Redding

Today, Alta Mesa is a picture of sleepy suburbia. However, Redding Realtor Dennis Morgan with Banner Real Estate says it wasn't always this way. "Alta Mesa used to be the go-through to get to the airport, so it was known as a busy area. Now there are other ways to get to the airport, so it's become a really quiet place to live," says Morgan, who's lived in Redding since the 1970s. The neighborhood sits 6 miles southeast of Downtown Redding but feels far from urban life. Residents enjoy grassy lawns and shady lots at the end of secluded cul-de-sacs. Sidewalks give walkability to Enterprise Park, one of the largest recreation spaces on this side of Redding. It has everything from a tree-lined walking loop and new pickleball courts to a splash pad and a large playground for kids. All of this has contributed to Alta Mesa's suburban transformation, but of course, it still offers a close 5-mile drive to Redding Regional Airport. Between the two thoroughfares Alta Mesa Drive and Victor Avenue, the neighborhood streets have a typical suburban layout of cul-de-sacs extending off residential drives. The homes closest to Victor Avenue and Enterprise Park are newer, developed in the 1990s. Three-to-four-bedroom ranch-style homes sit on uniform midsize lots with grassy front and backyards, ranging from $300,000 to $500,000. Sidewalks along these newer streets make Enterprise Park walkable. Despite being a few streets to the east, the neighborhood's older drives have a much more secluded atmosphere. Ranch-style, prairie-style and Mediterranean-inspired homes, built from the 1960s to 1980s, sit slightly removed from the road on spacious tree-studded lots of up to an acre. Many have space for horseshoe front drives and pools out back for cooling off during Redding's scorching summer days. These four-bedroom homes range from $600,000 to $700,000. Enterprise Park is an integral part of life in Alta Mesa. "Those of us that live around Alta Mesa use it on a daily basis," says Morgan, "I walk the park for a couple of hours every morning, and I always see people lined up for the new pickleball courts they just put in." The tree-lined paved walking loop takes strolling neighbors around multiple soccer fields and basketball courts. The brand-new racket facilities are across from the walking loop. These include two separate fenced-in pickleball and tennis areas with six courts each. Next to the courts, kids can play at the Kids Kingdom playground and Fantasy Fountain splash pad. The large playground has interactive structures to climb and swing on, and a squishy turf ground surface that allows kids to play without the fear of a hard fall. The splash pad gets turned on in the summer to help kids cool off — especially in July and August, when temperatures can average around 100 F. Alta Mesa is part of the Enterprise Elementary School District, which is graded a B-minus overall by Niche. Kids begin at Alta Mesa Elementary, graded a C-plus. They continue at Parsons Junior High, graded a B-minus. Students finish at Enterprise High, which earns a B-plus for its work experience program that allows students to have a part-time job that coincides with a class to earn credit while learning professional skills. Enterprise High is part of the Shasta Union High School District, which is rated an A overall. The neighborhood's shopping options grew in the fall of 2023 with the opening of a new Costco and Save Mart 2 miles west on Churn Creek Road and South Bonnyview Road. In addition to stocking up on groceries at Save Mart, folks can shop at Ross and Petco in the same plaza. There are also fast-casual restaurants like In-N-Out Burger and Crumbl Cookies across from the shopping center. Local restaurants can be found closer to the neighborhood on Churn Creek Road. Bonsai Sushi Fusion serves handmade rolls and Japanese bento boxes. Folks can walk a few doors down for breakfast burritos and other Mexican fare at Taqueria Los Gordos, or a cup of morning caffeine from Need for Beans Coffee Roasters. Most residents work in Hilltop or downtown, since the closest major city, Sacramento, is about 160 miles south on Interstate 5. Hilltop is the city's main industrial area. It's a 3-mile drive north on Interstate 5, which is 2 miles west of the neighborhood. Commuters can also catch the city bus to Hilltop on Victor Avenue. Downtown Redding is a 6-mile drive across the river. It has many shops and businesses, and two large hospitals. Alta Mesa is one of the closest suburbs to Redding Regional Airport, just 5 miles south. Redding Regional offers flights to major West Coast cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco and Seattle. Temperatures in Redding average around 100 degrees in July and August, so it's important to find shade to keep cool in the hot summer months. These high temperatures can spark brush fires in the hills around Redding. Some become large wildfires, like the 2018 Carr Fire, which burned many homes in northwest Redding. Alta Mesa is a few miles removed from the damaged area, but the fire was still close enough to pose a threat. Residents are encouraged to mitigate the spread of wildfires by removing combustible brush and materials from the perimeter of their homes. It's just as important to have an established evacuation plan in preparation for an encroaching fire.

