$445,213Average Value$306Average Price per Sq Ft12Homes For Sale
Quaint college town near downtown Chico
"People here prefer less traffic and a slower pace of life, where you can bike to the farmers market downtown or hike hundreds of trails in Bidwell Park,' says Alisha Simpkins, Team Leader and Realtor with Keller Williams Realty Chico Area, who's been selling in the area since 2006. "And we're a university town, so it's a little more eclectic." Chico's founder, John Bidwell, sold the neighborhood's former farmland terrain in the late 1800s, launching the Chico Vecino development. Since then, it's grown into an urban forest with charming Victorians, classic Craftsmans and a dozen numbered avenues — blocks from California State University Chico. Today, Chico Vecino is called "The Avenues" or "The Aves." First through 12th avenues parallel northward between Big Chico Creek and East Avenue. The community's footprint surrounds Chico's most well-known tree-lined promenade, The Esplanade. On warm summer evenings, neighbors relax on comfy front porches and year-round, an established foliage canopy adds seasonal beauty. "There's a uniqueness here," says Simpkins, "that has a college draw, a retiree draw, an entrepreneur draw. It's not Austin, but it has a similar vibe. Very artsy, no judgement and full of ideas."
Chico State University sits right in the heart of Chico.
Visitors to 1 Mile in Bidwell Park can cool off in the pool
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Vintage, classic midcentury and early-2000s
"Our streets in Chico are very popular, but our Avenues are even more popular," adds Simpkins. "There's a pride of ownership here. Seven out of 10 times, we have local builders, not tract-style developers. You can walk into Safeway and see your builder. DR Horton just came into Chico, but for the most part, Chico is local." Older homes in The Avenues show their age and character; many are nicely maintained or updated. Rare condos in the center of The Avenues ask between $180,000 and $190,000. Single-family options vary from earthtone stucco ranch styles built around the early 2000s on the west side from $380,000 to $500,000, depending on age and renovation condition. Some beautifully remodeled turn-of-the-century and midcentury homes on the east side of Esplanade can ask between $480,000 and $650,000. The lower-numbered residential avenues are often sidewalked on both sides, and mature trees flourish.
You'll find a few turn of the century remodels in Chico Vecino.
Midcentury homes in the Chico Vecino area are well priced.
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Big fun at Bidwell Park
"Bidwell Park is one of the best things about living here," adds Simpkins. "It travels throughout Chico from Lower Bidwell Park with a pool, playground and tons of hiking trails to Upper Bidwell Park where there's swimming holes and disc golf." The park's 2,500 acres were gifted to the city for recreation by Annie Bidwell in 1905 and is a shared Chico treasure. The Bidwells' 26-room Italianate Victorian mansion is now the Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park and is undergoing extensive renovation in 2024. This historic landmark will reopen to the public for tours in early 2025. Whether in parks or on the avenues, bikes are everywhere. "You'll see people biking to breakfast, to markets, to school. It's so bike-friendly that four of our shops downtown are bike shops."
Stay safe in the pool at Bidwell Park.
Chico Vecino is a short bike ride to the heart of the city.
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A-grade Chico Unified School District
Public schools are within the Chico Unified School District, which gets an A on Niche. Kids start at Citrus Avenue Elementary, given a B-minus and move on to Chico Junior High, which earns an A-minus. Older students head to A-grade Chico High, whose field hockey team won the CIF Northern Section State Championship title in 2023. The charter Inspire School of Arts and Sciences high school also gets an A and is one of only 19 schools statewide to receive the California Exemplary Arts Education Award in 2023 for standout arts education funding, resources and instruction. The Avenues is an ideal location for students or employees of the California State University Chico, known for its hip, downtown proximity, beautiful 132-acre campus and expansive ecological reserve. Chico State is No. 7 on U.S. News and World Report's ranking of Top Public Universities in the West.
The enrollment at Citrus Avenue Elementary School is about 340 students.
Chico Junior High School is a public school.
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Eclectic races and holiday events
Living on The Avenues puts locals close to a roster of downtown events. "Our downtown community," says Simpkins, "has themed races all the time. Fleet Feet hosts the Downtown Mile in the Spring, and there's also this trike-racing thing at Madison Bear Garden where you go bar hopping and ride a trike around. It's such a college town thing." About 2 miles north, the Amber Grove Community puts on a fabulous Christmas lights tour every year.
Easy Interstate access statewide
"We're California living without the traffic. And you're only an hour and a half from the Sacramento International Airport and 30 minutes from I-5, which takes you the whole length of California. You're close to big cities, but secluded without that big city feel." Throughout Chico Vecino, bikes are welcomed and encouraged, and there are dozens of bike lanes, bike paths and bike racks provided by the city.
