Surrounded by Sierra Nevada mountains to the east and south, sprawling several miles into the foothills, Chico is a midsize city in northern California. Chico has a lot to offer its residents, from a highly rated public school system and higher education at California State, Chico to one of America’s largest parks and proximity to the Bay Area. An active real estate market gives buyers their choice of historic homes registered with the Mills Act, a California preservation effort, and newly built properties. The lively Downtown is the site of a diverse dining scene and city-sponsored events. Buyers looking to get even farther removed from the bustling Bay area explore homes in the surrounding county, which offer large lots and plenty of quiet. The city provides a breadth of properties, activities, restaurants and education options.
East Streets neighborhood shares a border with the south side of Bidwell Park.
Chico Ice Rink in the Plaza is a popular event during the winter months.
Some modern homes with beautiful features can be found in Cohasset.
Downtown Chico is a bikeable 4 miles away from Little Chico Creek Estates.
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Eclectic housing in Chico
Chico real estate is an eclectic mix of homes. Buyers will find new build Modern Traditional properties and historic Craftsman depending on the neighborhood they purchase in. While the different houses can be vastly different, what stands out is the housing market’s prices. “The biggest draw is the affordability,” says Maya Noble, real estate agent with Century 21. “It’s more affordable to live only a couple of hours from Sacramento or the Bay Area and drive in. There’s been a lot of people retiring to Chico, or people moving here to get better prices on houses.” Single family homes sell for a median price of $465,000, but large and new properties can exceed $2 million.
You can find new build Modern Traditional homes on streets with sidewalks in Durham.
Historic Craftsman homes add character to many streets through out Chico.
Smaller single family homes sell for a median price of $465,000 in Chico.
Some large colonial style homes hit the high end of home prices in East Streets.
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Bidwell Park system
Outdoor space is an important part of life in Chico. The city maintains more than a dozen neighborhood and community parks, as well as a pool. Most famously, Chico is home to Bidwell Park, the fifth largest municipal park in California, one of the largest city parks in the United States. The park is divided into Upper and Lower Bidwell Park, occupying 3,670 acres, or nearly 11 miles in length. From nature trails and natural swimming holes to game courts and playgrounds, there are many ways to spend time outside in the park. The Chico Creek Nature Center, the park's official interpretive center, offers interactive lessons to visitors of all ages. Visitors can learn about the park’s plant and animal life, and more about conservation efforts. The Camp Fire did damage portions of Upper Bidwell Park, but most of the park has since been restored. The city has plans to further restore the park, repairing structures and helping nature heal.
Sun sets over Upper Bidwell Park recreation area.
Take a hike at the Upper Bidwell Park recreation area.
Bidwell Park has a large swimming pool the whole community enjoys.
Sun sets over baseball diamond as game ensues at Bidwell Park.
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Chico Unified School District and California State University, Chico
Chico Unified School District serves the city. Niche awards the district a grade of A and rates it as the top district in Butte County. The district is made up of 14 elementary schools, six middle schools and 6 high schools. After students graduate, they can continue their education at California State University, Chico. “A lot of people come here to go to school and they stay to make a life,” says Noble. This public university offers over 300 undergraduate majors and minors, professional certifications and graduate degrees from STEM programs and business school to arts and agriculture.
Children thrive at Parkview Elementary School.
Students at Chico Jr. High thrive.
Scoreboard helps keep the audience of Chico High Panther games up to speed on the score.
Students walk through Chico State University to get to classes.
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Downtown city and college events
Downtown Chico is also the main hub of both city and college programming. “In terms of entertainment, it's a college town,” says Noble. “You can find concerts. There are great restaurants. You can find everything Downtown.” The city promotes local businesses through art walks and restaurant crawls. Another big event is the spring and summer Thursday Night Market, where visitors can purchase local produce and merchandise from local artists and vendors. Different city parks host movies in the park and concert series. Holidays are commemorated with family friendly events like Treat Street for Halloween and the Community Christmas Tree Lighting. Chico State hosts events for students and the public alike, like alum events and homecoming games for sports teams. Prospective students can attend information fairs held throughout the year.
