Downtown Chico is at the epicenter of everything this northern California community has to offer. “It’s the heart of the little city,” says Kelsey Watt, a Realtor Associate selling homes since the late 2010s. “There’s so much to do, and it’s close to everything.” Residents will be close to city events in Downtown Chico and some of the most favored restaurants in the city. Buyers have their pick of older homes and new builds, representing the enduring popularity of the neighborhood.
Older Craftsman and newly built homes
“The residential area is pretty quiet but super friendly. People wave at you when you go by,” says Tierra Hodge, a local real estate agent in the area. Downtown Chico is mostly occupied by commercial businesses but residential blocks from the retail corridors. Most homes are older. “The homes are mostly beautiful older Craftsman,” says Hodge. Craftsman homes start at just over $400,000 to $800,000, depending on the scale of the homes and if they’ve been updated. There are new builds available, consistently selling around $400,000.
Chico’s main shopping and dining district
Downtown Chico residents are spoiled for choice when it comes to restaurants. “It’s a big foodie scene,” says Hodge. “There’s a ton of great local restaurants.” Grana is a lively Italian restaurant with outdoor seating. Madison Bear Garden is known for its eclectic interior and hamburger specials. Momona is a laid-back Japanese joint, and Sicilian Cafe is a more upscale option for dinners out.
Downtown is full of local businesses, like The Peddler's Closet and Urban Couture. Shoppers browse second-hand shops, clothing boutiques and specialty stores selling gifts and hobby goods. For essentials, locals head north to Safeway.
City events hosted in Downtown Chico
Downtown Chico is a hub of activity, as it often hosts city programming. The Thursday Night Market, which runs from spring through the end of summer, is a place to shop for local produce and explore wares from local artists and vendors. Hodge says this is one of the most popular community events. There are many events promoting local businesses, like art walks and restaurant crawls. The city celebrates holidays with events like Treat Street for Halloween and the Community Christmas Tree Lighting for the winter holidays. Every month, there is something new to do.
Kids attend Chico Unified Schools
Kids can start school at Citrus Elementary School, which earned a B-minus from Niche. Chico Junior High School, A-minus, also serves the neighborhood. They can finish high school at Chico High School, graded A, which has previously earned distinction as a California Distinguished School and a National Blue Ribbon of Excellence School. For students who want to continue their education close to home, the California State University — Chico neighbors downtown.
City Plaza and pocket parks
City Plaza is the neighborhood’s centerpiece, serving as a popular hangout spot and hosting city events like summer concerts and markets. The plaza’s water feature is a place to cool down in the summer. Two small parks sit at the northern end of the neighborhood. Kids enjoy the play equipment at Ringel Park, a small pocket park. Visitors enjoy spending time in the open green space of Lost Park, which offers a playground and views of the Big Chico Creek.
Walking and driving in the neighborhood
“It’s a very walkable, shady quiet neighborhood,” says Hodge. “Things sell really rapidly because you can walk to everything.” Sidewalks make it easy to get around, as residents can walk from their front door to one of the many neighborhood restaurants.
When driving, State Route 32 runs through the neighborhood. This highway intersects with State Route 99 not too far from the neighborhood. Residents can easily travel the 90 miles south to Sacramento.
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Neighborhood Facts
Number of Homes
54
Median Year Built
1931
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,264
Significantly below the national average
1,929
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,811
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
3,484
Distribution of Home Values
Source: Public Records
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
389
Median Age
29
Population Density
4 ppl/acre
Population under 18
19.5%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
8.7%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$64,500
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$82,432
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
95.6%
Above the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
57.4%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
11.6%
% Population in Labor Force
67.4%
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®
84/ 100
Walker's Paradise
Walk Score®
97/ 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.
