Why Live in Kernville
Kernville, a small mountain town in the Kern River Valley, retains its Wild West charm from its days as Whiskey Flat during the California Gold Rush. Located about 52 miles from Bakersfield, this town of fewer than 1,000 residents is popular for tourism and retirement, nestled among the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Outdoor enthusiasts are drawn to Kernville for its hiking trails, rafting, and campgrounds. Riverside Park is a favored spot for fishing and whitewater kayaking, while the Whiskey Flat Trail offers panoramic views of wildflower fields and the Greenhorn Mountains. The Kern River divides the town, with ranch-style homes on the western banks and newer farmhouses on multi-acre lots to the east. Downtown Kernville features Western-style storefronts, rustic restaurants, and antique saloons, with local eateries like Ewings on the Kern providing scenic dining experiences. The town's only grocery store is Sierra Gateway Market. Kernville's annual Whiskey Flat Days festival attracts over 10,000 visitors each February with rodeos, country music, and gunfighting skits. The Kern Valley Museum offers insights into the town's mining history. Education is served by the Kern High School District, which has a high rating. Kernville is car-dependent, with limited sidewalks outside downtown, and public transportation is provided by Kern Transit. The town is about 166 miles from Los Angeles via state Route 99. Crime rates in Kernville are lower than the national average, with significant drops in property and violent crime between 2022 and 2023. The area experiences a desert climate with high summer temperatures and occasional air pollution issues.
Home Trends in Kernville, CA
On average, homes in Kernville, CA sell after 79 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Kernville, CA over the last 12 months is $375,000, up 7% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$375,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$400,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$257
Number of Homes for Sale
17
Last 12 months Home Sales
23
Median List Price
$419,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
5%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
7%