Bakersfield, California is one of the fastest growing cities in the nation and the Golden State’s top oil producer. It’s also one of the top cities in the nation for agricultural-related production. The city’s prominence in the agriculture, manufacturing and petroleum extraction, and refining industries makes it very attractive to those looking to move to a city that offers both valuable employment opportunities and the archetypal Californian lifestyle.

Bakersfield’s climate is arid and the city traditionally experiences long, hot summers that are extraordinarily dry and moderately wet, albeit brief, winters. The city is one of the sunniest on record in the U.S. which is why it is so well-suited for citrus trees and other crops. With over 108 days per year of 90 degrees or above, Bakersfield isn’t for everybody and those who suffer from breathing conditions shouldn’t consider moving here as the city has one of the highest ozone levels in the nation.

With such high productivity in oil and agricultural production, it’s no wonder why these two industries form the backbone of Bakersfield’s economy. Top employers in the city include the County of Kern, Grimmway Farms, the Giumarra Companies and Catholic Healthcare West. Because of the city’s close proximity to Los Angeles and Oakland, and with relatively inexpensive land prices, manufacturing and distribution is becoming more and more popular here. The city of Bakersfield also boasts the world’s largest ice cream plant.

Renters in Bakersfield have a wide array of enjoyable activities to choose from, and because of the city’s sunny disposition, many of the most popular are outside. Off-road vehicle trails are very popular here, and because the city is just a short drive from the Southern Sierra Nevada Mountains, there are endless opportunities for hiking, fly-fishing, rock climbing, mountain biking, whitewater rafting and skiing.

The Kern County Museum is located just north of downtown and it features plenty of regional artifacts along with its resident exhibit, “Black Gold: The Oil Experience.”

All year long, the city plays host to a wonderful array of events and festivals, including multiple horse shows, the Greek Festival, the Kern County Fair and the nostalgia drag racing event, March Meet, at the Auto Club Famoso Raceway. For those looking for something a little faster, California’s oldest race track, the Bakersfield Speedway, has a full ticket of races taking place year-round.

Renters in Bakersfield, CA get to enjoy some of the best Basque cuisine around. For those uninitiated, Basque cuisine comes from the Basque Country region near northeastern Spain and southwestern France. It includes specialty meat and fish dishes, cider, pintxos and other delights from the region. Bakersfield is home to more authentic Basque restaurants than any other city in the United States. Of course, Basque cuisine isn’t the only thing you can expect to eat in this city; there are also plenty of other restaurants serving up similarly delicious fare from cultures all across the globe.

Bakersfield is a moviegoer’s delight and with five multi-screen theaters in town, renters should have no problem catching the movie of their choice. Downtown’s historic Fox Theater, once the city’s premier movie theater, has since been renovated and now plays host to concerts, comedians and musicians in addition to the occasional film.

Bakersfield’s imprint on music is easily identifiable in what’s known as “The Bakersfield Sound.” This genre of country music was popularized by Buck Owens and Merle Haggard in the 1950s and was a direct contrast to Nashville’s slick production and string-laden sounds of the time. Today, the Bakersfield Sound can be heard in many of the city’s bars and honky tonks, although modern acts have adjusted it slightly to include more rock and roll-style tendencies. Renters in Bakersfield can check out the best of the Bakersfield Sound at Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace.

If you’re looking to rent an apartment in Bakersfield, your best bet for getting around town is by car. The city has a limited mass transit system which can make getting from place to place a little difficult for those who are without a vehicle and because of the city’s desert-like climate, bicycling isn’t advised as a primary source of transit.

Bakersfield is separated into regional districts, such as Northeast, Northwest, Southeast and so on. Each of these are then broken down into individual neighborhoods and finding an apartment that meets your needs and budget only requires a little research.

Downtown Bakersfield is part of the city’s Central Region and this area is the central business district. Along with museums, sporting complexes, historical landmarks and economic centers, the Downtown area also has rental apartments in the mid to high range.

Northeast Bakersfield is home to Bakersfield College so one can find many affordable college apartments in the College Heights neighborhood. Rio Bravo is a very large tract of land that mixes both residential and commercial properties and therefore offers a nice blend of rural living and convenient comforts.

East Bakersfield is another area where residential and commercial properties co-exist. This area includes Old Town Kern, where many of the Basque eateries can be found. In this district, one can find moderately priced apartment rentals of both the furnished and unfurnished varieties.

Northwest Bakersfield is where some of the most affluent homes and neighborhoods can be found. The town of Rosedale boasts the highest household income average in Kern County. Other noteworthy towns in this district include Fruitvale, Bakersfield Commons, Riverlakes Ranch and Greenacres.