Brookside Senior Apartments in Bakersfield, CA

Pros

• The grounds are absolutely beautiful, with Sequoia trees and lush grass.
• There is an outdoor pool, a beautiful clubhouse, a gym, and a hair salon.
• Weekly organized activities and bi-weekly shopping trips keep residents engaged.
• The staff, Joy, Melissa, and Greg, are friendly, knowledgeable, and easily accessible.
• Residents find Brookside senior apartments a pleasure to live in and highly recommend it.
• The residents are great, creating a welcoming community.

Cons

• The prices are exaggerated.
• The apartments are very small.

Review

Brookside Senior Apartments in Bakersfield is best suited for independent seniors aged 55 and older who want a social, activity-filled lifestyle without on-site medical care. This community is not an assisted-living setting, so residents should be able to manage daily routines with minimal help, while benefiting from a maintained campus and structured programming. It works especially well for couples or singles who value a campus-like atmosphere, attractive grounds, convenient amenities, and a responsive staff. For those who prize predictable routines, on-site social life, and a sense of safety within a self-contained environment, Brookside delivers a compelling fit.

Those needing regular daily assistance, memory care, or mobility support should consider alternatives. Brookside is not designed for care-intensive needs, so families should look elsewhere if hands-on help, medication management, or specialized therapies are required on site. A second consideration is space and value; several reviewers flag that apartments are small and that the stated prices can feel inflated for the footprint offered. For households prioritizing larger living spaces, more robust care options, or different pricing structures, nearby options may provide a closer match. In short, the community excels at independence with social benefits, not at care delivery.

The strongest positives revolve around setting and social life. The grounds are meticulously kept, with Sequoia trees and lush lawns that invite outdoor living, while an outdoor pool adds leisure options across seasons. On-site amenities, the clubhouse, gym, and hair salon, reduce the need to travel for routine activities and appointments. The weekly activities and bi-weekly shopping trips anchor a reliable social calendar, which makes it easier to form friendships and stay engaged with peers. The staff, Joy, Melissa, and Greg repeatedly cited as friendly, knowledgeable, and accessible, translate into practical support that helps residents navigate daily questions or minor issues quickly.

On the downside, potential friction centers on living space and cost perception. Apartments reportedly run small, which can feel cramped as personal needs or preferences evolve. Price concerns emerge because the value proposition hinges on access to amenities and community life rather than expansive square footage. This trade-off matters, especially for those comparing total monthly costs against other independent living options with larger units or different inclusions. Yet the overall experience, vibrant social programming, beautiful surroundings, and dependable staff, often cushions these drawbacks for residents who prioritize activity, companionship, and routine security over extra space.

Decision-makers should front-load a tour and a floor-plan comparison. If the objective is independence plus a rich community, Brookside delivers clear value. Confirm exact monthly fees, what is included, and what costs may rise over time, so expectations align with reality. Assess the apartment layouts to determine whether the small footprint will undermine daily living or hosting family visits. Engage with current residents about the activity calendar, transportation options, and satisfaction with staff accessibility. For families or individuals who require care-intensive services or wish for larger, more expansive units, explore nearby independent living or actual assisted-living facilities. The right path hinges on matching care needs, space expectations, and budget to Brookside’s offerings.

Bottom line: Brookside Senior Apartments represents a solid, community-forward option for active seniors 55 and older who want attractive grounds, abundant on-site amenities, and a vibrant social life, all while maintaining independence. It is not the pick for those who require daily assistance, memory care, or substantial square footage in their living space. The main attractions, beautiful grounds, robust programming, and accessible staff, serve as compelling counterweights to the size and price perceptions noted by some residents. For the right buyer, Brookside acts as a practical, satisfying home base that blends lifestyle, safety, and community, so a targeted tour and careful gut check on floor plans will confirm suitability.

This part of Bakersfield, California, offers a variety of amenities and services that cater to senior living. With multiple dining options including Applebee's and McDonald's within close proximity, as well as pharmacies such as Rite Aid and Walgreens nearby, residents have convenient access to everyday necessities. The area also features healthcare facilities like Mercy Southwest Hospital and physicians' offices, ensuring easy access to medical care. For recreational activities, residents can enjoy theaters like Regal Edwards Bakersfield and cinemas such as Reading Cinemas Valley Plaza with IMAX. Additionally, parks like Wilderness Park and The Park at River Walk offer opportunities for outdoor activities. Transportation is also easily accessible with the GET Bus Southwest Transit Depot located within a short distance. This neighborhood provides a well-rounded environment for seniors looking for convenience, entertainment, and healthcare services in Bakersfield.

Restaurants

• Applebee's (0.6 miles)
• McDonald's (1.1 miles)
• Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen (1.2 miles)
• Great Change Brewing (1.3 miles)
• Lengthwise Brewing Company (1.4 miles)
• Wendy's (1.5 miles)
• Wienerschnitzel (1.7 miles)

Pharmacies

• Rite Aid (0.7 miles)
• Rite Aid (1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.5 miles)
• Hina's Pharmacy (1.6 miles)
• Hina's Mercy Southwest Pharmacy (1.6 miles)
• Walgreens (1.6 miles)
• Walgreens (1.9 miles)

Theaters

• Regal Edwards Bakersfield (0.8 miles)
• Reading Cinemas Valley Plaza with IMAX (3.3 miles)

Places of Worship

• Laurelglen Bible Church (1.2 miles)
• St Philip The Apostle (1.7 miles)
• New Life Center (2.4 miles)

Physicians

• Pacific Pulmonary Services (1.5 miles)
• Dr Levens (1.6 miles)
• Ciccotto Salvatore MD (1.6 miles)
• Zeba Yamin, MD (1.7 miles)
• Advanced Gastroenterology (1.8 miles)
• Pain Institute Of California (1.8 miles)
• Truxtun Radiology Medical Records (1.8 miles)

Hospitals

• Mercy Southwest Hospital (1.6 miles)
• Good Samaritan Southwest Hospital (2.3 miles)

Cafes

• Sam's West (2 miles)

Parks

• Wilderness Park (2.1 miles)
• The Park at River Walk (2.2 miles)
• Aera Baseball Park (2.6 miles)
• Liberty Park (2.9 miles)

Transportation

• GET Bus Southwest Transit Depot (3.2 miles)