Buyers in Chico, a Sacramento Valley city, seeking convenient access to the city and lakefront property at a lower price than other Chico neighborhoods, explore California Park. This neighborhood is in a prime location: highway access without too much noise or through traffic and a private access lake within the city. Residents are zoned for highly rated schools and are close to popular shopping and dining options.
The lake is California Park’s defining feature and a social hub. “There’s a lot to do,” says Kelsey Watt, a Realtor Associate at Capital Rivers Commercial, selling homes since the late 2010s. “A lot of activities are oriented around the lake.” The lake has private access and is open only to Homeowners Association members. Some lots back up to the lake and have their own dock access. Many neighbors participate in the California Park Yacht Club, which allows "yachts" of all sizes and styles so long boat owners live in the neighborhood. Residents enjoy boating on the lake and spending time on the water or with neighbors. Fishing is allowed, but adults must have a current fishing license. Some California Park residents participate in boat parades and organize potlucks afterward. Blue Oak Park and its playground are at the northern end of the upper lake.
“California Park is a good-quality, established neighborhood,” says Watt. “Its homes are mostly older, so they are more affordable.” Many explore California Park as an affordable alternative to neighboring Canyon Oaks, where homes sell for a median of $1.2 million, compared to California Park's median of $500,000. Neighborhood homes are Modern Traditional, starting at $370,000 and going up to $625,000 depending on the size and location. The community has a few condos, beginning at $235,000 and exceeding $500,000. “The neighborhood on this big, beautiful man-made lake, so a lot of the homes have these cute little docks,” says Tierra Hodge, a local real estate agent with eXp Commercial. “Lakefront property is more expensive. But there are also some great little lakefront condos.”
Kids can start school at Sierra View Elementary School, which earns an A on Niche. Harry M. Marsh Junior High School, graded an A-minus, serves the neighborhood. Pleasant Valley High School is a California Distinguished School and earns an A from Niche. For students who want to continue their education close to home, the city is home to a state university: California State University, Chico.
“It’s a very walkable area,” says Hodge. “They’re widening the roads and making it even more accessible.” The neighborhood’s network of sidewalks makes walking around California Park easy or stopping off at one of the neighborhood restaurants. Bidwell Park and Pizza is a popular spot for lunch or dinner. Food truck Burritos Bajas serves made-to-order Mexican dishes. Residents can grab a coffee at Bellachino's Cafe.
More shopping and dining options are a short drive southwest of the neighborhood. Along the East 20th Street corridor, shoppers will find WinCo Foods, Target and Walmart. Hodge recommends nearby local restaurants Nama Sake Sushi and Restaurant and Rione Italian Restaurant. Plenty of chain options exist, from fast food at Del Taco to sit-down joints like Black Bear Diner.
“You’re tucked away, but you’re six minutes to downtown,” says Hodge. U.S. Route 32, called Deer Creek Highway in Chico, runs across the neighborhood's entrance. Route 99 intersects with 32 just outside the neighborhood, making it easy to travel 90 miles south to Sacramento or 170 miles southwest to San Francisco.
Marco Esquivel
First Team Real Estate
(530) 453-0894
77 Total Sales
1 in California Park
$395,000 Price
Brian Voigt
Re/Max Home and Investment
(530) 385-0752
424 Total Sales
2 in California Park
$207K - $556K Price Range
Jacob Darr
NextHome North Valley Realty
(530) 767-3889
126 Total Sales
1 in California Park
$566,000 Price
Maya Noble
Century 21 Select Real Estate, Inc.
(530) 767-4149
49 Total Sales
1 in California Park
$720,000 Price
Amanda Blankenship
LPT Realty
(530) 767-3439
70 Total Sales
1 in California Park
$320,000 Price
Dominick Townsend
People's Choice Brokers
(530) 924-5683
107 Total Sales
1 in California Park
$392,250 Price
On average, homes in California Park, Chico sell after 33 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in California Park, Chico over the last 12 months is $502,000, up 15% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
$1,150 - $1,850 per month
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