Last Updated on: 4th July 2025, 07:56 pm
Thinking of moving to Bear Valley Springs, California, a guarded-gate community known for its privacy, natural beauty, and recreational amenities? At an elevation of over 4,000 feet, the summers are mild, and the nearby mountains offer excellent escapes into nature. The best part of living in Bear Valley Springs is the great outdoors— its proximity to the mountains and its unique charm make moving here something truly special.
The history of Bear Valley Springs traces back to the 1960s when Dart Resorts developed the land and promoted the community. An unincorporated community, a census-designated place (CDP), is owned and operated by Bear Valley Springs Property Owners Association. Operations are handled by two organizations: the Bear Valley Community Services District (CSD) manages waste, water, paved roads, and infrastructure, while the Bear Valley Springs Association (BVSA) oversees recreational and community-building initiatives.
The town is a gated community where visitors can enter the town if sponsored by a resident living in Bear Valley Springs CA.
And one of the most frequently asked questions – are there bears living in Bear Valley Springs? Yes, California black bears are living in Bear Valley Springs, as well as other wildlife.
Let’s dive into what makes living in Bear Valley Springs special and what you need to know before moving to Bear Valley Springs.
Table of Contents
Where Is Bear Valley Springs CA?
Bear Valley Springs lies in Kern County and is located in the Tehachapi Mountains close to Tehachapi. It’s 13 miles from Bear Valley Springs to Tehachapi and 52 miles from Bear Valley Springs to Bakersfield. Bear Valley Springs is not only close to Bakersfield; it’s 125 miles to the south from Bear Valley Springs to Los Angeles. LA is about a two-hour drive away, making Bear Valley Springs well-connected to many cities in California.
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Most amenities are situated in Tehachapi; you’ll find schools, grocery stores, restaurants, and other essential services. The closest public transportation stop, the bus line 100 Bakersfield – Lancaster, is in Tehachapi.
There is no single town center for the community living in Bear Valley Springs, but rather two community hubs: the Whiting Center, where the Market & Grill is located, and the Oak Tree Country Club area. These gathering points are where the community congregates.
Bear Valley Springs Population and Demographics
The population living in Bear Valley Springs is 5,592 people, representing an 8% increase since 2010. The population density is moderate, with 143.85 persons per square mile.
Demographics for Bear Valley Springs:
- 51.3% male and 48.7% female
- 19% of the population is younger than 18 years old, below the national average of 21.7%. Persons over 65 years old were 31.7%, with the national average much lower at 17.7%, making senior citizens the largest age group.
- Median age 55 years
- The median household income is $121,069
- The racial and ethnic composition of people living in Bear Valley Springs is fairly homogeneous, with 82.7% White alone (77.9% White, non-Hispanic), 10.6% Hispanic or Latino, 2.6% Asian alone, 1,1% American Indian, 0.4% Black alone, and 7.9% two or more races.
- 95.1% of the adult residents have graduated high school, and 42.1% have a bachelor’s degree or higher.
- The average household size is 2.43 persons, slightly less than the national average household size of 2.54.
Crime in Bear Valley Springs
Living in Bear Valley Springs is safe, as can be expected from a gated community. The total reported crime rate is 12 per 1,000 inhabitants with property crime the most prevalent at 8 per 1,000 inhabitants. This is in contrast to the crime rate in Bakersfield at 45 per 1,000 inhabitants and 35 per 1,000 inhabitants in California statewide.
When living in Bear Valley Springs, you will be protected by the Bear Valley Springs police, which share responsibilities with the Kern County Sheriff’s office.
Cost of Living in Bear Valley Springs
The cost of living in Bear Valley Springs is below the California average, mainly due to affordable housing. With few services in the small town, most of the daily needs are found in Tehachapi or Bakersfield.
Typical living expenses in Bear Valley Springs*
- 1 meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $25.00
- 1 gallon of milk: $4.62
- Loaf of fresh white bread: $3.63
- 1 pound of apples: $2.90
- 1 pound of potatoes: $1.47
- 1 gallon of gasoline: $4.67
- Average utilities per month: $200.96
Source: Numbeo
*Prices are for Tehachapi
Bear Valley Springs Real Estate
Bear Valley Springs homes for sale range from rustic log cabins to brand-new constructions. Two-bedroom condos can be found for under $300,000, and large, four-bedroom houses for $700,000. RedFin reports a median sales price of $447,500. Living in Bear Valley Springs is more affordable than the national median home price of $438,357 and significantly lower than California’s average of $852,900. As a bonus, there is a wide selection of homes for sale in Bear Valley Springs CA.
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There are also plenty of rental opportunities, with 5% of the housing market rentals. Expect to pay an average rent of $1,370, according to RentCafe for an apartment.
Bear Valley Springs Weather and Climate
You will feel the altitude living in Bear Valley Springs; the minimum elevation is 4,118 feet, where the town lies, and the highest point is Bear Mountain at 6,934 feet. The climate is hot-summer Mediterranean/Semi-arid, with four seasons. Hot summers, although milder than cities at lower altitudes, and low precipitation make living in Bear Valley Springs enjoyable all year round.
