A Relocator’s Guide to Chico

In a state that is home to such would-renowned cities as Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego and the vast regions they anchor, it is sometimes easy to overlook many of California's lesser-known treasures.

From state and national parks, both interior and coastal, to towns, cities, and even whole regions that would rank as top destinations in any other state, California is teeming with hidden gems that feature an unparalleled luxury lifestyle.

Nowhere is this more true than in Northern California. More specifically, the very heart of the region — the Sacramento Valley.

Extending northward from just below the city of Sacramento to the area surrounding the city of Redding, this stunning expanse of grassland is an agriculturally rich landscape tucked gracefully between the Sierra Nevada mountain range to the east and the Northern Coast Range to the west.

Venture to the Valley's upper reaches and find Butte County and its largest city, Chico. This beautiful merging of rural and urban lifestyles is arguably the crown jewel of California's hidden gems.

For many years buoyed by the region's agricultural roots — almonds, rice, olives, and peaches being the mainstays — Chico has emerged as a major educational, commercial, and retail center for Northern California. The city's current population is more than 130,000 residents, with significant growth since 2000.

Chico is now California's largest city north of Sacramento and one that continues to grow. With its small-town vibe and bright forward-looking future, the city (and Butte County) is a popular relocation option — particularly for those with remote work opportunities searching for upscale homes and urban convenience in a natural setting.

Chico is well-known for its excellent location near gorgeous natural areas and amenities. With Sacramento just 1.5 hours south and San Francisco 2.5 hours southwest, residents yearning for big-city entertainment can easily make the drive. In addition, Napa is 2.5 hours away, the go-to spot for food and wine enthusiasts. Nature lovers will also find their place here, as residents can find themselves in the mountains in just 15 minutes, and Chico has a wealth of opportunities for cycling, mountain biking, hiking, and more. Plus, the incredible beauty of Lake Tahoe is only 2.5 hours away. Living in Chico, there are endless opportunities to explore nature and the surrounding big cities, but you’ll have the tranquility and quaintness of a small-town lifestyle.

If all of that sounds like the perfect landing spot for those on the move, it gets even better. Below, we explore five key aspects of this picturesque locale with our relocation guide to Chico.

Though the first known settlements of peoples in Butte Country and the larger Sacramento Valley date back centuries, modern history is traced to the arrival of John Bidwell in the early 1840s when California was still a provincial extension of Mexico. Twenty years later, Bidwell founded the city of Chico.

Including both its historic downtown and the South of Campus neighborhood (the latter listed on the National Register of Historic Places), Chico is notable for its diverse architectural style. Reflecting a structural timeline of the city's development since its 1871 incorporation, a tour highlights several revival styles, including Classical, Colonial, Gothic, Greek, and Renaissance. There are also numerous examples of well-preserved California bungalows and Queen Anne cottages from the late 1890s and early 1900s.

One of the most notable structures is the Bidwell Mansion. Constructed in the Italianate style, it was the home of the town's founder and currently serves as a museum and centerpiece of the Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park in the city's Mansion Park district.

Other historical landmarks and museums include the Senator Theater, the Chico Air Museum, the Valene L. Smith Museum of Anthropology, the Museum of Northern California Art, and the Chico History Museum. The city supports a vibrant art community fueled partly by the presence of California State University. Theaters and art galleries are prevalent throughout the city and county.

Chico homes are varied. You'll find large estate homes in gated golf course communities, rural homesteads on abundant acreage, unique custom-built residences overlooking the valley, and condos and townhomes within walking distance to fabulous shopping, dining, and entertainment. Another advantage is your buying power in this part of California is far greater than in the major metros to the south. Especially with upscale homes, you can secure abundant square footage, high-end amenities, and panoramic views that rival any in the Bay Area — and do so with a far more modest financial investment.

