Chico is a close-knit community with small-town roots in North Texas
Chico is a tiny Texas town in rural Wise County with a population of less than 1,000 people. Located between Decatur and Lake Bridgeport, Chico is an agricultural community that has historically grown cotton, peanuts and cantaloupes on its many farms and ranches. While there’s limited retail and amenities in the area, residents enjoy living in Chico for its large homes, local school district and tight-knit community atmosphere.
Older 20th-century homes with large lots in Chico
There are several 20th-century homes on city blocks around the downtown square, many of which were built in the 1960s. Traditional and ranch-style homes are most common, but there are a few converted barndominiums around town as well. Lot sizes can range anywhere between a quarter-acre and an acre. Older fixer-uppers in need of renovation or repair can cost between the upper $20,000s and mid-$100,000s, while larger single-family homes range from the upper $100,000s to upper $300,000s.
Cabins, cottages and lakefront homes with boat docks
Chico also has larger homes with more land farther into the country and waterfront homes that are right on Lake Bridgeport. “There are several new neighborhoods coming in – especially in the outskirts,” says Yazmin Martinez , a local Realtor with Ready Real Estate who’s worked in the market for five years. “You can get a decent house at a decent price.” Small cabins and cottages that are less than 900 square feet are in the upper $300,000s, while contemporary and farmhouse-style homes on acreage range between the mid-$400,000s to the upper $500,000s. Lakefront homes with docks and boat slips that are over 3,000 square feet cost from the lower $900,000s to $1.5 million.
Parks and campsites around Lake Bridgeport
There are a few parks around Chico, including:
- Wise County Park, which features 24 RV sites, yard games and an oversized Adirondack chair.
- Tucker Park, which has a playground and a few swing sets.
- Robinson Park, which features skating ramps, grind rails and a tire swing.
- Jewel Park, where the Chico Youth Association plays baseball games.
Locals also go boating, swimming and fishing at Lake Bridgeport, which spans nearly 12,000 acres and features sea life such as largemouth bass, crappie and catfish. There are many campsites, lodges and RV resorts around the lake as well.
Several highways lead to the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex
Texas State Highway 101 cuts straight through town and merges with U.S. Route 287 north and U.S. Route 380 south. Both highways merge into Interstate 35 West, which is the main thoroughfare people use to drive over 50 miles south to Fort Worth. If they stayed on Texas State Highway 114, drivers would instead find themselves about 60 miles southeast at the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. The closest 24-hour hospital is Medical City Decatur, which is about 15 miles away.
A four-day school week in Chico ISD
Over 600 students in the community are served by the highly rated Chico Independent School District. “They recently went to a four-day school week,” Martinez says. “That’s very enticing to people coming in.” Chico Elementary features a Gifted & Talented program and offers free or reduced lunches for qualifying students, while Chico Middle has team sports for basketball, volleyball and cross country. Chico High School has a college career and military readiness program that helps students prepare for their next step after graduation.
Small stores and restaurants around Chico
There are a few small businesses, convenience stores and restaurants along the main highway. The Chico Florist & Gift Shop offers a variety of beautiful bouquets for any occasion, while Wiley Hardware & Supply is a family-owned tool shop. Locals go grocery shopping at either Lowe’s Market or Dollar General, and they can pick up snacks and quick bites at Allsup’s. Julio’s Mexican Restaurant serves homemade tacos and enchiladas, while Perry’s Diner offers all-day breakfast inside a former drug store with an old-school soda fountain. Residents will also drive to Bridgeport or Decatur for more dining and entertainment options.
