Paradise

Paradise

Located in Butte County

$346,865 Average Value
$273 Average Price per Sq Ft
95 Homes For Sale

Paradise's recovery from the Camp Fire

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 is located in Butte County in the Sierra Nevada foothills.
Paradise takes pride in being a strong and resilient community.
Paradise takes pride in being a strong and resilient community.
Paradise Recreation and Park District has a playground, basketball court, and a picnic area.
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.
At the Butte Creek Watershed Overlook, residents can look at Paradise.
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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.
Craftsman and bungalow style homes are common in Paradise, CA.
Ranch-style homes are spaced out in Paradise.
Ranch-style homes are spaced out in Paradise.
Find your dream ranch-style home in Paradise, CA.
Find your dream ranch-style home in Paradise, CA.
Most of the homes in Paradise are ranch-style.
Most of the homes in Paradise are ranch-style.
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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.
Paradise Senior High is shaping students for triumphs in life in Paradise.
Chico High School, nearby Paradise, is home of the Panthers.
Chico High School, nearby Paradise, is home of the Panthers.
Cedarwood Elementary, nearby Paradise, CA, has 236 students enrolled.
Cedarwood Elementary, nearby Paradise, CA, has 236 students enrolled.
Little Chico Creek Elementary is where each student's potential develops nearby Paradise.
Little Chico Creek Elementary is where each student's potential develops nearby Paradise.
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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.
Lake Paradise is home to several hiking trails.
Tall trees provide shade throughout Paradise Dog Park.
Tall trees provide shade throughout Paradise Dog Park.
You can go to Paradise Lake for boating or fishing.
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.
The playground at Paradise Recreation and Park District is a lot of fun for kids.
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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.
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.
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.
Cozy Diner Bar is a popular restaurant serving classic American food in Paradise, CA.
For more dining options, Paradise residents can head to Chico.
For more dining options, Paradise residents can head to Chico.
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Josie Keeley
Written By
Josie Keeley
Wesley Jimerson
Photography Contributed By
Wesley Jimerson
Victoria York
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Victoria York

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Open Houses

  • Saturday, May 17
    1 - 3pm

    3070 Royal Meadow Ln, Paradise, CA 95969

    $659,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 2,170 Sq Ft
    • 3070 Royal Meadow Ln
    • New 1 day ago

    Fantastic Lower Paradise Location for this 15 ACRE property. VIEWS of Chico, Sutter Buttes and the Coastal Mountain Range! Have amazing views every day! Looking for space then this is it! Tons of flat area for a SHOP, ADU or both! This 1990 built home offers 3 bedrooms plus office, 2 baths, 3 car garage with 1/2 bath and third bay garage door being extra tall! There is also an in-ground POOL with

    Agent Photo
    Brian Voigt
    Re/Max Home and Investment
    (530) 457-1199
  • Saturday, May 10
    11am - 1pm

    5782 Kibler Rd, Paradise, CA 95969

    $267,500

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,493 Sq Ft
    • 5782 Kibler Rd
    • New 2 days ago

    Experience the perfect harmony of modern craftsmanship and thoughtful design in this elegant single-level residence, built in 2022 and nestled on nearly a full acre of level, versatile land. This distinguished 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home spans 1,493 square feet and features a highly sought-after split-bedroom floor plan, ideal for both privacy and functionality. Upon entry, you’re welcomed into a

    Troy Davis Action Realty

  • Friday, May 9
    4 - 6pm

    5755 Fickett Ln, Paradise, CA 95969

    $509,900

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,823 Sq Ft
    • 5755 Fickett Ln
    • New 14 days ago

    Welcome to your dream home in Paradise! This country-style gem exudes charm with attractive dormers and a classic feel, surrounded by the natural beauty of Ponderosa Pines. Ample space, including a circular driveway, ensures convenient access and plentiful parking, with potential space to park an RV. There is also room to build a shop to cater to your hobbies and interests. Step inside this

    Curtis Keables North Valley Group Real Estate

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Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Maya Noble, an experienced agent in this area.

Average Home Value



Source: Public Records
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.
Paradise