Bechelli sits 2 miles east from Downtown Redding, across the Sacramento River. From Interstate 5 on the east side, the neighborhood appears mostly commercial, but its resdiential streets are hidden behind the businesses on Bechelli Lane. "As you're on Bechelli Lane, you've got businesses and condos, then you finally get to the residential area just off the main road," says Realtor Tammy Krumvieda with Mistletoe Realty. Homes and lots tend to be larger as they get closer to the Sacramento River. "This area, and Redding in general, is an eclectic place," Krumvieda says. "There's really no rhyme or reason to anything; there'll be two things next to each other that don't make much sense, but that's kind of why we like it." The neighborhood lives up to this reputation. Sports bars, organic grocers and ethnic markets are just down the road from natural riverfront space where any resident can enjoy immersive outdoor activities. The neighborhood's residential area begins to the west of Bechelli Lane. Streets of small ranch-style homes lie behind the apartments and condos that line Bechelli Lane. These two-to-three-bedroom homes sit close together with a bit of backyard space and range from $200,000 to $300,000. Things get quieter as the streets get farther from the interstate and closer to the river. Slightly more spacious lawns shaded by large trees give the feeling of a secluded riverfront community, even though there's commercial activity less than a mile away. Homes get more expensive approaching the riverfront, and can range from $300,000 to $800,000 depending on proximity to the water. Larger custom homes on the riverfront with private access can start at $900,000 and rise up to $1.2 million on more secluded lots. Bechelli is part of the Enterprise Elementary School District, which is graded a B-plus overall by Niche. Kids start at Rother Elementary, graded a C, and continue at Parsons Junior High, rated a B-minus. Students round out their education at Enterprise High, graded a B-plus. The high school's work experience program allows students to have a part-time job that coincides with the work experience class, so they can earn credit while learning professional skills. Enterprise High is a part of the A-rated Shasta Union High School District. The Nur Pon Open Space gives everyone access to acres of natural recreation space on the Sacramento River. The walking trail takes hikers on just over a mile walk through dense brush and tree cover along the riverbanks. The trail crosses over to stony beaches where fishermen cast a line and paddlers launch their kayaks. If explorers look closely, they can find footpaths that lead to more secluded spots. There's also a fenced in space where dogs can play off-leash. Bechelli has an eclectic mix of eateries within walking distance of each other on Hartnell Avenue and Bechelli Lane. Just a few doors apart on Hartnell Avenue, Riddick's Sports Pub serves classic American bar fare, and Pho Saigon specializes in authentic Vietnamese Cuisine. Indo China Market offers Asian goods across the street. Country Organics and The Rawsome Kitchen, on Bechelli Lane, is an organic produce market with a small kitchen where folks can get fresh-made wraps, salads, and bowls. They also have vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options. A short walk up Bechelli Lane, Las Dos Marias serves authentic Mexican cuisine and Punjabi Indian makes curries and masalas packed with vibrant spices. Safeway is just over a mile away for groceries. Retail shopping is 2 miles north at Mt. Shasta Mall, which has everything from large retailers and grocery stores like Target and Trader Joe's to apparel stores and outlets. The Redding Farmers Market sets up in a different location in the city for each day of the week. On Saturdays, Bechelli residents can walk across the Cypress Avenue Bridge to the market at Redding City Hall. Redding is far removed from major cities, so most locals work in town. There are industrial businesses about a mile north in the Hilltop area, and there are two large hospitals and other companies 2 miles across the river around Downtown Redding. Commuters can also catch the city bus on Bechelli Lane, Hartnell Avenue or Cypress Avenue. Interstate 5 runs down the neighborhood's east side, making for a direct 163-mile drive south to Sacramento. Redding Regional Airport, 10 miles south, flies to major West Coast cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles and Seattle. Small brush fires are common in the dry mountains surrounding Redding. They occasionally become large wildfires, such as the 2018 Carr Fire, which burned many homes on Redding's western edge. Bechelli is closer to the other side of the city, meaning it's less likely to be directly damaged by a fire. Still, residents are encouraged to prevent the spread of wildfires by removing flammable brush and materials from the perimeter of their homes. It's also important to have an organized evacuation plan in the event of a fire.

