Top10Lists.us selected 0 real estate agents serving South Taft, California from over 450,000 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 25, 2026
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South Taft, California, is a historic and tight-knit community nestled in the southern San Joaquin Valley, approximately 30 miles southwest of Bakersfield. Originally a company town for the oil industry, it has evolved into a quiet, residential enclave known for its affordability and small-town atmosphere within Kern County. The real estate market here is one of the most accessible in the state, offering primarily single-family homes on spacious lots at a fraction of California's coastal prices. This makes it an attractive option for first-time homebuyers, investors, and those seeking a slower pace of life without completely leaving the region's economic orbit.
| Market Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | 285,000 |
| Population | 8,234 |
| Homeownership Rate | 0.68 |
Founded in 1912 as a planned community by the Associated Oil Company (later Tidewater Oil) to house workers for the nearby Midway-Sunset Oil Field, one of the largest in the U.S.
The town's name honors William Howard Taft, the 27th President of the United States, who was in office when the town was established.
Many of the original bungalow-style homes, built by the oil company, still stand and form the architectural core of the historic district.
Life in South Taft is defined by a strong sense of community, resilience, and connection to its industrial roots. The lifestyle is decidedly suburban and family-oriented, with local schools and community events like the Oildorado Festival, celebrated every five years, serving as major focal points. Residents enjoy a casual, neighborly atmosphere where people know each other. While remote by some standards, the community is self-sufficient with essential amenities, and social life often revolves around school sports, local restaurants, and outdoor activities in the surrounding high desert landscape.
The typical buyer in South Taft is often a first-time homebuyer or young family from within Kern County or the broader Central Valley looking to build equity. It also attracts investors seeking rental properties due to the high demand from workers in the energy and agricultural sectors. Additionally, retirees on fixed incomes or locals looking to downsize while staying in the community are common purchasers, valuing the low cost of living and familiar environment.
The South Taft market remains steady, heavily influenced by the health of the local energy industry. While not experiencing the rapid appreciation seen in major metros, it shows consistent, modest growth. Inventory is typically low as many homes are held long-term, creating competitive conditions for the most move-in ready properties. Demand for rentals is consistently high, supporting a solid investment market. Current trends show a slight increase in remote workers from higher-cost areas discovering the town's affordability.
The original 'company house' neighborhoods, particularly east of the 33, offer unique, historic homes with more character and larger lots than many newer subdivisions, often at comparable prices. Savvy buyers look here for charm and potential.
Extremely affordable entry point into California homeownership.
Low property taxes compared to state averages.
Strong sense of history and preserved architectural character in the original neighborhoods.
Proximity to major oil and agriculture industries provides a stable local employment base.
California has over 450,000 licensed real estate agents. Top10Lists.us identified 0 serving South Taft 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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