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Barber Yard

Barber Yard

$335,138 Average Value
$291 Average Price per Sq Ft
3 Homes For Sale

Investors are drawn to evolving Barber Yard

Barber Yard is a historic Chico neighborhood that was founded in the early 1900s as a company town for the Diamond Match Factory. Today, the former factory site, spanning over 130 acres, is being transformed into a pedestrian-friendly mixed-use area, with plans for over 1,200 homes, athletic facilities, a dog park, retail and social spaces, including a farmers market. While the project's completion date remains uncertain, the neighborhood's evolving vision, relative affordability and location draw first-time homebuyers, renters and investors to the area. "Homes are in between downtown and the new development, so they benefit from both," says Moni Hosier, a Realtor with Parkway Real Estate Company, who has eight years of experience. "Now is a good time to get in, and I think that's why investors are honing in on the neighborhood."

Single-family homes with vintage charm and thoughtful updates

Most residents rent, though some have lived here for decades. The neighborhood's grid-patterned streets feature single-family homes and some multifamily options, with many cottages and Craftsman-style bungalows. "A lot of those homes are Diamond Match homes. There are some fairly large houses sprinkled throughout, especially on Broadway, that Diamond Match execs lived in," says Steven Depa, a longtime broker with Re/Max of Chico. Most properties have sold for between $310,000 to $640,000, with quality updates that preserve character and drive appeal. "You're buying something that has little nooks, extra trim, crown molding and hardwood floors. You're not looking for a quick and dirty Home Depot job," Depa says. Rear alleys and modest lots shaded by mature trees add to the neighborhood's character.

Almond Bowl rivalry and CSU campus add community pride

Students in Barber Yard attend the Chico Unified School District. Chapman Elementary gets a B-rating from Niche. Chico Junior High earns an A-minus, and Chico High School scores an A-rating. The high school has competed in the annual Almond Bowl since 1967 — a cross-town rivalry against Pleasant Valley High School, and an iconic football event each fall. California State University, a public institution in the heart of the downtown area, is conveniently close.

Local green spaces and nearby Bidwell Park

Rotary Park is a small local green space with a playground, basketball court, picnic tables and a walking path. Comanche Creek Greenway runs along Barber Yard's southern side for scenic strolls. Chico's largest park, Bidwell Park, is a short drive away. "Upper Park is more for hiking and mountain biking. There's Horseshoe Lake that people fish in. And then Lower Park is more walking, jogging and biking under the canopy of trees, and swimming. And it has more community events," Hosier says, mentioning the annual Thanksgiving Day Run. Lower Bidwell Park, about 2 miles away, includes Sycamore Pool — a concrete stretch of Big Chico Creek filled with naturally flowing water — as well as a nature center and the fairytale-themed Caper Acres playground. Upper Bidwell Park, within 6 miles of the neighborhood, has swimming holes and rugged terrain surrounded by canyon vistas, while Lower Park is flatter and mellower.

Downtown Chico offers restaurants, shops and college buzz

Downtown Chico is just a short walk away. "It's alive and well. We have lots of restaurants and community events. There's a huge farmers market there," Hosier says. "And in the fall, it's definitely buzzing with the college energy." Depa adds that shoppers head downtown for the mom-and-pop stores, while Chico Marketplace Mall has national chains less than 2 miles away via East 20th Street. Meriam Park is a mixed-use shopping and dining destination near the mall. Additionally, a burgeoning brewery district, located off Meyer Drive and Park Avenue, is less than a mile away. "The Commons Social Empourium is a popular spot for beer, pizza and live music," Depa says. Grocery options within 5 miles include Costco Wholesale and Trader Joe's.

A central location with access to public transit and health care

California 32 runs just past Barber Yard, linking the neighborhood with California 99 to the northeast. Buses through Butte Regional Transit, the B-Line, stop on this main road and Park Avenue, which borders the area. Compact streets and proximity to downtown Chico make it easy to walk or bike. Enloe Medical Center is less than 3 miles away, and Sacramento International Airport is about 90 miles from Barber Yard.

Kathryn Ashworth
Written By
Kathryn Ashworth

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Schools

Source:
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Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Barber Yard US
Homicide 4 4
Sexual Assault 4 4
Assault with Weapon 4 4
Robbery 4 4
Burglary 5 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 5 4
Larceny 5 4
Crime Score 4 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Barber Yard Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$422,450
Median Sale Price
$377,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$382,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$330,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
5%
Last 12 months Home Sales
14
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
1%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$291

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes
544
Number of Homes for Sale
3
Median Year Built
1929
Months of Supply
2.60
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,177
Significantly below the national average
1,930
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,923
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
536
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
6,098

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
3,086
Median Age
30
Population Density
7 ppl/acre
Population under 18
20.2%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
11.8%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$49,877
Significantly below the national average
$79,601
Average Household Income
$69,295

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
87.7%
On par with the national average
89%
College Graduates
33.8%
Advanced Degrees
14.1%
On par with the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
64.6%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
28''
Average Winter Low Temperature
35°F
Average Summer High Temperature
94°F
Annual Snowfall
0''

Area Factors

Very Bikeable

Bike Score®

77 / 100

Very Walkable

Walk Score®

73 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

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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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Barber Yard