Why would folks choose to live in the Benton Tract versus across the Sacramento River in Downtown Redding? Realtor Hans Monvik with RE/MAX of Redding says, "Cost is the biggest factor. This has always been one of the lower priced areas in the city because the homes are smaller." Residents find more low-priced options between the neighborhood's single-family and multi-family homes than they do around Downtown Redding. One of the city's main arteries, Market Street, runs through the middle of the neighborhood, down the east side of the residential area. Folks take Market Street a mile south into the heart of Downtown Redding, connecting them to the revitalized dining scene. Residents also have easier access to recreation on this side of the river, with Caldwell Park – the city's largest community park – sitting on the neighborhood's south side. The neighborhood's main development of single-family and multi-family homes is west of Market Street, between Benton Drive and Quartz Hill Road. This mix of housing gives buyers a greater number of low-priced options to choose from. Streets of 1960s ranch-style homes, ranging from $200,000 to over $400,000, occupy most of the neighborhood. They sit close together with a bit of grassy yard space filled in with mature shady oaks. Buyers can find multi-family options in a small community on the neighborhood’s west side. These two-bedroom connected ranch-styles can cost between $200,000 and $300,000, and come with driveways, a bit of yard space and a community pool. North of Benton Drive, there's one road of homes winding into the hills with small cul-de-sacs extending off it. From this elevated landscape, many homes have views of Downtown Redding to the south. The two-to-four-bedroom ranch-style homes on spacious lots range from $500,000 to $700,000, with some on more secluded lots costing up to $900,000. Students in the neighborhood are a part of the Redding Elementary School District, which is graded a B-plus overall by Niche. They can start at Turtle Bay Elementary, graded a B. They can continue at Sequoia Middle, also rated a B. Students finish at A-rated Shasta High, which is a part of the A-rated Shasta Union High School District. Shasta's campus sits on the banks of the Sacramento River. Locals fill up the home stands of the football stadium to cheer on the Wolves and take in the mountain view. Caldwell Park is Redding's main community recreation space, with facilities and fields for almost any activity. This large outdoor space sits between the Sacramento River and the neighborhood's residential streets. Residents walk here to relax in the shady green spaces or swim laps at the pool. A walking path connects the playground to the pool. Rec league baseball and soccer players use the fields for practice and game days. The Sacramento River is also a big source of recreation. Kayakers launch from the boat ramp on the park's west side and paddle through the city. The Sacramento River Trail runs along the neighborhood's south end. Hikers and bikers use this paved path to explore the river basin. Residents can walk to a few neighborhood restaurants on Market Street, like Janya's Thai Cuisine and Market Street Pizza and Deli. Getting to Downtown Redding's restaurants might seem more difficult from this side of the river, but Monvik says, "Being over here doesn't make it any more difficult to get to downtown. People just take Market Street right into downtown." Residents walk a mile south on Market Street into the heart of Redding’s revitalized downtown. Folks dine at new spots, like From the Hearth Kitchen and Pie Shop, and old staples like Damburger, which has been serving locals since 1938. For groceries, residents drive 2 miles north to Raley's. Mt. Shasta Mall has grocery and retail stores like Trader Joe's and Target, less than 4 miles west. In late June, the Sundial Splash celebrates Redding's passion for paddling. Kayakers and canoers gather about 2 miles from the neighborhood at Riverfront Park for a community float on the Sacramento River. Participants can either casually float the 6-mile route or enter the race to paddle for first place. They set off under the Sundial Bridge, a glass-walking bridge that resembles a giant sundial. Residents walk