential development on the eastern edge of the community, with some homes built in the 2000s and 2010s offering more modern construction at slightly higher price points.
• Mountain View Area: The southernmost portions of the community offer views toward the Tehachapi Range and a more spacious, semi-rural atmosphere while remaining just minutes from Bakersfield.
• Di Giorgio: A nearby community to the southeast with agricultural properties and larger lots that appeal to buyers seeking space and a rural environment.

Economy & Employment

Lamont's economy is driven primarily by agriculture. The surrounding farmland produces grapes, citrus, almonds, carrots, and potatoes, and several major packing and cold storage operations are based in the area. These facilities provide hundreds of jobs ranging from seasonal field work to year-round management and logistics positions. Many Lamont residents commute the short distance to Bakersfield for employment in retail, healthcare, energy, and other sectors. The commute is typically under 20 minutes, making Lamont a practical bedroom community for south Bakersfield workers.

Schools & Education

The Lamont School District serves elementary and middle school students, with Vineland School District also serving portions of the community. For high school, students attend Arvin High School or other schools in the Kern High School District. Families in Lamont often prioritize educational advancement, and the community's connection to Bakersfield College and CSUB provides accessible higher education pathways.

History & Heritage

Lamont's history is inseparable from the story of agricultural labor in California. The Weedpatch Camp — formally the Sunset Labor Camp — was built by the Farm Security Administration in 1936 to house migrant workers fleeing the Dust Bowl. John Steinbeck visited the camp while researching "The Grapes of Wrath," and the community hall has been preserved as a living museum. This heritage gives Lamont a historical weight that newer communities simply don't possess, and residents take pride in the perseverance that defines their roots.

Lifestyle & Daily Life

Life in Lamont revolves around family, faith, and community. Churches serve as social hubs, weekend soccer leagues pack the parks, and local taquerias and markets cater to the community's predominantly Latino population with authentic food and goods. The pace is slower than Bakersfield, and the atmosphere is more personal. Residents here know their neighbors, share produce from backyard gardens, and gather for celebrations that mark life's milestones together.

Why Buy in Lamont

Alex Daredia often recommends Lamont to buyers who need proximity to Bakersfield but find the city's prices slightly beyond reach. The savings can be substantial — $50,000 to $100,000 less than comparable homes just a few miles north — while the commute difference is negligible. For first-time buyers using FHA or USDA loans, Lamont's prices make qualifying significantly easier. For investors, the combination of low acquisition costs and reliable agricultural-driven rental demand creates strong cash-flow opportunities. As Bakersfield continues to expand southward, Lamont is positioned to benefit from improved infrastructure, new retail, and the natural appreciation that comes from proximity to a growing metro area.

Weedpatch Camp (Sunset Labor Camp)

The historic New Deal-era migrant labor camp that housed Dust Bowl refugees in the 1930s, immortalized by John Steinbeck. The camp's community hall has been preserved as a museum and historic landmark.

Lamont Park

The community's primary recreational facility offering sports fields, playground equipment, picnic areas, and a gathering space for local events and celebrations.

Agricultural Packing & Processing

Multiple agricultural packing houses and cold storage facilities in and around Lamont provide essential processing services for the surrounding farms and significant local employment.

Lamont School District

A dedicated school district serving the community with elementary and middle school campuses, providing accessible education focused on the needs of local families.

Mountain Views & Open Spaces

Lamont's location at the southern edge of the valley floor offers views of the Tehachapi Mountains and proximity to open countryside that residents appreciate.