A friendly suburban community full of single-story houses and apartment buildings loaded with amenities, North Country Meadows lies about four miles north of downtown Bakersfield. For fun on a clear day, you can watch planes land at nearby Meadows Field Airport. If you enjoy bars that serve breakfast, check out Highland Cafe, and make sure you try a burger at Carla's Drive In, a local favorite.

Those who want to soak up that California sunshine can do so in one of this neighborhood's three parks. This area's shopping scene covers all the bases with big-name stores and chic independent stores, including the Vintage Goddess. For everyday shopping, check out the Chester Loop Shopping Center at the intersection of Chester Avenue and China Grade Loop.