Burgers and Brew is a very popular restaurant near East Streets.
Friends try out guitars before purchase at the Music Connection near East Streets.
Once upon a Child is a place you can pick up a stroller.
Group of like minded runners fill Chico streets for a planned run from the Fleet Feet store.
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Getting around Chico and commuting to the Bay Area
Chico is primarily car dependent, but a few areas, like Downtown, are more walkable. However, the driveability is appealing for many residents, especially for those who have moved to the city. “Everything is 5 minutes away,” says Noble. “I came from the Bay Area, and I was used to 45 minutes each way. For a lot of people, they're attracted to not being stuck in traffic.” Golden State Highway and Deer Creek Highway intersect in the center of the city, providing an expedited route throughout town and outside of it. Noble says remote tech people have moved from the Bay Area to Chico, and the location is a large appeal. If a resident ever needed to travel to the bay area, the 150 mile drive south averages 2.5 hours. While many drive, there is an Amtrak station in Chico which provides a direct route to the Bay Area.
Downtown shopping and dining
Highway 99 is the city’s primary commercial artery. Along this roadway, most city grocery stores operate. Locals can shop at stores such as Trader Joe’s, Safeway and Grocery Outlet. The city is home to several shopping plazas, selling clothes, homegoods and furniture. Downtown Chico is the city’s most vibrant shopping and dining destination of local businesses and restaurants. For dining out, Downtown is home to British pubs, steakhouses, sushi spots, Mexican cantinas and pizza parlors. Downtown is also the primary nightlife scene, with different bars catering to college students and older clientele. The city is also home to chain options like Chili’s, In-N-Out, Del Taco and more.
Residents of Cohasset stock up on unique grocery items at the Chico Trader Joe's.
East Street residents grab last minute essentials before Safeway closes.
Campus Bicycles ensures students in the Chico State University area have working bikes.
Locals love the food and brew at Woodstock Pizza just a short drive from Cohasset.
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Crime and fire risk in Chico
Since 2022, violent crime in Chico has steadily increased from 2022 up through 2024, peaking at 160 reported instances of violent crime in 2023. Property crime has decreased since 2022, dropping from a high of 230 reported instances in early 2022 to 132 reported instances in late 2024. However, the Park Fire of 2024 was allegedly ignited by an act of arson. The fire became the fourth largest fire in California’s history. The Park Fire destroyed over 600 structures, including residential and commercial structures, but most damage was outside of Chico throughout Butte County. The city is already at an elevated risk for fires, having been affected by the 218 Park Fire and the 2021 Marshall Fire. The city works to maintain a preparedness plan in instances of wild fires. Recovery efforts are under way to restore the park and damaged property.
On average, homes in Chico, CA sell after 36 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Chico, CA over the last 12 months is $482,000, up 7% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Jackson was born in Monterey, California and raised in Soledad, a rapidly growing city in the heart of the Salinas Valley. From the stunning beaches and breathtaking views of the Monterey Peninsula to the vast, endless rows of agricultural fields that feed the world, surrounded by tall and proud mountain ranges, Monterey County is the most beautiful place on earth. With its diverse range of ecosystems, its temperate year-round weather, and its iconic historical and cultural significance, this wonderous place is the envy of the world. As someone lucky enough to call this place home, Jackson has made it his mission to make his Central Coast community's dreams of homeownership a reality. A Monterey County native, he is committed to serving the very community that saw him grow into the man he is today.
Buying and selling your home is one of the most significant life decisions one can ever make. It is absolutely critical to work with an agent who knows the area, both geographically and economically, and to work with someone who has a genuine, authentic passion for people, someone who's primary drive is to help people attain their goals and fulfill their real estate needs.
That's where I come in.
If you or someone you know requires a trusted and competent real estate advisor in Monterey County, a place I am honored and grateful to call home, please don't hesitate to call me. I live to serve and I am thrilled to help. See Less
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
