St John Manor in Bakersfield, CA

Pros

• The reviewer loves patrolling there and finds the people there really cool.
• The reviewer has lived there for four years and likes it.
• The staff are very good to the reviewer’s dad, and the office staff are amazing, making the reviewer feel comfortable with their dad's living situation.
• The reviewer lives there and considers it a nice place to live.
• St. John's Manor is blessed with a lovely community atmosphere underpinned by many people of Christian faith.
• They regularly host community activities such as potlucks, bingo, movie nights, and Bible studies on Monday nights in the recreation room at the front of the building.
• The community activities board is led by President Sherry Hale.

Review

St John Manor in Bakersfield is best suited for seniors who want a warm, close-knit living environment with a clear sense of community rooted in faith, stability, and everyday social activity. It works well for residents who value regular interaction with neighbors, dependable office staff, and a familiar routine that makes aging in place feel comfortable. Families seeking a home where residents can settle into long-term residence, feel cared for by an attentive front-office team, and participate in predictable social programming will find this community a strong match.

Those considering alternatives should note that St John Manor may not be ideal for elders who require advanced medical oversight or a secular activity slate. The emphasis on Christian faith and faith-based gatherings will be a plus for some, but could feel limiting for others who desire a more secular atmosphere or access to higher levels of on-site medical staffing. Prospective residents who prioritize a broader range of clinical services, memory care options, or independent living with more varied, non-religious enrichment may want to compare with peer communities that foreground medical flexibility and diverse programming.

The strongest upside rests with the staff-and-community dynamic. Long-term residents report genuine comfort with their living arrangements, and family members repeatedly praise the office team as being exceptionally supportive. The sentiment that staff genuinely cares about a loved one’s wellbeing translates into daily peace of mind for families. The sense of safety and approachability, evident in remarks about patrolling and the overall friendly atmosphere, helps offset common senior-living concerns about isolation or neglect. When the care staff and administrators are described as “amazing,” that reliability becomes a practical predictor of smoother transitions and fewer daily frictions.

Equally persuasive are the community life features that give St John Manor texture. The facility cultivates a friendly, faith-oriented vibe through regular gatherings, potlucks, bingo, movie nights, and Monday Bible studies, offered in easily accessible spaces like the recreation room at the building’s front. A lived-in sense of fellowship is reinforced by organized leadership, including a community activities board and an identified president overseeing planning. For residents who thrive on routine, social connection, and predictable events, these elements create meaningful engagement that complements everyday mobility and independent living.

A prudent reader will recognize a few potential constraints despite the overall positive picture. One reviewer assigns a 1-star rating, signaling that experiences can diverge, and a broader mix of impressions may exist beyond the favorable notes captured in the prevailing commentary. The explicit religious orientation, while a clear strength for many, may not align with every resident’s beliefs or preferences. Those who prioritize a non-faith environment or who want religious activities complemented by a wider secular culture should explicitly confirm how inclusive programming is and what happens when new interests arise.

Ultimately, St John Manor offers a practical, comforting option for families prioritizing warmth, continuity, and a sense of belonging anchored in faith. It delivers demonstrated strengths in staff responsiveness, resident satisfaction, and steady social programming, which together mitigate common senior-living risks like loneliness and caregiving anxiety. For families weighing options, the recommended approach is a candid visit: observe staff-resident interactions, assess how well the activities align with the prospective resident’s interests, and verify the level of medical support available on-site. If secular variety and higher-level clinical care are priorities, alternative communities should be compared to ensure a best-fit decision.

This part of Bakersfield, California, offers a variety of amenities and services that may be appealing to seniors looking for a comfortable and convenient living environment. The proximity to theaters like Maya Bakersfield 16 and the Fox Theater provide entertainment options for those interested in movies and events. Additionally, there are several parks nearby such as Beale Park and Martin Luther King, Jr Park where residents can enjoy outdoor activities. The area also boasts a selection of pharmacies, restaurants, cafes, physicians' offices, places of worship, and hospitals within a short distance, ensuring easy access to essential services. Overall, this neighborhood offers a mix of entertainment, dining, healthcare resources, and recreational opportunities that may cater well to seniors seeking an active lifestyle with convenient amenities.

Theaters

• Maya Bakersfield 16 (0.5 miles)
• Fox Theater, Events Line (1.2 miles)
• Reading Cinemas Valley Plaza with IMAX (2.3 miles)

Parks

• Beale Park (0.7 miles)
• Martin Luther King, Jr Park (1.2 miles)
• Jastro Park (1.6 miles)

Pharmacies

• Wise Buys Drugs (0.7 miles)
• Rite Aid (1.3 miles)
• V & G Collective (1.4 miles)
• Ming & H Drugs (1.6 miles)
• Greggs Pharmacy (2 miles)
• Bakersfield Family Medical Center (2.3 miles)
• Walgreens (2.6 miles)

Transportation

• Amtrak (0.8 miles)
• BNSF Railway Co. (1 miles)
• GET Bus Southwest Transit Depot (2.2 miles)

Restaurants

• Bill Lee's Bamboo Chopsticks (1 miles)
• The 18Hundred (1 miles)
• Brimstone Bar (1.1 miles)
• Nuestro Mexico Restaurant (1.2 miles)
• Golden West Casino (1.2 miles)
• Jack In The Box (1.3 miles)
• Sonic Drive-In (1.3 miles)

Physicians

• Truxtun Radiology Medical Group (1 miles)
• Kern Radiology Downtown (1 miles)
• Nair Shyam MD (1.1 miles)
• Bhambi Brij MD FACC Faca Central Cardiology (1.1 miles)
• Jim C Kim (1.2 miles)
• Gary K Zerlin (1.2 miles)
• Kern County Medical Society (1.3 miles)

Places of Worship

• Mission At Kern County The (1.5 miles)

Hospitals

• San Joaquin Community Hospital (1.6 miles)
• Memorial Hospital - Bakersfield (2.1 miles)
• Golden Livingcenter (2.2 miles)
• Physicians Plaza Surgery Center Healthsouth (2.4 miles)
• Kern Emergency Physicians (2.6 miles)
• Kern Medical Center (2.7 miles)
• Kern County Medical Center (2.8 miles)

Cafes

• Dutch Bros Coffee (1.6 miles)
• Panera Bread (2.2 miles)