409 Belmont Ave

Once known as North Side, Oildale lies several miles north of downtown Bakersfield, a mid-size industrial and agricultural city that hosts a large oil industry. Plenty of apartments and a cost of living that's about 10 percent lower than the national average make the area an attractive option for people looking to escape the high costs of living in other parts of California.

Locals rave about the city’s popular Basque-themed restaurants. Wool Growers, voted best Basque restaurant in the area for years running, tempts and delights its patrons with meals served family-style. On weekends, many area denizens enjoy barbecues at nearby Hart Park, tubing on the Kern River, and boating and skiing on Lake Ming. The area hosts several golf courses, including North Kern Golf Course, a well-rated public course where you can play a round for under $20 on a weekday. During the winter, area residents enjoy snow skiing at Alta Sierra, a small resort located just an hour north of Oildale.