California City, CA

This gorgeous city with its vast open spaces and untamed landscapes is often called the “City of the Future” or “The Unbuilt Suburb” due to its planned layout. In fact, its unique grid-like design resembles a giant puzzle – waiting to be solved.

The average housing cost in California City is around $263,135. Real estate experts have witnessed an increase of about 1.6% over the previous year in home values. A standard-size house stays on the housing market for about 38 days.

The average rent in California City ranges between $1,854 to $2,360 depending on the location, apartment size, number of bedrooms, property features, and proximity to the major attractions in the city.

City highlights

California City is located in the southern part of the state of California, United States. It is situated in the Mojave Desert in Kern County and is known for being one of the largest master-planned communities in the world. It has a grid system with various residential and commercial zones, along with numerous parks, schools, and other amenities.

Despite its name, California City is not actually one of California’s major cities in terms of population or economic significance.

Ironically, the city was incorporated in 1965 with the vision of becoming a thriving metropolis, and its founder, Nat Mendelsohn, aimed to create a city larger than its rival Los Angeles.

However, California City’s development did not progress as expected, and its population growth has been slower than anticipated. As a result, the city has a vast amount of undeveloped land. The empty streets, wide boulevards, and sparsely populated neighborhoods contribute to the city’s nickname, “The Unbuilt Suburb”.

It does have some amenities and services for its residents, including schools, parks, a golf course, an artificial lake, and a small airport. However, it lacks the infrastructure and commercial developments of larger cities.

Despite its slow growth, California City has seen some recent signs of revitalization, with renewed interest from real estate developers and investors. The city’s affordable housing options and expansive land have attracted attention, and there are ongoing efforts to attract businesses and stimulate economic development.

Geographic location

California City is in the Mojave Desert in California, United States. It’s the third-largest city by land area in the state of California and the twelfth-largest in the entire United States. It ranks 345th out of the 478 incorporated cities of California.

The city spans over 204 square miles and offers stunning natural landscapes and recreational opportunities, such as off-roading, hiking, and exploring nearby national parks such as Red Rock Canyon State Park.

Climate

California City experiences hot, dry, clear summers and cold, partly overcast winters. The average annual temperature ranges from 34 to 99 degrees Fahrenheit, rarely falling below 25 or rising over 106.

Demography

According to the 2010 census, California City had a population of 14,120 with a population density of 69.3 inhabitants per square mile. The median age of California City residents is approximately 34.3 years. The largest ethnic groups comprise 31.9% White, 23.6% Black or African American, 20.5% Hispanic, 8.02% from other racial groups, and 5.72% from two or more groups.

Cost of Living

The average income of the residents and the local real estate market can all affect how much it costs to live in an area.

The cost of living in California City, California is 5% less than the national average. Housing costs in California City are 49% less expensive than the national average, while utility costs are 58% more expensive. Gas prices and transport costs, such as bus fares, are 16% more than the national average. The grocery prices are 10% higher. And, healthcare costs are 1% higher in California City than they are nationwide. The average household income in California City is approximately $47,580.

Transportation

Most residents in California City, CA, find driving their own car the most convenient way of moving around the area. Car ownership is two cars per household, on average. Generally, the commute time to work is around 43 minutes.

Keep in mind that the public transportation system in California City is not as extensive as in some larger cities. You can use Kern Transit buses to travel to nearby areas. Additionally, some private shuttle services operate in the region, offering transportation to popular destinations such as the airport or tourist attractions.

Since California City has a grid-like street layout, it’s relatively easy to navigate on foot.

Also, California City has a relatively flat terrain, making it bike-friendly. You can take advantage of the bike lanes and trails available. Just ensure that you follow the traffic rules and wear appropriate safety gear.

Schools

The main public school district serving California City is the Mojave Unified School District. Some California City schools include Hacienda Elementary School, California City Middle School, and California City High School. While California City itself does not have many good schools, there are several excellent educational institutions in the surrounding areas.

What is the city like?

Despite its relatively small population, the city boasts several amenities, including parks, schools, and recreational facilities. It also serves as a gateway to the stunning Mojave Desert, attracting outdoor enthusiasts with its diverse wildlife, hiking trails, and off-road opportunities.

California City remains an intriguing and somewhat unconventional place, with a unique blend of planned community elements and desert solitude. Its vast, undeveloped landscape and potential for future growth make it an intriguing destination for those seeking a quieter, more affordable lifestyle away from the bustling urban centers of California.

The city’s unique layout, with its wide streets and vast undeveloped areas, has drawn the attention of filmmakers, making it a popular location for shooting movies, commercials, and music videos. The city has also grown in recent years, with new residential and commercial projects being developed.