After the devastating Camp Fire of 2018, the city of Paradise is being rebuilt from the ashes. The community is not yet back to its pre-fire numbers but has enjoyed a steady influx of residents returning to the area, as well as builders who came to help recovery efforts and decided to relocate and people who work in Sacramento but want a little more space for a little less money. “People love the Paradise Lost headline, but we’re still here, and we’re only getting better,” says Recovery and Economic Director Colette Curtis.
Paradise is located in Butte County in the Sierra Nevada foothills.
Paradise takes pride in being a strong and resilient community.
Paradise Recreation and Park District has a playground, basketball court, and a picnic area.
At the Butte Creek Watershed Overlook, residents can look at Paradise.
1/4
New homes built to last
The Camp Fire destroyed much of Paradise, which means many of the homes are newer. “Currently, most homes being built are two-bedroom cottage-style homes,” says Rhonda Maehl, resident and Realtor at The Rhonda Maehl Team at Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate. “They’re building to what our demographics are asking for, so most of the developers are focusing on affordable housing. Once interest rates settle, the builders will adapt to their needs.” For move-in ready homes, buyers typically spend between $230,000 and $800,000. A handful of newer, larger properties, can sell from $900,000 up to $1.2 million. Lots can sell for anything from $10,000 to over $5 million, depending on size and location. “We’re on a ridge surrounded by two canyons surrounded by natural beauty, which is not conducive to traditional developers,” says Curtis. “Most lots have individual owners and already have a connection for water and power. There are a lot of resources if you buy here and want to build.”
The fire changed nearly every aspect of life in Paradise, including real estate and how homes are built. Even before the Camp Fire homes were subject to California building codes which require certain features to mitigate damage from natural disasters. According to Curtis, most of the homes that survived the fire were built after 2008, while homes built between 1940 and 1980 burned down. Current development is following advice from the insurance industry and that informs everything from the materials being used to how close plants should be to homes. “You know the place you live, and you build accordingly,” says Curtis. “We cannot rebuild in the way that it was before. We have to build for the future of our communities.” Every year, city officials inspect every property in town and ensure citizens are up to date on emergency preparedness. Paradise has also installed a city-wide siren system for when phone lines go down.
Craftsman and bungalow style homes are common in Paradise, CA.
Ranch-style homes are spaced out in Paradise.
Find your dream ranch-style home in Paradise, CA.
Most of the homes in Paradise are ranch-style.
1/4
Kids attend the growing Paradise Unified School District
Paradise Unified School District serves the community. The school system, which earned a B from Niche, is a priority as the town continues to grow. “A much safer, much newer environment. We have invested so much in our schools, making them a much safer, much newer environment,” says Curtis. “There’s been an influx of young families and a huge influx of kids. After the fire, we consolidated elementary schools, but now we need to build a second one to accommodate the kids. A lot of the recovery money has been put into the schools to expand and improve them.”
Paradise Senior High is shaping students for triumphs in life in Paradise.
Chico High School, nearby Paradise, is home of the Panthers.
Cedarwood Elementary, nearby Paradise, CA, has 236 students enrolled.
Little Chico Creek Elementary is where each student's potential develops nearby Paradise.
1/4
Parks around Paradise
While there is still some construction and renovation to repair to the city's parks residents have their pick of public places to relax and have fun. Recreation Park has a playground to explore and a pool open during the summer. The newly-renovated Terry Ashe Recreation Center is the place to be no matter the weather. Inside there's a dance floor and a kitchen while outside there's a gazebo and a skating rink for the winter. Billie Park, which the city is expanding, offers traditional amenities like a playground and picnicking space, as well as winding hiking trails. Two-legged and four-legged residents are welcome at Moore Road Ball Park, Lezlie Morrow Memorial Dog Park and Horse Arena, which all share space in northern Paradise. The nearby mountains also provide recreation opportunities. “This area is a lot like Tahoe,” says Maehl. “We have tall trees all over. We’re close to rivers and lakes, so you can fish and boat. When it shows, people get into skiing and snowmobiling. If there’s any outdoor activity you want to do, you’re an hour away at most.”
Lake Paradise is home to several hiking trails.
Tall trees provide shade throughout Paradise Dog Park.
You can go to Paradise Lake for boating or fishing.
The playground at Paradise Recreation and Park District is a lot of fun for kids.
1/4
Events honor Paradise's history
“There’s not a week that goes by without something to do,” says Maehl. The city’s social calendar celebrates Paradise’s long history. “After the fire, we feel a renewed pioneer spirit,” says Curtis. “We’re reconnecting with something we never thought we’d feel again.” The city's history dates to the days before the gold rush, when settlers came to Paradise for its agriculture. The city commemorates its roots as an orchard community with Johnny Appleseed Days, one of the longest-running events. “Starting in the 1860s, we had a harvest festival. It looks a little different now, but we’re still celebrating,” says Curtis. Gold Nugget Days celebrate Paradise’s gold rush period. Locals elect a Gold Nugget Queen and can enter a chili cook-off. Party in the Park is an eight-week series of vendors, concerts and other live performances. For nearly 20 years, each February, the community comes together for Paradise Chocolate Fest. The event was launched by the owners of Joy Lyn’s Candies, a well-known and well-loved local candy shop. During the fire, the original shop was destroyed, and the owners lost many valuables, such as one of California’s oldest taffy-pulling machines, but the original recipe book was saved. Like the settler era and gold rush, the Camp Fire has become another touchstone event. “On the anniversary of the fire, we host an event to bring people together,” says Curtis.
