Why Live in Hillcrest
Hillcrest in Bakersfield, CA, is a suburban neighborhood known for its close-knit residential layout and convenient retail options. Located just off Exit 6 of California State Route 178, Hillcrest is 6 miles from downtown Bakersfield. The neighborhood features winding, walkable streets lined with trees and front-yard spaces. The homes are primarily ranch-style houses and bungalows, many with attached garages or covered carports, and some with solar-panel roofs. Properties range from 1,100 to 2,000 square feet, with fenced-in backyards. Families are moving into the area, and East Bakersfield High School is within walking distance.
Hillcrest features a mix of big-box stores like Target and Walmart, and fast-food eateries near Route 178, while smaller markets and diners are found in the southern part of town. Downtown Bakersfield, just a short drive away, provides museums, live entertainment, parks, and diverse dining options. Local dining highlights include Rock & Wings, Flame Broiler, Urbane Café, and the long-standing Red Pepper Restaurant. Heritage Park on the west side features a skatepark, basketball courts, a playground, and green space, with future plans for an outdoor amphitheater and splash pad. The Bakersfield Country Club, a short drive east, offers an 18-hole golf course and other amenities.
Hillcrest is served by the Bakersfield City School District and the Kern High School District, which has a high rating. The neighborhood is safer than the national average, with several GET bus stops and proximity to the Bakersfield train station (4 miles) and Meadows Field Airport (10 miles).