Bakersfield has come a long way in recent years by expanding with more housing along with businesses. The population is getting larger and larger and to keep up with the increasing population, there are new shopping centers being built for the people of Bakersfield. “The city of Bakersfield had its population grow to more than 419,000 by the start of 2025 and is one of seven of the top ten largest to see population increases last year” explains Bakersfield city.us. Due to this increase, the city is also building a new shopping area with new retail developments off of Gosford Rd. and Panama Lane. According to Loopnet there will be new tenants in the area. They are building a new Dicks Sporting goods, TJ Maxx, Burlington, In N Out, and a Target.
Daisy Guitron otherwise known as Ms. G is a PE teacher and coach at Ridgeview High School. She voiced her thoughts and opinions about the new buildings. “I like the idea of them because they are closer to my home and are more convenient for me,” Guitron stated. This is a big factor for families who are in the southwest area of Bakersfield. The southwest area is becoming a very popular area for Bakersfield. Roads are getting busier and busier as time goes by. “There will definitely be more traffic in that area because of the incoming shops,” Guitron says. Like anything there are always mixed emotions. “For me I am happy with the idea of the new buildings. I am hopeful that the traffic in the area won’t be as bad because of the new buildings in the area” This location will be home to the fifth Target in Bakersfield. “Bakersfield is growing along with the population. Personally I think the location is a great one for these new buildings,” Guitron states.
Francisco Fernandez is a senior at Ridgeview High School. He had his own opinion about the new buildings. “The Bakersfield shopping experiences are good but sometimes too crowded,” Fernandez expresses. With the new retail developments this overcrowding issue people experience while shopping in Bakersfield could be alleviated. “I think the new buildings are going to be a really good asset to the shopping experiences here. It will hopefully be a positive addition to the experience and it will also be closer for a lot of people including myself,” Fernandez said. The people of Bakersfield won’t have to worry about driving as far away to get what they need or want. “I think there is definitely some excitement around the whole project. I think these buildings will get a lot of attention from residents in the area.” Fernandez explained.
Casey Quinn is a health teacher at Ridgeview High school. He also had voiced his thoughts and opinions on the new retail developments off of Gosford Rd. and Panama ln. “I think these buildings are a good opportunity for customers in our town to buy the products that they want or need and also to have a good experience,” said Casey Quinn. Bakersfield is a smaller big city. There is still room for improvement and space for growth. “In my opinion the location of these buildings is a good location for people who have to drive relatively far to go to the same stores,” Quinn explained. That area of Bakersfield is home to a lot of people who would have to travel a bit far to go to Dicks Sporting Goods or even Burlington. Quinn also said, “I think people in the area will be happy about the buildings. The house values will probably go up just because of these new stores and I think it is a good thing.” This will increase popularity in the area and will have more people wanting to be closer to this area. “I hope the environment will be up to standards, clean as well as safe,” Quinn stated.
Bakersfield is an expanding town with a growing population. It is home to our school Ridgeview High School as well as many others. These retail developments are the next step towards expansion in the city of Bakersfield.
