Last Updated on: 12th May 2025, 01:15 pm
Is living in Tehachapi right for you? Located in the Tehachapi Valley, this small mountain town offers scenic beauty, outdoor activities, and a tight-knit community. If you’re considering moving to Tehachapi CA, you might be wondering: Is Tehachapi a good place to live? The answer depends on what you’re looking for, but for many, the charm of this Kern County gem is hard to resist.
Located in the mountains between the Mojave Desert and the San Joaquin Valley, Tehachapi offers a cooler climate than Bakersfield, making it an attractive alternative to the hotter valley cities. Speaking of which, if you’re searching for cities near Bakersfield with a slower pace of life and beautiful natural surroundings, Tehachapi might be a perfect fit.
Once a railroad town, life in Tehachapi is now known for its welcoming atmosphere, fun local events, and access to nature. The city offers plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors, whether that’s hiking, biking, or just soaking in the fresh mountain air.
So, let’s dive into all of the pros and cons of living in Tehachapi CA. Here’s everything you need to know about this hidden gem in Kern County.
Table of Contents
Is Tehachapi a Good Place to Live?
Tehachapi is a good place to live. Living in Tehachapi CA offers small town charm, exciting outdoor activities, and a laid-back lifestyle.
Where Is Tehachapi CA?
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What county is Tehachapi CA in? Tehachapi CA is in Kern County and is full of scenic beauty at places like Brite Lake and the Tehachapi Mountains. When living in Tehachapi CA, you’ll be just 35 miles away from Bakersfield. Additionally, it is 73 miles from Tehachapi to Delano, 94 miles from Tehachapi to Victorville, and 120 miles from Tehachapi to Visalia.
Because Tehachapi is a small city, you’ll find limited amenities compared to larger cities. The best way to get around Tehachapi is by car as the area does not have a very robust public transportation system. However, the Tehachapi Park and Ride facility does offer free parking and connections to Kern Transit and Amtrak Thruway buses.
Tehachapi Population & Demographics
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How many people are living in Tehachapi CA? There are 12,939 people living in Tehachapi CA, which is actually an 11.3% decrease over the past decade. Tehachapi is a fairly diverse city with a racial & ethnic composition of 59.9% White (48.4% non-Hispanic), 14.4% two or more races, 6.7% Black or African American, 2.4% Asian, and 1.7% American Indian. The city is popular among older families, and the median age in the city is 39.2.
Tehachapi is also known in popular culture and was the filming site for movies such as Star Trek Generations, Grapes of Wrath, The Hangover Part III, and The Maltese Falcon.
Additional Tehachapi Demographics:
- Sex ratio: 63.9% male, 36.1% female
- Foreign-born population: 13.2%
- Educational attainment: 78.7% high school degree (or higher), 14.5% bachelor’s degree (or higher)
- Median household income: $67,785 (compared to the California average of $96,334)
Is Tehachapi safe? Here’s an overview of the Tehachapi crime rate.
- Overall crime rate: 2,685 crimes per 100,000 people (5% lower than the California average and 18% higher than the national average)
- Violent crime rate: 430 crimes per 100,000 people (16% lower than the California average and 18% higher than the national average)
- Property crime rate: 2,255 crimes per 100,000 people (3% lower than the California average and 18% higher than the national average)
Living in Tehachapi CA is very safe. While the crime rates are a bit higher than the national average, most of the crime is concentrated in just a few small areas that can be avoided. The Tehachapi Police Department protects residents living in Tehachapi CA.
Tehachapi Cost of Living
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Before moving to Tehachapi, you’ll want to decide whether or not the area is affordable for you and your family. Luckily, Tehachapi has a lower cost of living than the state and national average. The Tehachapi Cost of Living Index is 99.8, making it .2% more affordable than the national average and 33.4% lower than the California average.
According to the Economic Policy Institute, a family of four living in Tehachapi CA would need to earn $95,036 per year to live comfortably in the city.
Typical Tehachapi Living Expenses
- Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $20.00
- Gallon of milk: $4.47
- Cappuccino: $5.69
- Carton of eggs: $4.43
- Pound of potatoes: $1.47
- Bottle of wine (mid-range): $15.00
- Gallon of gas: $4.67
- Average Tehachapi utilities per month: $200.15
Source: Numbeo
Are you interested in purchasing Tehachapi real estate when living in Tehachapi CA? There are plenty of both old and new homes in Tehachapi CA to choose from, and the price of housing is down 9.27% compared to last year. According to Redfin, the median home price in Tehachapi is $328,000, which is lower than the national average of $418,000.
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Would you rather rent in Tehachapi? There are plenty of Tehachapi rentals and Tehachapi apartments to consider. Sierra Ridge Apartments, Sierra Vista Apartments, and The Meadows Apartment Homes are all popular options. According to RentCafe, the average rent in Tehachapi is $1,370.
Neighborhoods in Tehachapi CA | Where to Live in Tehachapi
Is Tehachapi a good place to live? One of the best ways to answer this question is to find a neighborhood with the best amenities for you and your family. Here are a few neighborhoods to consider when living in Tehachapi CA.
Downtown Tehachapi | Busy Area Great for Young Professionals
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Downtown Tehachapi is the perfect spot for young professionals living in Tehachapi CA. Here, you’ll find walkable streets, shops, and restaurants, and easy access to the Tehachapi Municipal Airport.
