$470,481Average Value$231Average Price per Sq Ft12Homes For Sale
A remote community commutable from Chico
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.
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Written By
Josie Keeley
Photography Contributed By
Wesley Jimerson
Video By
Bill Jennings
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Elke Haldorson,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Forest Ranch, CA sell after 83 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Forest Ranch, CA over the last 12 months is $380,000, down 11% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Nestled on a serene .58-acre lot, this charming 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home offers a peaceful retreat in Forest Ranch. Spanning 1,280 sq. ft. plus an additional 500 feet in the permitted garage conversion, the property boasts a beautifully wooded front and backyard, providing a natural setting that perfectly complements the home's inviting atmosphere.Inside, you'll find fresh updates, including
Fall in love with the breathtaking view, and experience the ultimate mountain retreat with this stunning, custom-built log home. Offering a unique blend of rustic charm and modern convenience, this fully fenced 5 acre property boasts a large shop, owned solar, three oversized horse stalls, and adjacent runs, chicken coop, dog kennel, and round pen. No expense has been spared in the renovation
Nestled in the heart of Forest Ranch, just 12 minutes from Chico yet a world away, this stunning home sits on nearly half an acre & offers privacy, serenity, & every modern comfort. Step inside and be wowed by the soaring vaulted ceilings clad in tongue-and-groove knotty pine, paired with rich cocoa waterproof LVP flooring and elegant custom baseboards throughout. The spacious living room is
Discover peace and privacy in this charming 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home nestled on a spacious and serene property in beautiful Forest Ranch. Located just a short, scenic drive from Chico, this retreat offers the perfect balance of quiet country living with convenient city access.Set among mature oaks, conifers, and blooming dogwoods, the home is surrounded by natural beauty in every direction.
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,
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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.
