Ford City, CA

Ford City is a small, quiet community of around 4,300 residents located right on the northern edge of Taft in western Kern County. The town earned its name during the early 20th-century oil boom, when so many oilfield workers drove Ford Model Ts that the nickname permanently stuck. Highway 119 runs just east of town, offering a straightforward commute toward Bakersfield about 40 minutes away, while the surrounding valley landscape reflects generations of local energy heritage.

Because Ford City flows seamlessly into Taft, locals head next door for everyday groceries, dining, and community services. Families are served by neighborhood elementary schools, Taft Union High School, and Taft College for degree and vocational programs. The area maintains a relaxed, unpretentious pace of life, with local landmarks like the West Kern Oil Museum highlighting the deep community roots that define this corner of the valley.