• State's most affordable metropolitan housing: median sales price $477,700; Bakersfield median sales price: $263,000
• 11th fastest growing population in California
• 63rd most populous city in U.S.
• 125 schools - 13 high schools - 1 city college - 1 state university
• 4th largest agricultural producing county in U.S.
• Retail sales increase on average 5.2% annually
• Festivals: Jazz, Shakespeare, Blues, Reggae, Pow-Wow, Via Arte
• Median family income $45,174
• County seat of Kern County, 3rd largest county in California
• Largest oil producing county in U.S. - out producing all but 4 states
• Tree City USA designation 10 years in a row
• Pro-business government - no local utility or inventory taxes
• Home to Nestle, Frito-Lay, State Farm, Pillsbury, Texaco, Chevron, Dreyers
• Bakersfield Business Conference - 20 years of international speakers in politics, business, entertainment
• 14th busiest Amtrak station in U.S.
• Year round recreation: boating, white water rafting, fishing, hiking, golf, camping, water/snow skiing, skydiving, soaring
• 4,500 affordable hotel rooms
• Pro Sports: ice hockey, baseball, auto racing, speed boats, rodeos, arena football
• Collegiate champs in basketball, swimming, wrestling, soccer
• Variety of Theater
• Rabobank Arena largest convention center complex in Valley
• 47 parks – 1134 miles of streets - 95 miles of bike lanes and paths
• Conventions/Tourism brings $100 million annually to city
• Official City flower - Miss Bakersfield Camellia, bird - Western Robin