Taft, CA

Taft is a quiet, down-to-earth town of around 8,500 residents in the southwestern corner of the San Joaquin Valley, about 35 miles southwest of Bakersfield. Rooted in California's historic oil boom, the community sits among wide-open plains and rolling foothills, offering a relaxed pace well away from big-city congestion. For anyone looking for affordable homes, spacious lots, and a welcoming neighborhood atmosphere, it provides a grounded small-town setting with plenty of blue sky.

ATTRBobak Ha'Eri / CC BY 3.0

Community life here is anchored by Taft College, local schools, and neighborhood parks, giving families and students plenty of local connection. The town takes immense pride in its heritage, coming together every five years for Oildorado, a lively weeklong celebration featuring parades, concerts, and classic western fun. With the scenic Carrizo Plain right in the backyard and Bakersfield close enough for work commutes or major shopping runs, Taft makes for a comfortable, budget-friendly home base.