Faces of Downtown: Miriam Alqaisi

Some people discover downtown Bakersfield. Others fall in love with it. For Miriam, it was both. What started as a simple architectural tour during high school slowly turned into a deep appreciation for the history, charm, and community that make downtown one of the most special parts of the city.

Miriam first moved to Bakersfield in 2007 while she was in high school. At the time, she lived in Rosedale and didn’t really spend time downtown. That changed when she was selected for the Bakersfield Museum of Art’s ArtWorks program, which gives students the opportunity to explore art and creativity around the city. As part of the program, students took an architectural tour through downtown Bakersfield.

That moment changed everything for her.

“Once I realized that was there, that was it,” Miriam said. “It became the only place I really wanted to hang out. It’s been a long love affair with downtown ever since.”

Over time, Miriam became more than someone who simply enjoyed visiting downtown. She became part of the community that makes it what it is.

Years later, she opened Radio Sandwich, a shop downtown that quickly became a favorite for locals. Running a small business came with its share of ups and downs, but for Miriam, the most meaningful part was always the people.

“It was a massive whirlwind,” she said. “A constant struggle at times, but also really rewarding. At the end of the day, it became more about the people than the business.”

Her goal with Radio was simple. She wanted to highlight the incredible ingredients that exist right here in Kern County. She sourced ingredients from local farms and producers, showcasing everything from Wasco-grown flowers to beef from Rankin Ranch and fresh local produce.

“I just wanted to show off how beautiful the things we have here are,” she said with a laugh. “And what’s more appealing than a sandwich?”

Running a business downtown also gave Miriam a deeper understanding of the community itself. One thing that stood out to her right away was how supportive people are of one another.

“I was surprised by how loyal people downtown are,” she said. “Even now, people I might have only interacted with once or twice will see me walking around and remember me or ask what I’m up to. It’s such a welcoming and supportive community.”

Before opening Radio Sandwich, Miriam had earned her MBA and obtained her real estate license as a backup plan. But sometimes backup plans turn into something unexpected.

“I always thought food was the love of my life,” she said. “But real estate ended up being the love of my life too.”

Today, Miriam works as a realtor with Watson Realty and continues to live downtown, helping others discover homes filled with personality, history, and character.

For her, downtown Bakersfield offers something you simply don’t find everywhere else.

“Downtown is one of the last pockets of real history we have in Bakersfield,” she said. “The character of the homes is incredible, but what really makes it special is the people who live here.”

You can see that sense of community in the little details around the neighborhood. Neighbors string lights from tree to tree across yards to create welcoming streets. People greet each other while walking their dogs. Homes reflect individuality while still feeling connected to the people around them.

“There’s something about downtown that lets people celebrate their individuality while still feeling like they belong to something bigger,” she said.

Over the years, Miriam has also watched downtown’s reputation shift. What was once misunderstood by some has slowly become one of the most exciting parts of Bakersfield.

“People’s perceptions have changed so much,” she said. “It used to be seen as somewhere to avoid. Now it’s where people go because they know that’s where the new things are happening.”

That shift is showing up in real estate as well. Miriam says she’s seeing interest from longtime locals as well as people moving from outside Bakersfield who are drawn to the historic homes and unique architecture that downtown offers.

Looking ahead, Miriam believes one of the biggest opportunities for downtown lies in collaboration.

“If we can keep these buildings in local hands, that’s huge,” she said. “When the owners live here and care about what happens, they want to work together and make things happen for the community.”

Downtown businesses also play an important role in bringing people together. Miriam believes vibrant downtowns create spaces where communities can gather, connect, and support local entrepreneurs.

“When people left downtowns across the country, that’s when strip malls were born,” she explained. “There’s nothing wrong with them, but they don’t bring people together the same way a downtown does.”

For Miriam, downtown Bakersfield is where people can find that shared sense of place.

It’s where people can say, ‘This is our spot. This is where we find our people.

When it comes to favorite places downtown, Miriam has plenty. Campo offers a curated wine and market experience, while Dagny’s Coffee remains a longtime staple for locals. Woolworth’s continues to breathe new life into a historic building, and Old Town Kern remains one of the most underrated areas to explore.

Living downtown means Miriam gets to experience the area’s constant evolution firsthand.

“Things change really quickly,” she said. “New places open, new ideas appear, and there’s always something happening. That excitement keeps me connected to it.”

When asked to describe downtown in three words, Miriam chose pride, energy, and exploration.

For her, being part of downtown means being part of something bigger than herself.

“It makes me feel like I’m supporting Bakersfield,” she said. “Downtown feels like the core of the city, and being part of it means helping that core thrive.”

Looking ahead, Miriam says the people who care deeply about downtown are what give her the most hope for its future.

“The excitement people have for downtown is what excites me the most,” she said. “Seeing that commitment continue makes me feel confident that the momentum will keep growing.”

For Miriam Alqaisi, downtown Bakersfield is more than a place she lives or works. It’s a community she believes in, a neighborhood full of hidden history, and a place she’s proud to call home.

And if you happen to be searching for a historic home along the way, she has one final piece of advice.

“If you need a realtor who cares about downtown history,” she said with a smile, “call me!”

You can connect with Miriam Alqaisi through Watson Realty or follow her on Instagram at @myrealtormiriam. Whether helping families find a home or continuing to invest in the heart of downtown Bakersfield, Miriam remains a proud advocate for the community she calls home.