Bakersfield CA Senior Living Blog - Columbus Estates

Inside Columbus Estates Senior Living: A Look at Life in Bakersfield

Written by Columbus Estates | Nov 30, 2025 5:00:00 AM

Columbus Estates offers a relaxed, maintenance-free style of retirement living in Bakersfield, CA. Older adults can enjoy their own private home, with 17 distinct floor plans to choose from, several of which have been recently renovated. On campus, there are supportive services to enjoy, such as chef-prepared meals, activities, and amenities that make life easier and more rewarding.

Across California, more than 9 million people have already reached the age of 60, and by 2030, over-60s are expected to outnumber under-18s for the first time in history. If you are one of these older adults thinking about downsizing or simplifying your life, our community for independent living in Bakersfield, CA, could be the perfect retirement destination. Known for its parks, Kern County Museum, and the Bakersfield Museum of Art, Bakersfield has diverse offerings for seniors looking for a culturally exciting spot to put down roots.

Is Bakersfield, CA, a Good Place to Live?

Bakersfield is not as famous as the coastal cities of California, but that's one of its key advantages. Its inland location and relatively low profile make it a more affordable area to retire to, especially for seniors looking to stretch every dollar while remaining in the Golden State.

Things to Do

The retirement apartments in Kern County at Columbus Estates are the ideal base for independent seniors who want to explore the local area. 

Bakersfield itself is known for its farming and racing events. For those who love country music, you can immerse yourself in the Bakersfield Sound - a subgenre of country music that emerged in the California city in the 1950s. If you're looking for culinary adventures, enjoy the Basque-style fried chicken the city is famous for. 

If you have your own wheels, there are also great attractions just a couple of hours' drive from Columbus Estates:

  • Sequoia National Park
  • Lake Isabella
  • Remington Hot Springs

And if your mobility is more limited, you can still explore the local area with our support. As part of our activity calendar, we arrange regular shopping and cultural outings to help you feel connected to the Bakersfield community.

Affordability

California may not be famous for affordability, but Bakersfield is a great spot for cost-conscious seniors. According to The Currency, the cost of living in Bakersfield is 25% lower than the state average. Additionally, the cost of healthcare is 6% lower - two key considerations for retirees.

Healthcare Services

As a medium-sized city, Bakersfield provides access to excellent hospitals and medical services. Although we do not provide medical services at Columbus Estates, we are proud to have links with third-party providers who can provide:

  • Personalized home health
  • Non-medical support services
  • Visiting hospice care
  • Therapies and podiatry

Having these services delivered in your own home, plus the comfort of knowing that top healthcare services are close by, makes Columbus Estates a relaxing and reassuring spot for independent living in Bakersfield, CA.

What Is Life Like at Columbus Estates?

Daily life at Columbus Estates centers on comfort, flexibility, and a strong sense of community. This means that no two days are the same, and no two residents' experiences are identical. There is a huge scope to be as involved as you like in community life or enjoy a private life with the reassurance of having access to supportive services.

Services That Benefit All Residents

Active aging in Bakersfield is so much easier when day-to-day cares are handled by someone else! At Columbus Estates, our senior support services include:

  • Housekeeping services
  • Maintenance crew
  • Groundskeeping team
  • Front desk
  • Three meals freshly prepared each day 

So forget about home upkeep and focus on truly living!

Activities and Amenities

Our activities director curates an ever-changing activity calendar that focuses on being social, having fun, and stimulating the body and mind. Our current calendar includes:

  • "Sit and be fit" exercise sessions
  • Knitting and crocheting group
  • Poker games
  • Live music performances
  • Celebration luncheons
  • Brain fit games and mind challenge

Our communal spaces and activity room also give you the chance to explore new hobbies that meet your personal interests. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Who Is Eligible for Independent Living?

Independent living at Columbus Estates is designed for older adults who can live safely on their own but want the convenience of having access to senior support services. Residents typically appreciate:

  • Having their own private, upscale apartment
  • Having convenient access to meals, housekeeping, and social events
  • Being able to access additional supportive services

With 17 floor plans to choose from, there is a perfect fit for everyone, whether you want a cozy suite or a spacious two-bed home.

How Does Columbus Estates Support a Simpler Lifestyle?

Home upkeep, yard work, and paying multiple bills are a thing of the past at Columbus Estates. For one single monthly payment, you receive a maintenance-free home that is regularly cleaned, and beautiful grounds you can enjoy year-round without having to lift a finger. 

Utilities are mainly included, which simplifies your monthly budgeting. Also, there's no need to go grocery shopping, spend time cooking, or worry about the dishes. This gives you more time for enjoying good company and the activities that truly matter to you.

What Kind of Amenities Do Residents Enjoy on Campus?

Our campus is designed to make life as easy as possible for residents. To that end, we have a range of helpful amenities that mean residents do not have to leave the site to look and feel great. These include:

  • Beauty salon and barber shop
  • Laundry facilities
  • Private dining room
  • Bistro area
  • Country store
  • Walking paths
  • Health and fitness gym

We are also a pet-friendly campus! Whether or not you have a four-legged friend of your own, you'll enjoy interacting with the variety of pets on site.

Time to Experience Columbus Estates

Life at Columbus Estates is about more than retirement apartments in Kern County. It's about embracing a new way of life - active aging in Bakersfield - with none of the stresses of running your own home.

We've recently had a facelift, with upgrades to our communal areas, amenities, and several of our apartments. Come and see our new look for yourself and pick out your forever home!