If you're looking for a home in Bakersfield, two communities that often come up are Riverlakes in Northwest Bakersfield and Seven Oaks in Southwest Bakersfield.

Both offer established communities, attractive homes, recreational amenities, and convenient access to shopping and dining. But they have different layouts, locations, and overall feel.

So which one is better?

It depends on what you're looking for.

Riverlakes: Northwest Bakersfield

Riverlakes is a planned community built around several lakes and green spaces, giving the neighborhood a distinctive feel compared with a typical Bakersfield subdivision.

One of its biggest draws is the combination of lakes, walking paths, parks, and golf. The Riverlakes Golf Course is located within the community, making it particularly appealing to people who enjoy having recreation close to home.

The area also offers convenient access to Northwest Bakersfield shopping, restaurants, schools, and everyday services.

Riverlakes may be a good fit if you:

• Like having lakes and walking paths nearby

• Enjoy golf and outdoor recreation

• Prefer an established community

• Want to live in Northwest Bakersfield

• Like a neighborhood with a strong recreational component

Seven Oaks: Southwest Bakersfield

Seven Oaks is a large master-planned area in Southwest Bakersfield made up of multiple residential communities.

Because of its size, there is more variety within Seven Oaks itself. Home styles, neighborhoods, amenities, and price points can differ considerably depending on the specific community.

Seven Oaks also puts you close to many of Southwest Bakersfield's major shopping, restaurants, entertainment, parks, and services.

Seven Oaks may be a good fit if you:

• Prefer Southwest Bakersfield

• Want more variety in neighborhoods and homes

• Value being close to shopping and restaurants

• Want access to parks and recreational amenities

• Prefer the feel of a larger master-planned area

Riverlakes vs. Seven Oaks: The Biggest Difference

For me, the simplest way to think about the comparison is location and lifestyle.

Riverlakes has a more defined identity centered around its lakes, golf course, walking paths, and recreational environment.

Seven Oaks offers more variety because it encompasses a much larger collection of communities throughout Southwest Bakersfield.

Your daily routine should probably play a major role in the decision, too. Where do you work? Where does your family live? Where do you spend your weekends? Which side of town do you visit most?

Those factors can matter more than the neighborhood name.

Which One Is Better?

There isn't a universal winner.

If you love the idea of an evening walk around the lake, playing golf close to home, and living in Northwest Bakersfield, Riverlakes deserves a look.

If you prefer Southwest Bakersfield and want a larger selection of communities, homes, shopping, dining, and amenities nearby, Seven Oaks may be the better fit.

The best way to decide is to experience both. Drive through the neighborhoods, look at the homes currently available, explore the surrounding areas, and see which one fits the way you actually live.

About the Author

Cole Rangel is a REALTOR® with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Associated Real Estate serving Bakersfield, Tehachapi, and communities throughout Kern County.

Cole helps buyers compare Bakersfield neighborhoods and understand the differences between communities so they can find a home that fits their lifestyle—not simply the home that looks best on a listing website.

Considering Riverlakes, Seven Oaks, or another Bakersfield neighborhood? Start by exploring the areas and comparing what matters most to you.