The best time to visit is in late spring or early autumn, the summer months will be very hot, and winter can be cold. The warmest month is July, with a mean daily maximum of 87.1°F degrees. The coldest month, January has a mean daily minimum of 29.6°F, which means snow is possible in the winter.
Things to Do in Bear Valley Springs
An active lifestyle is the keyword for people living in Bear Valley Springs. Lakes, parks, and wilderness areas are easily accessible to people living here. Hiking trails and bike trails to explore the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. Elk, deer, occasionally condors, bobcats, and black bears can be spotted. Over 55 miles of hiking trails trace the land, offering breathtaking views of the full region.
Oak Tree Golf course
The 9-hole Oak Tree golf course winds through the lower valley, nestled around the Four Islands Lake with beautiful houses lining the golf course. The country club has a full-service golf shop and restaurant and is open year-round.
589V+2W Bear Valley Springs, California, (661) 821-5537
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Equestrian Center
The well-equipped equestrian center supports a variety of disciplines and activities. Whether practicing dressage in the arena or exploring the trails around Bear Valley Springs, the center is highly valued by those living in Bear Valley Springs.
26800 Bear Valley Rd, Tehachapi, CA 93561, (661) 821-3960
Cub Lake
Cub Lake is a great spot for families. The park is well-equipped, featuring an easily accessible picnic area, walking paths along the lake, an outdoor basketball court, a playground for children, opportunities for fishing and model boating, and the Cub Lake dog park.
28999 Lower Valley Rd, Tehachapi, CA 93561
Four Island Lake
Four Islands Lake is the larger of the two lakes, 37.5 acres, which is nearly four times larger than Cub Lake. Surrounded by the golf court this well-maintained park offers great leisure time with fishing and boating, like kayaking.
29641 Pinedale Dr, Tehachapi, CA 93561
Additional Attractions In Bear Valley Spring
- Whiting Center – an indoor recreational facility.
- The Bear Valley Springs Shooting Range – outdoor shooting activities for members.
- Tehachapi Winery – tasting room open to the public.
Bear Valley Springs Restaurants
There are a handful of restaurants serving the people living in Bear Valley Springs. The best dine-in choices are the two restaurants operated by the BVSA, which are reserved for members and their guests.
The Oaks Restaurant
Upscale American dining with a view of the pool. The Oaks restaurants have tasty steak specials and an elegant atmosphere for memorable dinner experiences.
29500 N Lower Valley Rd, Tehachapi, CA 93561, 661-821-5521
The Mulligan Room
A casual restaurant adjacent to the golf course, with a nice patio overlooking the course. The Mulligan Rooms is the highest-rated restaurant in Bear Valley Springs with comfort food on the menu; hash browns, buttermilk pancakes, and, above all, the Club Sandwich.
29541 Rollingoak Dr, Tehachapi, CA 93561, 661-821-4107
Bear Valley Springs Market and Grill
The local market with outdoor seating for country-style dining. The grocery store carries essentials, and the restaurants serve food all day. The reviews rave about the mouthwatering chorizo breakfast burrito and burgers. Children friendly.
26900 Bear Valley Rd, Tehachapi, CA 93561, 661-821-3102
Bear Valley Springs Schools
Bear Valley Springs with your family? The nearest schools are located in Tehachapi, a served by Tehachapi Unified School District with two high schools, one middle school, and three elementary schools. Read more about it in our blog about Tehachapi.
Jobs in Bear Valley Springs CA
There is little employment data for the town, but it can be assumed that the best employment opportunities lie outside.Much of the working population commutes to cities like Tehachapi and Bakersfield. The average commute time is 40 minutes, well above the national average of 27 minutes.
There are several large employers in the Tehachapi area, such as:
- Tehachapi Unified School District, operates 7 public schools.
- Adventist Health Tehachapi Valley, a private health care provider.
- California Correctional Institution (CCI), supermax state prison.
- Edwards Air Force Base, with over 10,000 personnel.
The average PayScale, the average base salary in Tehachapi is $90,000 per year, and for Bakersfield $83,000 per year. If you are on the hunt for jobs in Bear Valley CA, then check out the city job board and the open posts on Indeed.
Before moving to Valley Springs, it’s worth noting that a significant part of the population is over 65 years old, so expect a lifestyle well-suited for anyone retiring.
Bear Valley Springs Statistics and Information
- Bear Valley Springs County: Kern, California
- Bear Valley Springs area: 39 square miles
- Bear Valley Springs California zip code: 93561
- Bear Valley Springs area code: 661
- Bear Valley Springs time zone: Pacific Standard Time (UTC -7 and -8)
- The closest national airport is Meadows Field Airport (BFL), 60 miles away.
Map of Bear Valley Springs California
Use this map to find out more about living in Bear Valley Spring.
Ready to Start Living in Bear Valley Springs CA?
Is Bear Valley Springs a good place to live? Yes, living in Bear Valley Springs offers a tight-knit community, nettled in the outdoors. If you’re ready to move to the area, then let the Bear Valley Springs movers at Mentors Moving & Storage help you! Give our team a call at (661) 215-6023 for a free quote.