Local eateries, close to downtown bars and historic venues
In the neighborhood, Bidwell Perk is the spot for pick-me-up beverages and pastries, and Monstros is popular for takeout pizza. Along the Esplanade, dining choices range from all-day classic American fare at Nash's to The Italian Cottage trattoria, a mainstay since 1965. It's also an easy stroll into downtown Chico for an array of eateries, tea bars and taphouses. "We're really big on supporting our mom-and-pops," adds Simpkins. "So many businesses got their start here: Reusable ChicoBags, Klean Kanteen and husband-and-wife-owned All the Bitters, that's now gone nationwide. Downtown, we still have Shubert's, one of the most nationally recognized ice cream and candy shops." Groceries are super-convenient at Safeway, right next to Walgreens, less than a mile west of The Esplanade.
"We used to have a big music and performing arts industry here. I'm listing one of the nation's oldest movie theaters in downtown Chico, the El Ray. There's a vision here to bring back the cool artsy vibe of this phenom venue in a place that still feels like a small town." Right on the Esplanade, art lovers can peruse a quirky collection at the Museum of Northern California Art.
Bidwell Perk is a coffee stop on 1dst Avenue in Chico Venino.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Brian Voigt,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park
Picnic Area
Trails
Hiking
Bidwell Park
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Chico Vecino
US
Homicide
4
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
3
4
Robbery
4
4
Burglary
5
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
5
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Chico Vecino Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Chico Vecino, Chico sell after 39 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Chico Vecino, Chico over the last 12 months is $436,000, up 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to 2098 Lamb Lane! Centrally located in the north end of Chico’s Avenues, near Enloe hospital and lively downtown, this beautiful home blends sophisticated design with everyday functionality. Perfect for entertaining or quiet evenings, it offers a refined retreat with unmatched charm. Step through the gated entry into the formal tiled foyer to Mediterranean hardwood floors, custom alder
This charming and picturesque neighborhood located just half a mile from the hospital, offers a safe and inviting environment. With an existing 351 sqft Accessory Dwelling Unit, there is plenty of room for another. This is a splitable lot and a great investment opportunity. The home is move-in ready, featuring all-new blinds and a spacious master bedroom adorned with two large chateau windows.
Erik RobinsoneXp Realty of Southern California, Inc.
Welcome home! Walk inside to a clean, move in ready home that is ready for it's new owners! Open the front door to an entry which provides access to a large open living room, dining room and kitchen! This home boasts lots of natural light! There are 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and the primary suite is spacious with a an updated bathroom vanity and fixtures. There is central heating and air, a nice
Heather BoerEXP Realty of Northern California, Inc.
Welcome home to this beautifully updated 4 bedroom, 2 1/2-bathroom single story home in a highly sought after west side neighborhood hood! Only minutes from CSUC and Enloe Hospital. Enjoy the Chico hot summer days with an in-ground pool! located on a half-acre lot there is plenty of room for a ADU. Boat or RV parking with paved entrance and iron gate. Home has been freshly painted, Hardwood
Welcome to The Grand Complex, a charming 50-unit community in Chico, CA. Enjoy on-site laundry facilities, high-speed internet, and ample parking in a serene environment. The Grand Complex combines comfort and convenience in a prime location. Schedule a tour today and discover your new home!
Newly Remodled 2 Bedroom, 1 Bathroom unit. Completley new Kitchen with Granite counter tops, New cabinets, and appliances. Newly Remodeled Bathroom with All new fixtures. Freshly painted and ready to welcome its new tenant(s). Just blocks away and within walking distance to Chico State, downtown, and amenities. Included with rent is garbage, water, pest controll, landscaping and on site
Now Leasing for the 2025/26 School Year! Don't Delay and Reserve Today!Spacious 3- and 4-Bedroom Homes Located So Close to CSU Chico and are The Best Deal in Town! We Are Scheduling Tours Daily! Cedar Park has four different locations in West Chico near Nord Avenue. We are within walking distance to Chico State University, downtown, many local restaurants, shopping and recreational
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Brian Voigt,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
12,614
Median Age
28
Population Density
11 ppl/acre
Population under 18
23.7%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
10.9%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$56,467
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$79,046
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
97.2%
Above the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
42.9%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
15.3%
% Population in Labor Force
65.6%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
28''
Average Winter Low Temperature
35°F
Average Summer High Temperature
94°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
67/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
49/ 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.
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.