or drive a mile south on Market Street to work in and around Downtown Redding. Downtown commuters can also catch the city bus at multiple stops on Market Street. Most folks work downtown here because the closest major city, Sacramento, is 162 miles south on Interstate 5. Locals can fly out of Redding Regional Airport, 10 miles south. Redding Regional flies to cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles and Seattle. The Benton Tract was right on the edge of where the 2018 Carr Fire, one of the largest wildfires in California's history, began. While the neighborhood didn't receive the fire's full wrath, many homes were burned just a few miles west in Lake Redding. Fires this large aren't an everyday occurrence, but small brush fires are common in the dry hills around the city. Residents are encouraged to take measures to prevent the threat and spread of wildfires by removing dry brush and combustible materials from homes’ perimeter. Folks should also have an established evacuation plan when a fire shows a present danger.

Many Redding locals know the Bluffs for its large cliffside homes they see while paddling on the Sacramento River. These homes are known for having some of the best views in Redding, overlooking Turtle Bay Exploration Park and downtown. "The Turtle Bay Exploration Park and different trails take up most of this area. It's all preserved land, so there'll never be any development," says Realtor Richard Howe with RE/MAX of Redding, who's lived in Redding since the 1970s. With few homes and tons of natural space, the neighborhood feels more like a secluded community in the hills, even though it's less than a mile from large shopping centers. Residents can access hiking trails in the hills or along the river within a short walk from home. Much of the area being protected also means that the communities of riverfront homes and condos further up the hill are small and turnover is rare. "These were expensive lots that weren't for sale until fairly recently," Howe says, "so when they were for sale, people bought them up and built big custom homes that they plan on staying in for a while." The neighborhood is most well-known for its homes near or on the river. These are in River Heights, on the neighborhood's east end. All of the community's homes are on River Bend Road, except for a few looping off-streets with clusters of condos. These two-to-three-bedroom Mediterranean-inspired condos range from $300,000 to over $500,000 for those facing the river. Most of River Heights' single-family homes are custom-built. Expansive four-bedroom homes that aren't on the water can cost about $600,000 to $900,000. The most sought-after cliffside homes range from four-bedroom mansions for $700,000 to palatial homes with multiple wings for up to $2 million. These homes have lots of secluded backyard space with uninterrupted views of the river and attractions like the Sundial Bridge, a walking bridge that resembles a giant sundial. There are more homes along the bluffs on Palisades Avenue. These two-to-four-bedroom homes range from $300,000 to $900,000 for those with the clearest river views. The neighborhood isn't all riverfront communities. Condo communities up the hill are farther from the water but still offer elevated views of the natural space. Two-to-four-bedroom units can cost $250,000 to $500,000. One of the perks of living in these homes overlooking the river is an unobstructed view of Redding's Fourth of July fireworks. "These folks just walk out to their backyard for a perfect view of the fireworks or whatever else is going on for other holidays," says Howe. The city lights off the fireworks from the Redding Civic Center on the east side of the Sundial Bridge, so residents have a clear view of the show. The neighborhood's natural space is etched with dirt hiking trails like the Hilltop Trailhead, less than a mile from many homes. As the name suggests, the trail starts at the top of the hill and winds down to the river. After about a mile, it meets the Sacramento River Trail at the Sundial Bridge. From here, hikers can follow the trail for miles west or cross the bridge into Turtle Bay Exploration Park, which has nearly 10 miles of paths through protected riverfront space. Neighborhood