Forest Ranch is a rural community in the Sierra Nevada foothills north of Chico. Homes here are often set deep into the woods, giving the residential streets a remote feel. Easy highway access, however, keeps Forest Ranch from feeling isolated; Downtown Chico is just a short drive away, so the neighborhood is great for buyers who like mountain views but want to stay within a 30-minute drive of city amenities.
Forest Ranch is a community in the foothills above Chico.
Many homes in Forest Ranch have their own private roads.
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Mountain views and the Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve
“People come here for the views of the forest and the mountains,” says Kelli Lewis, real estate agent with NextHome North Valley Realty. “People like to spend time in nature.” The neighborhood is built on the foothills of the Sierra Nevadas, and Big Chico Creek winds through the neighborhood. Residents enjoy hiking along the creek bank or on the private trails found in the neighborhood. Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve sits at the southernmost edge of the neighborhood. At almost 8,000 acres, the reserve is home to a wide variety of California wildlife that visitors can observe on hikes from a safe distance. Visitors may also hunt and fish in the reserve depending on permitting and season.
Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve is an area in Forest Ranch for nature research.
If you enjoy nature, Forest Ranch might be the perfect place for you.
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Ranch houses on large lots
Houses sit at the ends of long driveways, far from the road and hidden behind dense tree cover. Properties are built on larger parcels of land than can be found in Chico, which attract buyers. “It’s for people who are looking for a little bit more of a rural location,” says Kiersten Morgan, Realtor with Crane Realty. “People want more space, as the lots are larger.” Most houses in the neighborhood are ranch-style homes built in the late 20th century, ranging in price from $300,000 to $745,000, depending on the size of the home and the size of its lot. Buyers will also find a handful of manufactured homes selling between $100,000 and $300,000, depending on the property's size, condition and location.
You can have your own space in the hills in Forest Ranch.
Ranch style homes are most common in the Forest Ranch area.
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Local charter school and Chico Unified School District
Forest Ranch Charter School, graded B-plus by Niche, operates in the neighborhood and teaches kindergarten through eighth grade. Chico Unified School District also serves the neighborhood. Kids can start at Little Chico Creek Elementary School, graded B-plus by Niche, before moving on to Harry M. Marsh Junior High School, graded A-minus. They can finish high school at Chico High School, which earned an A from Niche and has been designated a California Distinguished School and a National Blue Ribbon of Excellence School.
Chico High School is a California Distinguished School.
There are 107 students at Forest Ranch Charter School.
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Deer Creek Highway runs through neighborhood
State Route 32, called the Deer Creek Highway locally, runs north to south in the middle of Forest Ranch. This state highway serves as the main thoroughfare through the neighborhood and connects Forest Ranch with Chico, located 15 miles south of the neighborhood's center. However, during the winter months, snowfall can cause road closures and leave residents snowed in.
Fire risk in Forest Ranch
“It’s an unincorporated area, but it has its own dedicated fire station and a volunteer fire department,” says Morgan. These features are essential to the safety of community members, as the neighborhood is at an increased risk of fire damage. Fire insurance is essential, although as wildfires become more common in the area, insurance rates have increased.
If you live in the Forest Ranch area, You have a constant reminder of whet is possible.
Forest Ranch isn't very far from the city but it seems like it is.
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Shopping and dining in nearby Chico
Residents must head to nearby Chico for shopping and dining. Deer Creek Highway leads into the city’s center and has become one of the main restaurant and retail corridors. Shoppers will find mainstays like WinCo Foods and Safeway just off the highway. Downtown, also accessible by the highway, is the largest dining district.
Woodstock's Pizza is the perfect place to eat lunch and catch up with family and friends.
Forest Ranchers have access to Chico for shopping and dining.
Beautiful property located about half an hour from downtown Chico. Great place to live, good schools nearby. Would also be a good investment as rentals in this area are few and far between. Would be a great AirBNB as well. Property has a separate workshop that could be an ADU with very little effort. Shop has a nice bathroom inside, is fully wired, Would need a little finish work and a permit if
Secluded 20-Acre Parcel on Scott Ln, a Forest Ranch Retreat! Tucked away on a private, secluded road in Forest Ranch, this 20-acre parcel offers the perfect blend of peaceful privacy and natural beauty. With multiple flat areas ideal for building, it's a prime opportunity to create your custom home, mountain getaway, or dream compound. The rustic dirt road leading in sets the tone for a quiet
Perched above stunning Big Chico Creek Canyon with unobstructed views of Mount Lassen, this property offers an unparalleled canvas for our vision! This extraordinary 60+ acre property in Forest Ranch, a short 15-minute drive to Chico, offers the perfect canvas to build your dream home, with breathtaking views of Big Chico Creek Canyon and majestic Mount Lassen! This unimproved property features
Welcome to your new home in the tranquil district of Forest Ranch, CA. This charming single-family residence features three bedrooms and two bathrooms, offering 1,580 square feet of comfortable living space. Ideal for families, this pet-friendly property is perfect for those seeking a serene environment within reach of local amenities.Key property features include a cozy wood stove,
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Brian Voigt,
an experienced agent in this area.
Average Home Value
Source: Public RecordsDisclaimer: 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.