Driving on the Skyway
Residents must have a car to get around Paradise. The community is fairly spread out, making it difficult to walk from place to place. The Skyway is the main thoroughfare of Paradise, leading up into the hills and throughout Butte County. Residents can take the Skyway 15 miles west to Chico. The community’s Clark Road also becomes CA-191, which leads 50 miles south to Yuba City. Sacramento, a major employment center for residents, is about 90 miles south via CA-70. For evacuation routes, the city government will inform residents which paths to take and which evacuation ones they live in through phone and mail campaigns. Residents will also periodically participate in evacuation drills, and the town emergency sirens are tested regularly.
Local restaurants on the Skyway
Most retail is concentrated around the Skyway and along Clark Road. Paradise Plaza, on Clark Road, is home to Big Lots, Dollar General and Dollar Tree. Walgreens, Dollar General and Grocery Outlet line the Skyway, sitting side by side with local restaurants. Locals can dine in or order out at local favorites like Authentic Thai Cuisine of Paradise, Cozy Diner Bar and Grill or Mehoos Mexican Restaurant. Residents have access to a couple of familiar chains, like Taco Bell, but most dining options are businesses owned and operated by fellow residents.
While crime rates in Paradise are lower than California's and the national average, there has been an uptick in violent crime in 2024 compared to previous years. Property crime has declined since 2023.
Start your day in Paradise with a cup of coffee from Hilltop Cafe.
Tea Bar & Fusion Cafe is a great location to meet friends for lunch in Paradise.
Cozy Diner Bar is a popular restaurant serving classic American food in Paradise, CA.
For more dining options, Paradise residents can head to Chico.
1/4
Written By
Josie Keeley
Photography Contributed By
Wesley Jimerson
Video By
Victoria York
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Jim Amen,
an experienced agent in this area.
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
On average, homes in Paradise, CA sell after 63 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Paradise, CA over the last 12 months is $395,000, down 8% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Beautiful 2023 manufactured home on a fully fenced .83-acre level lot in one of Paradise’s most desirable neighborhoods—just down the street from the planned Noble Park and close to shopping and schools. This 3 bed, 2 bath home features central heat and air, all new appliances, real wood cabinets, a dual-sink vanity and walk-in shower in the primary bath, and stylish Andorra Shadow tiled
Discover sophisticated comfort in this thoughtfully designed 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home offering 1,486 sq ft of bright, airy living space. Step into a welcoming great room highlighted by vaulted ceilings, sleek luxury flooring, and an elegant contemporary fireplace that anchors the living area. The gourmet kitchen features custom white cabinetry, stylish open shelving, stunning quartz
Welcome to Danika Court! This home is located in a wonderful neighborhood. This home is tucked at the end of the cul-de-sac. Fantastic Mother-in Law floor plan. A beautiful covered front porch and telescopic flagpole welcomes you and your guests to the home. The home had a new exterior paint in 2019, along with the Roof, Heating and Air system, R-30 insulation and chain link fencing. The formal
Fantastic Paradise Canyon View 2.13 Acre Lot is ready for a new Paradise Residence! Nothing like a Canyon View every day! Sunrise and Sets are different every day. This lot has Active Water. The home that was lost was a 4 bedroom with 1840 square feet. Private Cul-De-Sac location! You feel like your miles away but your only minutes to the central business in Paradise. Paradise Canyon View Lots
Two lots for sale 4525 (.30 acre) and 4531 Sierra Del So (.38 acre) in the Casa Del Rey subdivision. Your minutes away from Lake Oroville and a short drive to Chico and Paradise. Enjoy the sunsets and mountain views from these lots in a gated community of upscale homes and underground utilities. Your custom home needs to be a minimum of 1800 square feet not including the 2 car garage and
Eaglepointe Apartments, a 43-unit affordable housing project in Paradise, California, will provide affordable 1, 2 and 3 bedroom housing for families earning up to 60% of the area median income (AMI) for Butte County. The project will meet the eligibility requirements of the large family housing type as identified in the TCAC Regulations Section 10325(g)(1)(A) through (I).Photos are of
Located in the all ages manufactured home community of Blue Haven, this 2022 Clayton home has 3 bedrooms and 2 bathroom at approximately 1,420 square feet. This home comes with a full kitchen appliance package, carpet and linoleum flooring, washer/dryer hook-ups, and a covered carport. Plus, it has a spacious layout, great location and much more! Blue Haven offers a friendly atmosphere, streets
Following recent renovations, Paradise Boutique Apartments has transformed from a retirement facility into a vibrant market-rate apartment complex, welcoming individuals aged 18 and above. For your convenience, carport parking is available at an additional monthly fee, with assigned parking options also provided. Our utilities are billed at $0.29 per square foot, paid each month along with your
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.