students can attend the Redding Elementary School District, which is graded a B-plus overall by Niche. They begin at Turtle Bay Elementary and continue at Sequoia Middle, both graded a B. Students finish at A-rated Shasta High, which is a part of the A-rated Shasta Union High School District. On fall Friday nights, locals fill the home stands of Shasta's football stadium to cheer on the Wolves while taking in the mountain view. Mt. Shasta Mall, the city's main shopping center, is less than a mile from homes on the east end. Folks come to this plaza for everything from basic goods at Walmart and Target to specialty groceries at Trader Joe's and Sprouts Farmers Market. Inside the mall, there are dozens of fashion retailers. Raley's is the closest grocery store for residents in the neighborhood's northwest end. There are many recognizable chain restaurants around Mt. Shasta Mall, like In-N-Out Burger, but there are some regional and local spots too. Theory Coffee Roasters offers a bright and modern café for folks to get pastries and their morning coffee. Champa Garden Thai is a small space known for their curries and stir-fries. New restaurants and boutiques in Downtown Redding are just over 3 miles away. The closest major city, Sacramento, is about 165 miles away, so most locals work in Downtown Redding or Hilltop. Downtown Redding is just over 3 miles away from anywhere in the neighborhood. East-end residents can take Interstate 5 down to Highway 44 to cross over the river into downtown. Folks in the northwest end can drive south on Market Street into the heart of downtown. Hilltop is on this side of the river, 2 miles south on I-5. Commuters can also catch the bus on Hilltop Drive, running through the neighborhood. If walkers are up for it, they can hike from the Hilltop Trailhead to the Sundial Bridge and cross over the river into downtown, just over 2 miles in total. Redding Regional Airport, 10 miles south, flies to major West Coast cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles and Seattle. The Bluffs are within a few miles of where the 2018 Carr Fire, one of the largest wildfires in California's history, began. While the neighborhood didn't endure the fire's wrath, many homes were burned just a few miles west in Lake Redding. Fires this large aren't an everyday occurrence, but small brush fires are common in the dry hills around the city. Residents are encouraged to take measures to prevent the threat and spread of wildfires by removing dry brush and combustible materials from the perimeter of homes. Folks should also have an established evacuation plan.

Despite being just 4 miles south of Downtown Redding, Bonnyview's spacious lawns and dense foliage give an almost rural feeling. Josh Barker, president of Josh Barker Real Estate, says this is why buyers choose here over being closer to downtown. "This is the area of Redding where people look to get more space for their money than they could find downtown," says Barker, one of the top Realtors in Redding, who's been selling here since 2003. The neighborhood's location on the Sacramento River also gives residents easy access to water activities whether they live on the water or next to Market Street, the main artery into Downton Redding. Residents give up abundant shopping and dining for more green space, but there's still a Costco and shopping center 2 miles across the river. It's important to remember that Redding is a small city, far removed from any major traffic, so the drive downtown only takes about 10 minutes. Most of the neighborhood streets were developed in the 1950s and 1960s. These older streets have a woodsy feel. Tall pines, hearty oaks and sycamores create privacy; some have grown large enough to canopy the streets. Two- and three-bedroom ranch-style homes and cottages sit on spacious lawns and range in price from $300,000 to $600,000. Barker says newer developments like Riverbend Estates are drawing more attention, "Riverbend Estates is the prominent development in the neighborhood. It really feels like its own community with that planned suburban lifestyle people are looking for." Riverbend Estates is a small suburban development with one main loop of homes and a couple of cul-de-sacs. Residents enjoy