Bakersfield Market Update, October Fun + Winter Prep
October is here! Mornings feel a little cooler, kids are getting excited for Halloween, and families are planning their weekends around pumpkin patches and fall festivals. This time of year is also a good chance to step back and check in. How is the Bakersfield real estate market shaping up? What is happening in town this month for families + couples? What should homeowners do now to get their homes ready for the colder season ahead? Let’s take a look!
A fall-themed front porch with a dark brown door decorated with a colorful autumn leaf wreath.
Real Estate Market Review - October 2025
Here in Bakersfield, the housing market is starting to feel a little different than it did over the summer. More homes are being listed, and that gives buyers more to choose from. Sellers are noticing that buyers are more selective, which means pricing + presentation matter more than ever.
One of the biggest shifts this fall? Mortgage rates are a little lower than they were this time last year, and that’s giving more buyers the confidence to start looking again. While rates aren’t back to where they were a few years ago, many buyers are adjusting, planning smarter, and getting pre-approved with realistic budgets in mind.
Here’s what we’re seeing locally:
For buyers: There are more homes on the market, which means less pressure than the fast-paced years behind us. Many sellers are willing to help with closing costs, which could possibly be used to buy-down your rate. Talk to your lender to find the right fit for you.
For sellers: Homes that are clean, move-in ready and priced well are still drawing interest quickly. With more competition, details matter. Fresh paint, a tidy yard and small upgrades help listings stand out.
For investors: Bakersfield continues to be attractive compared to many California cities. Housing here remains more affordable than the coast + families keep moving inland for space + value. That steady demand makes Bakersfield worth watching.
The market overall feels balanced. More inventory means homes stay on the market a little longer. Buyers have more choices, so sellers need to stay sharp, but homes are still moving at a steady pace.
Featured Listings
10815 Dapple Way, 93312
Welcome to this beautiful Northwest Bakersfield home in the Polo Grounds neighborhood!
➤ 3 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms (2 en-suites)
➤ Formal living and family room with fireplace
➤ Bright kitchen with breakfast area and pool views
➤ Sparkling pool with rock waterfall feature
➤ Corner lot near Almondale Elementary & Frontier High
15002 Southernwood Ave, 93314
Discover comfort and charm in this Northwest Bakersfield home in the Blackhawk community!
➤ 4 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms
➤ Spacious open floor plan with granite kitchen & island
➤ Wood-look tile floors and white cabinetry
➤ Covered patio with gazebo and citrus trees
➤ 3-car garage with epoxy flooring & owned solar
Things to Do In Bakersfield This October
October 2025 Event Calendar
Daily Throughout October – October Fun Fest @ Murray Family Farms
A Kern County tradition with hayrides, a corn maze, pumpkin picking and farm-style activities.
Oct 10–12 – Disney on Ice: Let’s Dance! @ Dignity Health Arena
Your favorite Disney characters take the ice for a weekend of music + magic.
Oct 10–12 – Greek Food Festival @ St. George Orthodox Church
Enjoy authentic Greek food, music, and culture during this beloved annual celebration.Oct 11 – Brunch Fest @ Kern County Fairgrounds
Sip and savor local brunch offerings while enjoying live music, vendors & food trucks.Oct 11 – Apple Festival @ Downtown Tehachapi
Celebrate fall with apple treats, crafts, music and fun in the Tehachapi town square.Oct 11 – Bristol Hospice Host Trunk or Treat at Riverstone Terrace
A free, family-friendly evening with decorated cars, candy, music + local vendors.
Oct 11 – 70th Anniversary Festival @ Polo Community Park
The North of the River Recreation District is celebrating with bounce houses, carnival games, live music and a drone light show at night. Admission is free.Oct 12 – Village Flea @ Kern County Museum
Browse vintage finds, art, local goods, and food at the seasonal flea market.Oct 15–19 – Boo at the Zoo @ California Living Museum (CALM)
CALM hosts trick-or-treat stations, animal exhibits and festive displays. It is safe, family-friendly, and a fun way to celebrate Halloween.Oct 17 – Monster Mash BINGO
A playful bingo night with costumes, music and prizes.Oct 17–18 – Night at the Museum @ Buena Vista Museum
Bring your flashlight and explore exhibits after hours during this nighttime museum experience.Oct 18 – MindTravel Silent Piano Concert
Guests listen to a live piano concert under the stars using wireless headphones. A calm + unique night out.Oct 18 – Cherry Acres Trunk-or-Treat
Join Cherry Acres starting at 6 PM for candy, farm fun and costumes (entry is ~$5).Oct 18–19 – Via Arte Italian Street Painting Festival @ The Marketplace
Artists fill the pavement with chalk murals. It is free to attend + makes for a fun stroll with a friend or date.
Oct 23 – Halloweenie Parade @ Belcourt Village
A community favorite where families bring their dogs in costume. There are contests, vendors and plenty of laughs.
