Taft: California's Most Affordable Oil Town

There is no town quite like Taft in all of California. Perched on the western edge of Kern County, where the San Joaquin Valley gives way to the Temblor Range, this city of roughly 9,500 residents lives and breathes the oil industry. The nodding pump jacks on the surrounding hills are as iconic as palm trees are in Los Angeles, and they represent more than scenery — they represent the jobs, the history, and the resilient economy that make Taft one of the most affordable places to own a home in the entire state. Alex Daredia works with buyers in western Kern County and consistently finds that Taft surprises people who take the time to visit.

Real Estate Market Overview

Taft's housing market is extraordinary for one simple reason: the price. With a median home price of approximately $195,000, this may be the single most affordable city for homeownership in California. That price buys a legitimate single-family home — typically a two- or three-bedroom ranch-style house with a garage and a yard. Some properties offer panoramic views of the surrounding hills and oil fields. Days on market average around 55, reflecting a slower-paced market where deals can be found and negotiations are reasonable.

The housing stock ranges from early 20th-century bungalows built during the first oil boom to mid-century ranches and some newer construction on the outskirts. Many older homes have been well-maintained and feature details like hardwood floors, covered porches, and mature landscaping. For investors, Taft's rental market is supported by oil field workers, college students, and government employees, providing consistent occupancy at yields that are hard to match elsewhere.

Neighborhoods

• Downtown Taft: The historic commercial core along Center Street features the Fox Theater, local businesses, and surrounding residential streets with early 20th-century homes. Properties here often sell in the $120K–$180K range — yes, those numbers are real for California.
• Ford City: An adjacent unincorporated community that functions as part of greater Taft. Housing here is the most affordable, with some properties available under $100K. It's a no-frills area that attracts investors and first-time buyers seeking rock-bottom entry points.
• South Taft: Residential neighborhoods south of the downtown core, offering mid-range homes in the $180K–$240K bracket with slightly larger lots and proximity to Taft College.
• Hillcrest: One of Taft's more desirable residential areas on the hills overlooking the valley, where homes in the $200K–$280K range come with views and a slight elevation advantage that brings cooler breezes.
• Westside: Properties on the western edge of town offer the most space and privacy, often on larger lots that back up to open land. This area appeals to buyers who want a rural feel within city reach.

Economy & the Oil Industry

Taft's economy has been built on petroleum for over a century. The Midway-Sunset Oil Field, which sprawls across the hills west and south of the city, is one of the largest producing oil fields in the United States. Companies including Berry Petroleum, Aera Energy, and California Resources Corporation operate extensively in the area. Oil field jobs — from roughnecks to engineers to support services — pay well and sustain a working-class economy that keeps Taft viable. While the industry has had cyclical downturns, the field's sheer reserves ensure ongoing production for decades.

Schools & Taft College

The Taft City School District and Taft Union High School District serve local students. Taft Union High School is a pillar of the community, with a proud athletic tradition, active FFA chapter, and dedicated teaching staff. Taft College, sitting on a hilltop campus with views across the valley, is a genuine asset — offering academic transfer programs, vocational certificates in oil technology and other trades, and a small-college experience that serves students from across western Kern County.

Lifestyle & Recreation

Taft's lifestyle is unapologetically small-town. Everyone knows the school principal, the mayor shops at the same grocery store as everyone else, and high school football games are social events for the entire community. The West Kern Oil Museum is a unique attraction that draws visitors interested in industrial history. The Buena Vista Aquatic Recreation Area, a short drive east, offers fishing, boating, and camping. The Carrizo Plain National Monument, one of California's most spectacular and least-visited landscapes, lies about 45 minutes to the west — a haven for wildflower viewing, hiking, and photography.

Commute & Location

Taft sits approximately 45 minutes west of Bakersfield via Highway 119. While the commute is longer than from some other Kern County communities, many Taft residents work locally in the oil fields or at Taft College. Those who commute to Bakersfield generally find the drive manageable against the significant savings in housing costs. The route passes through open country and is rarely congested.

Why Buy in Taft

Alex Daredia recommends Taft to a specific buyer: someone who values authenticity, affordability, and community over proximity to big-city amenities. If you want to own a home in California for under $200K — and not just any home, but a real house with character and a yard — Taft is where you look. If you work in the oil industry, this is your town. If you're an investor seeking cash-flowing properties at entry prices that barely register in coastal markets, Taft's numbers work beautifully. This is not a place for everyone, but for the right buyer, it's a rare gem in an overpriced state.

West Kern Oil Museum

An outdoor museum featuring antique oil field equipment, a fully restored cable-tool rig, and exhibits documenting the petroleum industry that built Taft and western Kern County.

Taft College

A respected community college offering academic programs, vocational training, and a beautiful hilltop campus overlooking the city and surrounding oil fields.

Midway-Sunset Oil Field

One of the largest and most productive oil fields in the United States, stretching across the hills west of Taft and providing the economic backbone of the community.

Buena Vista Lake Bed & Recreation

The historic lake bed east of Taft offers open space for recreation, and the Buena Vista Aquatic Recreation Area is a short drive away for fishing, camping, and water sports.

Taft Oilworkers Park

A community park honoring the workers who built Taft, featuring sports fields, playgrounds, and a gathering space for community events and celebrations.

Historic Fox Theater

A beautifully preserved art deco movie theater in downtown Taft that serves as both a cultural venue and a reminder of the town's prosperous mid-century heyday.