Why Live in South Campus
South Campus in Chico, California, is a vibrant, walkable neighborhood directly south of California State University, Chico, and west of downtown. This area is popular among college students and young first-time buyers, offering easy access to dining, arts, and cultural attractions. Residents can walk or bike to downtown Chico, where they can enjoy coffee at Stoble, Vietnamese cuisine at Pho Bonsa, or burgers at Madison Bear Garden. The neighborhood is close to several arts venues, including Chico State’s Performing Arts Center, the Janet Turner Print Museum, and the National Yo-Yo Museum. Families can visit the Chico Children’s Museum and the historic Stansbury Home Museum. While South Campus lacks dedicated green spaces, nearby parks like Ringel Park, Lost Park, and Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park provide outdoor recreation options. Housing in South Campus includes cozy cottages, bungalows, and multifamily properties, making it a rental-friendly area with investment potential. The neighborhood is served by the highly rated Chico Unified School District, with Emma Wilson Elementary, Chico Junior High, and Chico High School all earning high marks. Public transportation options include Butte Regional Transit and an Amtrak station, with Sacramento and its airport about 90 miles away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is South Campus a good place to live?
South Campus is a good place to live. South Campus is considered very walkable and a biker's paradise. South Campus has 3 parks for recreational activities. It is very dense in population with 15.3 people per acre and a median age of 26. The average household income is $53,113 which is below the national average. College graduates make up 33% of residents. A majority of residents in South Campus are renters, with 91.3% of residents renting and 8.7% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving South Campus can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
South Campus neighborhood guide.
Is South Campus, CA a safe neighborhood?
South Campus, CA is less safe than the average neighborhood in the United States. It received a crime score of 5 out of 10.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in South Campus?
The median home price in South Campus is $290,500. If you put a 20% down payment of $58,100 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.74%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $1,510 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $65K a year to afford the median home price in South Campus. The average household income in South Campus is $53K.
What are the best public schools in South Campus?
The best public schools that serve South Campus are:
What are the best private schools in South Campus?
The best private schools that serve South Campus are:
What are the most popular zip codes in South Campus, Chico, CA?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near South Campus, Chico, CA?
Are home prices dropping in South Campus?
Yes, home prices in South Campus are down 33% in the last 12 months.
Home Trends in South Campus, CA
On average, homes in South Campus, Chico sell after 111 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in South Campus, Chico over the last 12 months is $644,000, down 27% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$644,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$290,500
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$240
Number of Homes for Sale
2
Last 12 months Home Sales
8
Median List Price
$290,500
Median Change From 1st List Price
2%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-27%