Bakersfield is a bustling city located in the heart of California. The city offers a plethora of opportunities, attractions, and activities for locals and visitors alike. However, like any other city, Bakersfield has its fair share of places that you may want to avoid if you’re looking to have a good time. In this article, we’ll highlight some of the areas to steer clear of when in Bakersfield.
One of the places to avoid in Bakersfield is the downtown area. Although it may have some interesting sights and sounds, it’s also known for its high crime rate. The area is also known to have a significant homeless population, which can make some visitors feel uncomfortable. If you do find yourself in downtown Bakersfield, make sure to be vigilant and cautious, especially at night.
Another area to avoid in Bakersfield is East Bakersfield. While it’s home to a vibrant Hispanic community and some great Mexican food, it’s also known for its high crime rates. The area has seen an increase in gang activity, and visitors are advised to avoid flashing any valuables or attracting any unwanted attention.
South Bakersfield is another area that some visitors may want to avoid. While the area is home to some great shopping centers and restaurants, it’s also known for its high crime rates. There have been reports of carjackings and robberies in the area, so visitors are advised to be cautious and aware of their surroundings.
Finally, travelers should also avoid the Rosedale area of Bakersfield. Despite being one of the more upscale neighborhoods in the city, there have been reports of burglaries and car thefts in Rosedale. Visitors are advised to take extra caution when parking their cars or visiting any local restaurants or shops.
In conclusion, while Bakersfield has a lot to offer, there are certain areas of the city that visitors may want to avoid. If you find yourself in any of the areas listed in this article, make sure to be vigilant and aware of your surroundings at all times to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
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What are the high crime areas to avoid in Bakersfield?
Bakersfield, California is known for its agricultural industry, country music scene, and warm climate. However, like many cities, it also has areas that have high crime rates. One such area to avoid is the East Bakersfield neighborhood. This area has higher-than-average rates of homicides, robberies, and assaults. It’s also a low-income neighborhood with high poverty rates, which often correlates with higher crime rates.
South Bakersfield is another area that has high crime rates. Specifically, the neighborhoods around the Union Avenue and South H Street areas have seen an increase in violent crime in recent years. These neighborhoods are also largely low-income areas, and residents may not have access to the resources necessary to improve their safety.
Lastly, the Oildale neighborhood also has higher crime rates than other areas of Bakersfield. This neighborhood is located just north of the Kern River and has a higher-than-average rate of property crimes, including theft, burglary, and vandalism. It’s important to note that crime can happen anywhere, so it’s always a good idea to use caution and be aware of your surroundings, no matter where you are in Bakersfield.
Are there any neighborhoods in Bakersfield that are prone to gang activity?
Bakersfield, California has been known to have a presence of gang activity throughout the city. While gang activity is not exclusive to any particular neighborhood in Bakersfield, there are neighborhoods that have a higher incidence of gang-related incidents than others. Some of the neighborhoods with higher incidence of gang activity include East Bakersfield, Oildale, and South Bakersfield. These neighborhoods have been known to have activities like drug trafficking, vandalism, and even homicides related to gang activity.
Many of the gang-related activities in these neighborhoods are the result of various underlying factors, such as poverty, inequality, and lack of opportunity. Unfortunately, many of the residents, particularly the youth, in these neighborhoods are vulnerable to being recruited into gangs as a way of finding a sense of belonging or protection. Some community members have been working with law enforcement agencies to address the issues of gang activity in these neighborhoods and provide alternative resources and opportunities to prevent youth from being drawn into gang life.
It is important for residents and visitors to be aware of the potential for gang activity in certain neighborhoods in Bakersfield, particularly when traveling or moving into those areas. While measures are being taken to address and reduce gang activity in these areas, it is crucial for community members, law enforcement agencies, and local government to continue working together to provide resources and support for those impacted by gang violence.
Which parts of Bakersfield have a high traffic volume and should be avoided during rush hour?
Bakersfield, known for its vast agricultural lands and oil production, has been transforming into a bustling modern city in recent years. With an increase in population and businesses, traffic has become a major concern during rush hour. If you live or plan to visit Bakersfield, it is useful to keep in mind the parts of the city with high traffic volume that should be avoided during peak hours.
One of the busiest areas in Bakersfield is the 99 Freeway, especially around the merging points with the 58 Freeway and the 178 Freeway. This route serves as a primary gateway for commuters traveling through the central valley of California. During weekdays, rush hour traffic is usually heavy between 6:00 am to 9:00 am and 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. The areas near the 99 Freeway, including White Lane, Gosford Road, and Ming Avenue, experience a significant amount of traffic during these hours.
Another area that has high traffic volume during rush hour is the downtown region. The intersection of Golden State Avenue and California Avenue is heavily congested during peak hours. The traffic also builds up around the City Hall and the courthouse areas. The streets around Bakersfield College, including Mt Vernon Avenue and Panorama Drive, experience traffic jams caused by students commuting to and from the college. If you are traveling in these areas, it’s recommended to time your journey accordingly and plan alternate routes during peak hours.
Are there any areas in Bakersfield with poor air quality that should be avoided for health reasons?
Bakersfield, California, is known for its agricultural production and oil industry, which contribute significantly to air pollution in the area. According to the American Lung Association’s 2020 “State of the Air” report, Bakersfield ranked as the 14th most polluted city in the United States in terms of annual particle pollution. There are several areas in Bakersfield where air quality is a concern due to high levels of pollution.
One area that is particularly known for its poor air quality in Bakersfield is the San Joaquin Valley. The valley is surrounded by the Sierra Nevada mountains and the Coast Range, which trap smog and other pollutants. In addition to agricultural and oil-related pollution, dust and wildfire smoke also contribute to poor air quality in the San Joaquin Valley. Residents of this area are more likely to experience respiratory problems, including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Another area of concern for air quality in Bakersfield is the vicinity of the East Bakersfield oil fields. The oil fields emit pollutants such as benzene, a known carcinogen, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which can have harmful effects on health. Residents in close proximity to these oil fields are at higher risk of developing respiratory problems, cancer, and other adverse health effects. It is recommended that individuals with respiratory conditions or weakened immune systems limit their exposure to areas with poor air quality in Bakersfield.
What are the parts of Bakersfield with a high prevalence of homeless encampments that should be avoided?
Bakersfield, a city located in California’s Central Valley, has been struggling with a growing homeless population in recent years. Homeless encampments have become a common sight in several parts of the city. While it is important to be empathetic towards these individuals and recognize the socio-economic factors that have led to their situation, it is also important to be aware of areas that have a high prevalence of homeless encampments which might be best avoided for safety reasons.
One area of Bakersfield that has a high prevalence of homeless encampments is the Kern River Parkway. This area runs along the Kern River and is a popular destination for hiking, biking and outdoor activities. However, the presence of homeless encampments in the area has had a negative impact on the safety and cleanliness of the parkway. It is best to avoid this area after dark and take extra caution when using the parkway.
Another neighborhood in Bakersfield that has been particularly affected by the homeless crisis is Oildale. This area has seen a large number of homeless encampments pop up in recent years, particularly near the riverbeds that run through the area. While Oildale offers affordable housing options compared to other parts of the city, the homeless encampments have had a negative impact on the safety and cleanliness of the neighborhood. It is best to avoid this area, particularly after dark.