McFarland: Heart, Grit, and Homeownership

If you saw the 2015 Disney film "McFarland, USA" starring Kevin Costner, you already know the spirit of this town. But the real McFarland — population approximately 16,000, nestled in the agricultural heartland of Kern County along Highway 99 — is even more compelling than Hollywood portrayed. This is a community built by the hands of farmworkers, sustained by an unbreakable sense of togetherness, and now offering some of the most accessible homeownership opportunities in the entire state of California. Alex Daredia works with buyers in McFarland who are often first-generation homeowners, and helping them achieve that dream is one of the most rewarding aspects of the job.

Real Estate Market Analysis

McFarland's housing market is straightforward and honest, much like the town itself. The median home price of approximately $265,000 represents one of the lowest entry points for single-family homeownership in California. For context, that same budget wouldn't cover a parking space in San Francisco. Here, it buys a three-bedroom, two-bathroom home with a yard, often with a two-car garage. The average days on market of around 45 reflects a steady but not overheated market — buyers have time to find the right fit, and sellers receive fair value.

Most homes in McFarland are single-family residences built between the 1960s and 2000s, with some newer infill construction. Properties typically sit on generous lots of 6,000–8,000 square feet, and many have been well-maintained or updated by longtime owners. For investors, McFarland offers strong rental yields because housing demand from agricultural workers and their families is consistent year-round.

Neighborhood Guide

• Downtown McFarland: The compact commercial center along Kern Avenue features local businesses, restaurants, and civic buildings. Surrounding residential streets have older, character-filled homes at the most accessible prices in town, often in the $200K–$250K range.
• Browning Road Area: On the east side of Highway 99, this area includes some of McFarland's newer homes and offers a slightly more suburban feel. Prices here tend to be at the higher end of the McFarland market, in the $280K–$330K range.
• North McFarland: Approaching the Delano border, this area features a mix of residential properties and agricultural land. Homes on larger lots appeal to buyers seeking space and a semi-rural lifestyle.
• Garzoli Avenue Area: A residential corridor with established single-family homes, close to schools and the recreation center. This is a popular choice for families with children.

Economy & Employment

Agriculture is McFarland's lifeblood. The surrounding land produces table grapes, almonds, citrus, and roses, employing a significant portion of the local workforce. Agricultural packing houses and cold storage facilities within and near McFarland provide year-round jobs. Many residents also commute to Delano or Bakersfield for additional employment opportunities in retail, healthcare, and logistics. The town's proximity to Highway 99 makes commuting practical, and the relatively low cost of living means that even modest incomes can support homeownership here.

Schools & Education

McFarland is served by the McFarland Unified School District, which operates elementary, middle, and high school campuses. McFarland High School — home of the legendary Cougars cross-country team — is the community's pride. The school's running program has produced nine state championships and remains a pipeline for collegiate athletes. The district has invested in updated facilities and technology, and teachers here often speak about the unique dedication of McFarland students and families to education as a path forward.

Community & Culture

McFarland's culture is inseparable from its people. The community is predominantly Latino, and that heritage infuses every aspect of life — from the taco trucks and panaderias along Kern Avenue to the quinceañera celebrations that fill the recreation center on weekends. The annual Homecoming celebration brings together current residents and those who have moved away, reinforcing the bonds that make McFarland more like a large extended family than a city. Running remains central to the town's identity; you'll see joggers on the roads at dawn, and the cross-country course is a pilgrimage site for fans of the film.

Location & Access

McFarland straddles Highway 99 between Delano and Bakersfield, approximately 25 miles north of Bakersfield proper. This location provides easy access to both cities' job markets, shopping, and services. Fresno lies about 100 miles north, and Los Angeles is roughly 140 miles south via the 99 and I-5. The town's position in the center of the San Joaquin Valley makes it a natural crossroads for agricultural commerce.

Why Buy in McFarland

Alex Daredia has a special appreciation for McFarland buyers because many of them are achieving homeownership for the first time in their family's history. This is a place where the American dream is not a slogan — it's a real, attainable goal. A family earning a modest income can own a home here, build equity, and create stability for the next generation. The community will embrace them, the schools will challenge their children, and they will be part of a story that Disney chose to tell the world. For investors, the combination of low acquisition costs and reliable rental income makes McFarland a quiet performer in any portfolio. This town has heart, and its real estate reflects that.

McFarland USA Cross-Country Legacy

The storied running program at McFarland High School has produced multiple state championships and was immortalized in the 2015 Disney film starring Kevin Costner.

McFarland Recreation Center

A community hub offering youth programs, sports leagues, after-school activities, and gathering space for residents of all ages.

Kern County Agricultural Heartland

McFarland sits amid some of the most productive farmland in the San Joaquin Valley, with almond orchards, vineyards, and citrus groves stretching to the horizon.

McFarland Veterans Memorial

A tribute to the community's military veterans, serving as a gathering point for patriotic celebrations and a reminder of the town's service tradition.

Annual McFarland Homecoming Celebration

The town's signature annual event brings together current residents and alumni for a parade, community dinner, and festivities that strengthen the bonds between generations.