Bear Valley Springs | Gated Community With Wonderful Amenities
Bear Valley Springs Tehachapi is a private, gate-guarded community with large plots of land perfect for those who want a bit more space to enjoy. Amenities here include campgrounds, a dog park, an outdoor pool, a drone flying field, and more.
Stallion Springs | Quiet Neighborhood Popular Among Families
Located just outside of the city, Stallion Springs is a large neighborhood with plenty of small and medium-sized single-family homes. This neighborhood is also home to a trail system with horseback riding trails.
Tehachapi CA Weather & Climate
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When living in Tehachapi CA, you can enjoy all four seasons, which is unique for a California city. The Tehachapi climate is hot-summer mediterranean, with dry summers and wet winters. After moving to Tehachapi, you can enjoy the area’s natural beauty all year round. Throughout the year, the Tehachapi temperature typically ranges from 30ºF to 87ºF.
Does it snow in Tehachapi? Yes, it does snow in Tehachapi. The average annual snowfall is 14.3 inches, and the snowiest month of the year is January.
Things to Do in Tehachapi CA
When living in Tehachapi CA, you’ll find no shortage of fun things to do. Tehachapi offers exciting entertainment options, nice parks, and rich historical attractions.
Tehachapi Mountain Park
Grab the family and head to Tehachapi Mountain Park to enjoy hiking trails, camping, wildlife viewing, and more.
17350 Water Canyon Rd, Tehachapi, CA 93561, (661) 822-4632
Tehachapi Depot Museum
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When living in Tehachapi CA, make sure you check out the Tehachapi Depot Museum. This museum dives into the city’s railroad history, offering exhibits on trains, a working signal garden, and a play area.
101 W Tehachapi Blvd, Tehachapi, CA 93561, (661) 823-1100
Brite Valley Aquatic Recreation Area
One of the best things to do in Tehachapi with kids, this recreation area centers around Brite Lake, and is one of the best places to camp in Tehachapi.
22902 Banducci Rd, Tehachapi, CA 93561, (661) 221-2832
Additional Tehachapi Attractions
If you still aren’t sure what to do in Tehachapi, check out the Tehachapi Valley Recreation and Park District’s event calendar.
After exploring Tehachapi’s outdoor adventures and historic attractions, you’ll need a cozy place to unwind. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or planning a longer stay, there are great lodging options available. Check out Hotala for a full list of resorts and accommodations in Tehachapi.
Tehachapi Restaurants
After moving to Tehachapi CA, there are many restaurants to check out. You’ll find cozy family-owned eateries, and the city is big on supporting local businesses. These are the best restaurants in Tehachapi.
Village Grill
You can’t skip out on Village Grill when living in Tehachapi CA. This grill serves up generous portions of classic comfort food like mashed potatoes, grilled chicken, and mac and cheese.
410 E Tehachapi Blvd, Tehachapi, CA 93561, (661) 822-1128
Perfetto Italian Restaurant
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Head over to Perfetto to indulge in handcrafted Italian cuisine. Everything here is made from scratch, including their delicious pasta.
209 S Green St, Tehachapi, CA 93561, (661) 822-1711
Henry’s Cafe
Stop by Henry’s Cafe and grab a Chile Verde omelet, chicken fried steak, or biscuit sandwich.
550 Tucker Rd D, Tehachapi, CA 93561, (661) 822-0732
Tehachapi Jobs
When considering living in Tehachapi CA, one of the key factors to think about is the job market. While Tehachapi is a small mountain town, it still offers a variety of job opportunities. A few of the top employers providing jobs in Tehachapi include:
- Edwards Air Force Base
- Tehachapi Unified School District
- Adventist Health Tehachapi Valley
- California Correctional Institution (CCI)
For those willing to commute, living in Tehachapi CA also offers the advantage of easy access to job opportunities in Bakersfield, which is about 40 to 45 minutes away. This area has a much larger economy with major employers like Kern Medical and Adventist Health Bakersfield, California State University, Bakersfield, and Kern County.
If you’re looking for Tehachapi jobs, then check out the city job board or do a search on Indeed.
Schools in Tehachapi
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When living in Tehachapi CA, your kids will be served by the Tehachapi Unified School District, which is one of the best school districts in California. This Tehachapi school district serves around 4,900 students and consists of two high schools, one middle school, and three elementary schools.
If you’re looking for other options, then you can also check out Heritage Oak School, which is the sole private school in Tehachapi. For college-aged students, Cerro Coso Community College – Tehachapi Branch is located in the city.
When living in Tehachapi CA, make sure to check out the Kern County Library Tehachapi.
Tehachapi California Statistics & Information
Here are a few statistics you should know when living in Tehachapi CA.
- County: Kern County
- Tehachapi area: 10.25 square miles
- Tehachapi zip code: 93561
- Tehachapi area code: 661
- Tehachapi CA elevation: 3,970 feet
- Tehachapi time zone: Pacific Time Zone (UTC -8 and -7)
- Closest airport to Tehachapi: Bakersfield Airport (BFL), 48.5 miles away
Map of Tehachapi CA
You can refer to this map when living in Tehachapi CA.
Ready to Start Living in Tehachapi CA?
Is Tehachapi a good place to live? Living in Tehachapi CA has never been better! After moving to Tehachapi CA, you’ll enjoy a tight-knit community, family-friendly amenities, and life in a laid-back city. If you’re ready to move to the area, then let the Tehachapi movers at Mentors Moving & Storage help you! Give our team a call at (661) 215-6023 for a free quote.
