How Safe Is Bakersfield for Travel? (2020 Updated) ⋆ Travel Safe

Safety Index:

United States : Safety by City

Bakersfield is one of the fastest-growing medium-sized cities in the United States.

Bakersfield has a population of approximately 350,000.

Bakersfield is famous for being the home of country music singers Merle Haggard and Buck Owens, and has the nickname “the country music capital of the West Coast.”

Bakersfield is a very conservative city, at least when compared to most of the state.

Bakersfield is not what you may call a tourist destination, but there are things to do.

Visit the Kern County Museum, the Rabobank Arena hosts sporting events, concerts, circuses, and other shows, live music in Bakersfield can be found in many local bars.

Warnings & Dangers in Bakersfield

OVERALL RISK : MEDIUM

Bakersfield is safe enough if you follow the usual precautions. Don't walk in dangerous areas, and don't get involved with drug dealers. Do not leave personal items unattended and be on the lookout for your surroundings. If you travel by car, it is better to lock it and always park in a guarded parking lot.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK : LOW

Public transport runs on schedule and is convenient for getting around the city. It is entirely safe. Taxis are preferred for travel at night. Use only official taxi services. Call it from your smartphone apps for this.

PICKPOCKETS RISK : MEDIUM

Pickpockets and purse-snatchers prey on crowds, and street crosswalks. Be careful not to carry a lot of cash and valuables with you. Keep essential documents in hidden pockets. Beware of those who ask or offer help.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK : MEDIUM

Bakersfield is prone to natural disasters such as earthquakes, wildfires, and tsunamis. Experts say it is crucial for its residents to be prepared, in the event one of these natural disasters unfolds. Check the situation for this risk before your trip to here.

MUGGING RISK : MEDIUM

Grave armed robberies happen here sometimes. Usually, they are related to the behavior of drug dealers. We can say that such showdowns rarely concern tourists. However, you should avoid particularly dangerous areas and not walk the streets of the city after sunset.

TERRORISM RISK : MEDIUM

Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in the California region. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners. You should monitor media reports and be vigilant at all times. Study the political environment before your trip here.

SCAMS RISK : MEDIUM

Most often, the fraud here occurs via SMS and phone calls. When third parties try out to find out your personal information. Also, it's possible to read cards in an ATM - for this, do not use an ATM of a suspicious appearance to withdraw money. Some scammers collect money for crowdfunding that does not exist. Be careful.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK : LOW

Bakersfield is safe enough for women traveling alone. If you follow the usual safety measures, do not walk the streets of the city late at night, do not attract unwanted attention, and do not shine with jewelry, a trip to this city will be safe for you.

So... How Safe Is Bakersfield Really?

Bakersfield has an average crime rate.

The main problems here are related to hacking and theft of things, car theft, vandalism, and robberies.

Also, in the city, there is a big problem with drug trafficking.

Patomic Park, Virginia Ave, Quantico Ave, Dr. Martin Luther King Drive, parts of South East Bakersfield, and areas surrounding the Kern County fairgrounds and South High School have some gang violence and can be unsafe.

The suburbs of Bakersfield have a poor reputation for racism and poverty.

These are places where the color of your skin can attract people who want to be rude to you.

Tourists should better avoid the old Bakersfield areas if possible, especially at night.

Most of the city west of Highway 99 is reasonably safe, with the possible exception of the area around Meen Avenue, Whirl Road in Eshe.

In the daytime, the city is quite safe.

At night, it is better to move in groups and not be in dangerous areas.

Poorly lit streets should also be avoided.

Do not get involved in the showdown of drug dealers and avoid any relationship with them.

Drugs are illegal here.

Follow standard precautions, and always watch your surroundings to stay safe.

Useful Information

Visas - Visitors to the United States must obtain a visa from one of the United States diplomatic missions unless they come from one of the visa-exempt countries or Visa Waiver Program countries. A valid passport is a must.
Currency - The United States dollar is the official currency of the United States. It has a sign: $ and a code: USD. Also, it abbreviated US$. One dollar is divided into 100 cents (Symbol: ¢).
Weather - The best times to visit Bakersfield for ideal weather are mid-March June and October to mid-November. Average temperatures in Bakersfield vary drastically and the weather feels very nice much of the year.
Airports - Near Bakersfield is located two airports: Meadows Field Airport and Bakersfield Municipal Airport. Meadows Field Airport is a public airport 5 km northwest of Downtown Bakersfield. It is the main airport for the Bakersfield area. Bakersfield Municipal Airport is a city-owned public-use airport located 6 km south of the central business district of Bakersfield.
Travel Insurance - The travel insurance policy is a must when visiting a foreign country. Make sure you got it before starting your journey, the customs officer may ask for it.

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