recreational amenities like racket courts and riverfront walking paths. Homes have less yard space but are newer, developed in the early 2000s. Most of the three-to-four-bedroom homes sport Craftsman and Mediterranean-inspired architecture, ranging from $500,000 to $700,000. The most expensive homes are those on the riverfront. These homes with river access, ranging from three-bedroom homes on wooded lots to expansive mansions with grand front drives and patios overlooking the water, can cost $900,000 to $1.7 million. The neighborhood is part of the Redding Elementary School District, which is rated an overall B-plus by Niche. Kids begin at B-plus-graded Bonny View Elementary, sitting in the community's north end. They continue at Sequoia Middle, graded a B. Students finish at Shasta High, which gets an A. Its riverfront football stadium gives locals in the home stands mountain views while cheering on the Wolves. Shasta High is part of the Shasta Union High School District, which is rated an A overall. Bonnyview doesn't have any community parks, but homes often have plenty of yard space for activity. Kayakers and boaters use the Bonnyview Boat Ramp at the John F. Reginato River Access to get out on the river. This river access is just south of the neighborhood, off South Bonnyview Road. Residents of Riverview Estates enjoy more recreational amenities. They can use the community clubhouse for gatherings and two racket courts for neighborly tennis and pickleball matches. The community also has a riverfront walking path that starts at the clubhouse and takes walkers along the wooded riverfront. Bonnyview is primarily residential, but a few eateries and small shops are in the industrial space on Market Street. To get to these spots on Market Street, residents must cross a set of train tracks at Radio Lane or South Bonnyview Road. One of these spots is Flaco's Tacos, a food truck that sets up in the parking lot of a garden shop on the neighborhood's north end. Flaco's serves burritos, tacos and other authentic Mexican street food. Cal's Books, a haven for neighborhood bookworms, is a short drive down Market Street. In this small shop, folks can get lost in the labyrinth of used books and memorabilia stacked to the ceiling. There's also a Starbucks and Baja Burrito on South Bonnyview Road, on the neighborhood's south end. Residents can cross 2 miles over the river on South Bonnyview to shop at a new Costco and Save Mart. Around these new stores are also regional chain restaurants like In-N-Out Burger and Taqueria Los Gordos. Neighborhood paddlers get excited for the Sundial Splash in late June. This annual event celebrates the city's passion for recreation on the Sacramento River and its unofficial title as the kayaking capital of the world. Participants gather about 6 miles from the neighborhood at Riverfront Park for a community float on the Sacramento River. Participants can casually float the 6-mile route or enter the race to paddle for first place. They set off under the Sundial Bridge, a glass-walking bridge that resembles a giant sundial. Redding is far from any major city, the closest being Sacramento, about 160 miles south on Interstate 5. Because of this, most locals work at hospitals and other businesses around Downtown Redding, which is a 4-mile drive north on Market Street. There are also businesses in the neighborhood's industrial space along Market Street. Commuters can catch the bus on East Bonnyview Road or South Bonnyview Road, however the ride to downtown takes almost 45 minutes. Redding Regional Airport is 7 miles east. It flies to major West Coast cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles and Seattle. Small brush fires are common in the dry mountains surrounding Redding. They occasionally become large wildfires, such as the 2018 Carr Fire, one of the largest wildfires in California's history, which burned many homes west of Downtown Redding. Bonnyview is a few miles south of the damaged area, but the fire was close enough to pose a serious threat. Residents are encouraged to prevent the spread of wildfires by removing flammable brush and materials from the perimeter of their homes. It's also crucial to have an organized evacuation plan in the event of a fire.

