Fruitvale - Bakersfield, CA

Located adjacent to the Fruitvale Oil Fields, Fruitvale yields a historical associate with the oil industrly. In the early 20th century, oil was struck in the area, leading to the region's biggest economic boom in history.

Every winter to ring in the holiday season, Bakersfield hosts a Christmas parade, which includes floats, entertainment for children, music and more - all offered free of charge to residents and visitors alike. Santa attends every year and happily accepts letters from youngsters who wish to detail their gift lists to him personally.

If you feel the need to take in something on the artistic side, the Bakersfield Museum of Art, located a short drive from Fruitvale, operates Tuesday through Sunday and showcases art exhibits for a small fee as well as hosts special events in the 17,000 square-foot space.

In all honesty, not many think of Bakersfield when they think of hip, unique eateries to visit for a nosh. However, Fruitvale smashes those preconceived notions by offering Coffee Road, a central location where a variety of one-of-a-kind restaurants can be found.

One such restaurant, Pho 88, serves up traditional Vietnamese food with modern flair. Chase back a piping hot bowl of pho with a beer, or enjoy a plate of vermicelli heaped with noodles, steamed veggies and a meat of your choosing, including shrimp. Dine inside to enjoy the dinner atmosphere among the crisp, clean decor or take your order to go and enjoy at home. Located across the way from Riverlakes Ranch Community Park on Coffee Road, Pho 88 opens for business daily at 11:00 a.m. and doesn't close until 9:00 p.m. (10:00 on Fridays).

If you're in the mood for a slice of pizza, Tony's Pizza on Coffee Road comes highly recommended by the Bakersfield Californian food critic. Get a small pie if you plan to eat alone, or get an extra-large or two to feed a party. Dine in on the patio or take it away for a family dinner at home. With such toppings as linguica and chorizo, you can rest assure that the pizza you order will be as unique as your palate. Tony's also serves up a variety of specialty pizzas, such as the chile verde pizza, as well as hand-crafted sandwiches and various sides. Tony's doors are open from 10:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m., seven days a week.

If it's past sunset and you want a sample of the local nightlife, head over to Wine Me Up on Coffee Road for a glass of wine paired with tapas. If you find yourself there on a Thursday or Friday, you'll be treated to live music. For people who prefer beer, Wine Me Up offers several choices on tap including selections from California microbreweries.

Getting around Fruitvale can be tricky if you don't drive a car. However, the Golden Empire Transit company offers limited bus service to the area for daytime commuters. If you need to get around after night has fallen, call for a taxi or an Uber to pick you up and get you to where you need to be.

If you do drive, you will be glad to know that Fruitvale's location makes it convenient for motorists. Just a short drive east will bring you to Highway 99, and a quick jaunt south takes you to the Rosedale Highway, providing easy access to everything Bakersfield has to offer.

Enjoy your leisure time in one of Fruitvale's several parks, which hold particular appeal to families and pet owners. Coffee Road Dog Park operates daily during daylight hours and costs nothing to visit. Bring your small dog for some off-leash fun with its canine friends, and waste bags and a water fountain will be provided to you for no charge.

Families will love Fruitvale Norris Park, located on Norris Road near Olive Drive. Walk to the park to enjoy a picnic at one of the shaded tables, or bring the kids for a day of fun on the playground, which features many fun options for the little ones in the way of play equipment. Your whole family can have fun at Fruitvale Norris Park with its tennis and basketball courts and sprawling grassy areas shaded by mature trees. If you like playing horseshoes, you will have a blast here, as there are two horseshoe pits available for use year-round.

The cost of living in Fruitvale has risen as its popularity has grown, and is high when compared with California as a whole. Median rent for a one-bedroom location hovers around $810, much lower than the average in neighboring Oakland. Entertainment costs and grocery prices remain low to moderate as compared with the rest of the nation and on the same level as the rest of the state.

If you want shopping, Fruitvale offers a few specialty shops to balance out the chain stores that fill the area.

Fine jewelry abounds at Jane's Jewelers, a family business located near the corner of Hageman Way and Calloway Drive. You can bring in your old gold jewelry to trade in toward the cost of something shiny and new, or just browse their selection of gold and diamond jewelry. A Bakersfield family-owned business since the 1940s, Jane's Jewelers' location makes it easily accessible to Fruitvale residents.

California has a reputation for its fine farmer's markets, and Bakersfield is no exception. At Brimhall Farmer's Market on Brimhall Road just south of the Fruitvale neighborhood, you can find a wide selection of fine, local produce. Some vendors even sell live herbs and other plants. Open each Saturday morning at 9:00 a.m., Brimhall Farmer's Market has been a favorite place to get groceries for locals for years, and the prices remain competitive when compared with the produce available from the local chain grocery stores. For grocery stores open seven days a week, residents choose from chains such as FoodMaxx and Smart & Final.