Welcome to Taft, California

Your Local Relocation Guide

A helpful resource for newcomers to settle in, get connected, and thrive in their new community.

Before You Move

- Electricity & Gas: PG&E - (800) 743-5000

- Natural Gas: SoCalGas - (800) 427-2200

- Water: West Kern Water District - (661) 763-3151

- Sewer Services: City of Taft - (661) 763-3144

- Trash & Recycling: Westside Waste / Kern County Waste Management.

- Internet Providers: Spectrum, Frontier, Viasat, and Starlink.

- Change of Address: File with USPS and update banks, insurance, etc.

- Driver's License & Vehicle Registration: Visit your nearest DMV office.

Getting Around

- Taft Area Transit: Offers local routes including to Maricopa.

- Easy street parking in most residential and commercial zones.

- Rails to Trails and various public parks throughout Taft.

Neighborhood Basics

- Trash Collection Schedule: Contact waste provider for your address.

- Local Ordinances: Inquire with City Hall about zoning, noise, and pets.

- Safety Info: Taft Police Department provides crime reports and non-emergency services.

For Families

- K-8: Taft City School District - (661) 763-1521

- High School: Taft Union High School - (661) 763-2300

- Higher Ed: Taft College

- Licensed childcare centers available locally.

- Taft Branch Library offers programs for kids and teens.

Everyday Essentials

- Grocery Stores: Albertsons, Grocery Outlet, SaveMore, Supervalu, Carniceria Rancho Grande- Pharmacies: Express Pharmacy - 900 Kern St

- Banks & ATMs: United Security Bank, various ATM across Taft

- Hardware Stores: Cooper’s True Value Home Center - (661) 765-7531.

- Farm Supply Retailers: Tractor Supply - (661) 745-4510.

Recreation & Community Life

- Rail to Trails, skate park, and playgrounds

- West Side Recreation and Park District: youth sports, aquatics, and classes.

- Historic Taft Theatre hosts movies, events and performances.

- Oildorado, celebrated every five years, celebrates Taft's oil heritage.

- Clubs: Kiwanis, Rotary, Soroptimist, Lions, and other civic organizations.

Staying Informed

- City of Taft website: www.cityoftaft.org

- Community Facebook & Nextdoor groups for real-time tips.

- Sign up for local emergency alerts via Kern County Alert System.

- Register to vote online with the California Secretary of State.

- Mayor: Dave Noerr (serving through 2028)

Quick Contacts

- City Hall & Public Works - (661) 763-1222

- PG&E (Electricity) - (800) 743-5000

- SoCalGas - (800) 427-2200

- West Kern Water District - (661) 763-3151

- Express Pharmacy - (661) 745-4800

- Taft City School District - (661) 763-1521

- Taft Union High School - (661) 763-2300

Why You'll Love Living in Taft

- Friendly, small-town feel with rich history

- Close-knit community and civic pride

- Affordable cost of living with easy access to Bakersfield

- Strong educational and recreational opportunities