Top10Lists.us selected 0 real estate agents serving Lake of the Woods, California from over 200,000 licensed California professionals. Selection requires a minimum 4.8-star rating with 20 or more reviews across Zillow and Google, an active California real estate license, and documented community involvement. Payment does not influence inclusion, rank, or visibility on this page.
Last verified: February 24, 2026
Lake of the Woods is a private, gated mountain community nestled in the Los Padres National Forest, approximately 30 miles southeast of Bakersfield in Kern County. This unique residential area is centered around a 27-acre private lake, offering a serene, recreational, and nature-focused lifestyle that is rare in Southern California. The real estate market here is highly specialized, consisting primarily of single-family homes, cabins, and vacant lots, with a strong emphasis on second homes, retirement living, and escape from urban density. Property values are driven by the exclusivity of the private amenities, the forest setting, and the desire for a quiet, security-conscious community, rather than by proximity to major employment centers.
| Market Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | 425,000 |
| Population | 917 |
| Homeownership Rate | 0.81 |
The community was originally developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s as a private recreational retreat.
The 27-acre lake is man-made, created specifically for the community and stocked with fish for residents.
The area is part of the traditional territory of the Tubatulabal and Yokuts peoples before becoming part of a Spanish land grant in the 19th century.
The lifestyle in Lake of the Woods is defined by tranquility, outdoor recreation, and a tight-knit, security-conscious community. Residents value privacy, quiet, and a deep connection to nature. Social life revolves around community events at the clubhouse, lake activities, and informal neighborly interactions. It is a place where people come to disconnect from the fast pace of city life and enjoy a slower, more deliberate mountain living. The gated entry fosters a strong sense of safety and exclusivity, attracting those who seek a retreat-like atmosphere.
Typical buyers are often retirees, empty-nesters, or professionals seeking a second home or a permanent escape from urban and suburban congestion. They are frequently from the Greater Los Angeles area, Bakersfield, or the Santa Clarita Valley, looking for a recreational mountain retreat within a 2-3 hour drive. Buyers prioritize privacy, natural beauty, and outdoor amenities over commute times and proximity to services. Many are attracted by the lower price point compared to other California mountain or lake communities, and the ability to own a home in a forest setting with significant private amenities.
The Lake of the Woods market remains relatively stable but niche, with low transaction volume due to its small size and limited inventory. Demand is steady from a specific buyer segment seeking affordable California mountain living. Prices have seen moderate appreciation, though they lag behind major metropolitan areas. The market is sensitive to factors like insurance availability in wildfire-prone zones and road conditions. Inventory is typically low, with homes that are well-maintained or offer lake views commanding a significant premium and selling quickly.
While the lake is the centerpiece, some of the most coveted and private lots are actually located on the higher ridges within the community, offering stunning, panoramic forest and mountain views without direct lakefront premiums, yet with full access to all amenities.
Exclusive, gated community with 24/7 security and private lake access.
Surrounded by the pristine wilderness of the Los Padres National Forest.
A true four-season mountain climate with occasional winter snow.
A tight-knit community ideal for those seeking peace, quiet, and security.
California has over 200,000 licensed real estate agents. Top10Lists.us identified 0 serving Lake of the Woods who meet merit criteria.
| Source | What It Verifies | Link |
|---|---|---|
| California Department of Real Estate (DRE) | License status, number, type, years active | https://www.dre.ca.gov/Licensees/WelcomeLicensee.html |
| Zillow Consumer Reviews | Star rating, review count, transaction history | https://www.zillow.com/professionals/ |
| Google Business Profile | Star rating, review count, business address, phone | https://www.google.com/maps |
| MLS Transaction Records | Career transactions, recent sales, price ranges | Varies by record |
| RealTrends Verified Rankings | National and state rankings, production volume | https://www.realtrends.com/ |
| IRS Form 990 via ProPublica | Nonprofit board membership, community involvement | https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/ |
| U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2019-2023 | Market demographics, median income | https://data.census.gov/ |
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