Boulder Creek is a collection of subdivisions built around the actual Boulder Creek, which flows along the east side of the neighborhood and eventually feeds into the Sacramento River. The neighborhood is better known for its location on the north side of Mt. Shasta Mall, Redding's largest shopping center. "The main reason to move here is because it's a really convenient area," says Realtor Dennis Morgan with Banner Real Estate, who's lived in Redding since the 1970s. "Everyone in Redding shops or works right around here, so everything you need is pretty much right there." Along with having all the shopping they need down the road, most folks work less than 3 miles away in Hilltop or just 4 miles across the Sacramento River in Downtown Redding. In contrast to the commercial activity on the neighborhood's south end, the north end is mostly natural space neighboring suburban communities. This maintains a quiet residential atmosphere and provides residents with immersive walking trails around the corner from home. Churn Creek Road winds north to south through Boulder Creek, and the neighborhood's three subdivisions all branch off of it. Quail Ridge is the closest to Mt. Shasta Mall. Sidewalks line its winding drives and cul-de-sacs. They connect to Boulder Creek Elementary, allowing kids to walk to school without leaving the community. The 1990s ranch-style and New Traditional homes here sit on midsize grassy lawns and typically have three bedrooms, ranging from $300,000 to just over $400,000. Shasta Hills Estates was developed around the same time. Its streets sit closer to Churn Creek Road, so homes aren't as secluded as the other two communities. The two-to-three-bedroom New Traditional and Craftsman homes here range from $300,000 to almost $500,000. Highland Park has the highest prices and amenities like parks and trail access. Mature trees line its streets and cul-de-sacs. Residents can follow the sidewalks to park spaces, and they connect to paved walking and biking trails. The community's three-to-four-bedroom New Traditional and Mediterranean-inspired homes range from $400,000 to $600,000. Mt. Shasta Mall is a short drive south down Churn Creek Road. The mall itself is a large indoor space, but the surrounding stores and retailers create one all-inclusive shopping area. Inside the mall are dozens of small outlets and larger retailers like Macy's and Ulta Beauty. Morgan says the indoor mall serves an additional purpose to the community in the summer. "When it gets real hot in the summertime, they open the mall early in the morning just so people can walk in the air conditioning, instead of baking out in the sun." Outside the mall, folks shop at department stores like Walmart and Target, and get specialty groceries at Trader Joe's and Sprouts Farmers Market. The shopping center has many fast-casual chains, like In-N-Out Burger, and local chains, like Theory Coffee Roasters. Theory offers a bright, modern space for locals to enjoy a pastry and their morning coffee. Mr. Peri Peri's Grill serves roasted chicken rubbed with a spicy peri peri seasoning blend that originates from Mozambique and South Africa. Champa Garden Thai is another local spot to enjoy curries and stir-fries. The neighborhood is part of the Enterprise Elementary School District, which is rated a B-minus overall by Niche. Kids go to Boulder Creek Elementary, graded a B, for kindergarten through eighth grade. Boulder Creek is less than a mile from many neighborhood homes. Students finish at Enterprise High, rated a B-plus. Enterprise's work experience program allows students to gain professional skills in a part-time job while earning school credit in a coinciding class. Enterprise is part of the Shasta Union High School District, which is rated an A overall. Much of the neighborhood's north side is natural space, which residents can explore on the Boulder Creek Bridge Trail. Hikers and bikers can traverse this 2-mile trail through red dirt hills studded with valley oak trees. It's mostly gravel, except for the north section, which was recently paved. Hikers can access the gravel section of the trail on Churn Creek Road, closer to the Shasta Hills Estates subdivision. Cyclists can access the newly paved section through the Highland Park subdivision. Highland Park also has a neighborhood park with a playground and lawn space, and Quail Ridge has a small community playground. Most locals work in Downtown Redding or Hilltop because the closest major city, Sacramento, is about 165 miles south on Interstate 5. Residents drive 4 miles to downtown hospitals and businesses by crossing the river on state Route 44. Hilltop, the city's main industrial area, is about 3 miles south on this side of the river. Commuters can also catch the city bus to downtown or Hilltop via stops on Churn Creek Road or Canby Road. For longer car trips, Interstate 5 runs down the neighborhood's west side. Redding Regional Airport is 10 miles south. It offers flights to West Coast cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco and Seattle. Boulder Creek is just 6 miles east of where the 2018 Carr Fire began. The Carr Fire was one of the largest wildfires in California history, burning many homes in west Redding. Fires this large aren't an everyday occurrence, but small brush fires are common in the dry hills around the city. Residents are encouraged to take measures to prevent the threat and spread of wildfires by removing dry brush and combustible materials from the perimeter of homes. Folks should also have an established evacuation plan when a fire shows a present danger. Bethel Church's sprawling campus is in the neighborhood's north end, off state Route 299, and has 11,000 members. Its campus is slightly removed from the suburban communities, but the neighborhood roads can become crowded around the church's four Sunday services.