Oct 23 – Spooky Street Fair
Costumes, vendors, music and local artists converge in the heart of 19th Street for an evening of Halloween fun.Oct 23 – Haunted Gingerbread House Decorating Party @ Jerry’s Pizza & Pub (21+)
Bring your creativity, your sweet tooth, and get ready to build some haunted masterpieces!Oct 24 – Water Lantern Festival @ River Walk Park
Thousands of lanterns are released onto the water. Add in live music and food trucks, and it becomes one of the most memorable events of the season.Oct 25 – Walk for a Million Dreams @ Stramler Park
Hosted by the Kern Down Syndrome Network, this event includes a walk, food, music and activities for all ages.Oct 25 – IBEW Local 428 Trunk or Treat & Chili Cook-Off
Family, food and fun: trunk or treat from 3–5 PM at the union hall, with a chili cook-off to follow.Oct 25 – Victory Family Services 3rd Annual Trunk or Treat
Candy, music and vendors at 4200 Truxtun Avenue from 3–6 PM.Oct 25 – Trick-or-Treating @ Outlets at Tejon
Bring the kids to shop, snack and trick-or-treat at 4 PM among the storefronts.Oct 25 – Robertson Stables Halloween Party
Trail rides, costume contests and haunted horse fun starting at 3 PM at Angus Lane stable.Oct 26 – Light the Night: Trunk-or-Treat @ Southwest Christian Center
A free evening of candy, games, prizes and bounce houses from 6–8 PM.Oct 30–31 – Safe Halloween @ Kern County Museum
A fun + family-safe Halloween experience with crafts, candy, and displays.Oct 30 – Chuy’s Baja Grill Trunk-or-Treat
Dress up + join the fun from 7–9 PM with decorated cars, music, and great food.Oct 30 – HaLAWween @ Bakersfield Police Dept
Wander the halls of the BPD headquarters for trick-or-treat stations and free family fun from 4–8 PM.
Oct 31 – Trunk or Treat 2025 @ First Church of the Nazarene
A kid-safe Halloween evening with candy, games and fun from 6:30–8 PM.
Prepping Your Home For Winter in Kern County
Bakersfield doesn’t often see snow, but our winters can still bring cold nights + a fair amount of rain. The combination of cooler temps and damp weather can sneak up on homeowners, so a few small steps now can prevent bigger headaches later.
Here is a checklist worth tackling this month:
1. Protect Pipes + Plumbing
Pipes in garages, gardens and patios are the most vulnerable when a cold snap hits. Even if freezing temperatures don’t last long, one icy night can cause big damage. Wrapping exposed pipes with insulation sleeves or even towels secured with duct tape can make a big difference.
2. Service Heaters + Fireplaces
Nothing is worse than turning on the heater for the first time in months only to realize it’s blowing cold air. Schedule a tune-up before the weather turns. Continue replacing air filters once a quarter to improve air flow + quality. It helps your system run efficiently, and lowers the chance of mid-winter breakdowns. If you have a fireplace, a quick inspection and cleaning clears out soot and makes sure there are no blockages.
3. Check Your Water Heater
Before colder nights settle in, take a few minutes to inspect your water heater. Fall is a great time to flush the tank, check for rust or sediment build-up, and make sure everything is running safely. A quick maintenance check now can help avoid cold showers or costly repairs later.
4. Check Roofs, Fascia Boards + Flashing
Most people glance at the roof from the driveway, but leaks often happen in less obvious spots. Pay close attention to where the roof meets chimneys, vents, valleys or other changes in structure. Leaks or concerns tend to show up in areas that you can’t see
A friend of ours thought their roof was in great shape but saw water puddling in their garage when it rained. No missing or cracked tiles, no signs of damage. But when they pulled a few tiles near the fireplace, they found dirt that had built up over time. Every time it rained, that dirt turned into thick mud. Water couldn’t drain like it was supposed to, and eventually it spilled over into the wrong areas. What started as a tiny leak turned into a big roofing repair.
A quick check now can help you avoid a big surprise later.
Fascia boards along the roofline also deserve a look. Fresh paint or sealant keeps them from absorbing water and rotting over time.
5. Seal Windows + Doors
Drafty windows and doors let cold air in and can drive up utility bills. A roll of weather stripping or a small tube of caulk is inexpensive and easy to apply. Walk around the house on a breezy evening and see if you feel air moving through cracks. Sealing those gaps now means a warmer house and lower bills later.
6. Look for Mold in Older Homes
In older homes, condensation around windows can lead to small mold spots. They often show up as dark patches on sills or corners where moisture collects. Wiping them down and improving airflow can help.
7. Cover the Basics
Some of the simplest chores are the most important. Clean gutters and downspouts so rainwater flows where it should instead of pooling near your foundation. Trim back trees and shrubs so branches do not break and damage your roof or windows during a storm. After the first big rain, take a walk outside and look for water spots or areas where runoff collects.
If you are unsure how to address what you find, reach out and we will help connect you with the right local pro for the job.
Fall In Love With Your Home
From pumpkins to home prep, October is a season of change in Bakersfield. Our market is steady but shifting, weekends are packed with family fun, and homeowners are getting their houses ready for the cooler months ahead.
Whether you're thinking about buying, getting ready to sell, or just settling into a space you love, we're here for you. Real support + honest guidance whenever you need it.
We’d love to help you - get in touch with us to explore Bakersfield and have a great experience.
If you're not a pre-approved buyer, don't worry! We can help connect you with a trusted lender.
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