Greater Tehachapi

Tehachapi is a place of austere beauty, rich with history. Its name is rooted in Native American folklore, possibly meaning "sweet-water and acorns" or "windy place". A settlement called Tehichipa would later be named Tehachapi in its present location when the Southern Pacific railroad built their route through the area in 1876. The original downtown SP Railroad depot is listed in the National Register of Historical Places.

Rising from the southern end of the Central Valley, the Tehachapi mountains are a traverse range connecting the Coast Range with the Sierra Nevada mountains. With an elevation between 3,969 and 7,981 feet, Tehachapi is a mountain community in the truest sense of the word. Traditionally called the land of four seasons, summer days are warm with refreshing night temperatures. Autumn brings brilliant hues of color to the landscape. Periodic winter snow transforms the mountains and valleys into a pristine land of wonder. Spring brings with it a myriad of wildflowers, and of course, Tehachapis famous blooming lilac.

Tehachapi embraces many different lifestyles. It is a horse friendly place for equestrians with miles of dedicated trails. The golfing enthusiast will not be disappointed. There are lakes for fishing and boating, a glider-port and airport. Tehachapi supports the arts with a community theatre and orchestra. These are but a few of the many amenities to boast. Nearby attractions include: the Sequoia National Forest, Pacific Crest Trail, Tomo-Kahni State Historic Park and the Tehachapi Loop. Come for a visit and be enchanted!

Alpine Forest
Alpine Forest, 5,000 acres in the Tehachapi Mountains, is located about 10 miles west and south of Tehachapi.  The approximately 1,100 lots are on elevations from 4,600 feet to 6,600 feet, in five tracts up to 20 acres in size. Tract 3423 has water provided by the Alpine Forest Park Mutual Water company.  The other four Tracts require wells on the property owners lots.
There are approximately 30 miles of semi-private roads in Alpine Forest, which are maintained by the Alpine Forest Park Property Owners Association, which was established as a non-profit corporation in 1970.  There is no hunting in Alpine Forest. Wildlife in the area includes: mountain lions, bears, bobcats, coyotes, raccoons, and wild boar.  Of course, there are rattlesnakes and "good" snakes. Condors, eagles, hawks and many smaller birds frequent the area.

Bear Valley Springs
Bear Valley Springs is nestled at the base of the Sierra Mountains.  Nearly 27,000 acres in size, this mountain-ringed community of less than 3,500 residential lots encompasses a broad grassland valley, upland meadow and hills studded with majestic oaks.
Bear Valley Springs Association is a California non-profit corporation managed by a board of directors elected by the members.  Lot owners are members and pay and an annual assessment to the association.  The association leases, operates and regulates the use of the Equestrian Center, Recreation Center, Community Center, Golf Course Center, park areas and other amenities.  The association has adopted and may from time to time amend rules and regulations governing the use of the recreational facilities leased from the district.  The Covenants and Restrictions are the governing documents and are also enforced by the association. The Environmental Control Committee consist of three members appointed by the BVSA Board to control the environment of Bear Valley Springs, including floor plans, exterior material and colors, location of improvements, drainage, sewage facilities and landscaping. A master-planned, gated community, with a population of about 7,500 residents, Bear Valley Springs offers an abundance of leisure-time facilities.  Bear Valley Springs' Elevation ranges from 4,118 feet to 6,934 feet (Bear Mountain).  

Brite Valley

Located approximately 7 miles West of Tehachapi, this beautiful little valley offers some nice acreage for the gentleman farmer.  Most Parcels are from 5-20 acres in size.

Brite Lake, also known as Jacobsen Lake, offers picnic sites for day use and campsites for overnighters.  There are 90 spaces available, 12 with electricity and water, and a dump station.  Pavilions are available, by reservation, for large group functions.  Fishing, in season, allows for a limit of 5 trout and 10 catfish per person per day.  Brite Lake is owned by the Tehachapi Cummings Water District and operated by the Tehachapi Valley Recreation and Parks District.

Cummings Valley

Known for its Sod Farms and Horse Ranches, Cummings Valley was first seen by George Cummings in the mid 1800's while on a cattle drive enroute to the Gold Mines. The area was so beautiful, he later returned to purchase property in the valley now named after him.

In 1936, the California Institute for Women at Tehachapi was dedicated on land in Cummings Valley.  Following the big earthquake of 1952, the women were relocated to another location.  After reconstruction, the facility became the California Correctional Institute for Men (CCI).  Today, it is actually five prisons in the same location.  With a staff of approximately 1700 positions overseeing 5800 inmates, CCI is the largest employer in the Tehachapi area.   

Two antelope herds have recently been introduced into the Tehachapi area.  One herd roams the Zond Wind Farm.  The other is located in Cummings Valley making its home on the ranch of movie actor Jack Palance.

Sandwiched between Tehachapi and Stallion Springs, Cummings Valley is encircled by oak and pine-covered mountains just fifteen miles west of Tehachapi.

Golden Hills

A splendid view is easy to find from most of the 3,400 parcels in Golden Hills.  Ranging in size from 1/4 acre to 1 plus acres, services are provided by the Golden Hills Community Services District.  Located just 2 miles from the City of Tehachapi, Golden Hills began development in the 1960's.  Horses are allowed depending on zoning and parcel size.  Wonderful terrain for riding and hiking can be found on both the East and West side of Golden Hills.  The Old Town shopping area is located in Golden Hills as are many fine restaurants.  Golden Hills is the solution for people who want close-in convenience in a beautiful, rural setting.  The Golden Hills Community Services District is dedicated to the community it serves.  In addition to providing nearly 9,000 Golden Hills residents with clean, drinkable water, the five-member, elected board of directors seek to enhance the quality of life by providing services above and beyond.  The future is golden for Golden Hills residents.  

Oak Knolls
With rolling hills and scenic vistas this is a popular area for folks who desire a little more rural atmosphere.  Most lots in Oak Knolls are small acreage located on unpaved roads.  Oak Knolls is situated right next to Golden Hills and therefore is relatively close to schools and shopping.

Stallion Springs

"Almost every day is a good day for Golf" at Stallion Springs Golf Course, one of the finest 18 hole Championship Golf Courses in Southern California.  Stallion Springs Golf Course is located just 18 miles from Downtown Tehachapi.  Low in density, Stallion Springs is a Resort Community of nearly 4,000 residents spread out over 20,000 acres.

Woodward West Resort features Woodward West Lodge, Horse Thief Country Club and the ever-colorful and fun-filled Boom Town Sports and Recreation Complex.  Catering to the sports-minded, the Recreation Complex provides courts, ball fields, swimming, fishing, hiking, bowling, horseback riding and even miniature golf.  Surrounded by the greenery of thousands of majestic oak trees, Stallion Springs is breathtakingly beautiful.  Due to the altitude and location, the climate is mild and smog free.  Snows are infrequent and short-lived with sunny days being the norm.

Stallion Springs is a one-of-a-kind development designed for those seeking an affordable and beautiful homesite, an active lifestyle and close-in convenience.

Stallion Springs is operated by a Community Service District (CSD).  Stallion Springs' Elevation ranges from 4,000 feet to 5,800 feet.