Regardless of the level of residential luxury you're seeking, there's a style and neighborhood suited to your specific needs. For example, given Chico's vibrant, youthful spirit, many residents opt for one of the city's urban communities. Doe Mill and Mansion Park are popular options, with the latter featuring well-preserved period architecture in the heart of the city and near Chico State University. There are also numerous opportunities to own historic or architecturally significant homes, including one of the city's California bungalows, whether as a personal residence or investment opportunity.

If your relocation plans call for something on an even grander scale, several Chico neighborhoods are more than happy to oblige your needs. Butte Creek Country Club rests on a lush parcel of land south of Chico, characterized by mature trees, serene Butte Creek, and architecturally distinctive homes.

The gated Canyon Oaks Country Club occupies a magnificent spot just below Upper Bidwell Park to the northwest of town. Homes in the community represent some of Chico's finest residences — custom-built estates on oversized lots, amongst mature foliage with direct access to the 3,670-acre Bidwell Park.

Finally, those hoping to take advantage of Chico's rural surroundings, from the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains to the spacious communities to the west and north of town, have plenty of options. The area north of Chico is one of the most desirable communities in the entire upper Sacramento Valley region.

The area from Carriage Estates to those subdivisions along Keefer Road is a must-see for buyers interested in homes with room to roam. Most feature a minimum of one-acre lots (and many exceeding five acres or more) and custom-built homes. The collection of residences along Songbird Land and those at the northern end of Garner Lane is a highlight.

Chico is a college town. The downtown presence of California State University, Chico (or Chico State as referred to locally), and Butte College, a few miles to the southeast, imbue the city with a youthful spirit brimming with fresh ideas. Between the two colleges, nearly 25,000 students attend each semester and are treated to two of the most stunning campus in the U.S.

Chico features several highly rated public schools, including the Inspire School of Arts and Sciences, a top 40 charter school in California, and the Chico Unified School District.

Chico has long been a destination for shopping and dining for locals and those living in the outlying regions of Northern California. The half-million square foot Chico Mall, featuring more than 75 stores, services, and restaurants, is a popular retail center.

The real prizes, though, are the shops, restaurants, and art galleries of Downtown Chico. The lively district boasts more than 60 boutiques, shops, and services and over 70 restaurants and bars, including cafes, bakeries, nightclubs, and coffee shops. You can visit one of the district's museums or art galleries between shopping and eating.

Residents and visitors alike enjoy celebrating the local success story of Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. Founded in downtown Chico more than 40 years ago, the company is one of the nation's largest craft brewers. It is the hub of the county's microbrewing culture, including seven breweries, numerous pubs, taprooms, and bars specializing in craft beer.

In addition, Chico’s central location makes it a convenient spot for those who want to take the 1.5-hour drive down to Sacramento or make the 2.5-hour trek to San Francisco. Plus, food and wine enthusiasts will find their place in Napa, just 2.5 hours away as well.

Upon first setting foot in Butte County and the city of Chico, it's impossible to overlook the beauty and brilliance of the natural surroundings. Established in the northernmost expanse of the Sacramento Valley, living in the community has long centered around the region's natural treasures. First, it was a major agricultural center, and in more modern times, a sought-after destination for boundless outdoor recreational opportunities.

Chico caters to residents who favor an active lifestyle, and the vast opportunities for outdoor exploration call out to real estate seekers with a heart for adventure. The city features an extensive bike network that extends to miles of hiking and biking trails outside the city and across Butte County. The Chico Wildflower Century Ride welcomes thousands of cyclists on a weekend-long group biking event through the hills.

Locally, the city operates eight neighborhood parks, six community centers including a public pool, and five community parks. There are roughly 4,000 acres of park space inside or directly bordering Chico. Plus, within just 15 minutes, residents can be in the mountains, and the city is only about 2.5 hours to Lake Tahoe and all of its natural splendor.

The park system includes the centerpiece of the extensive Butte County park network, Bidwell Park. At 3,670 acres, it's one of the largest municipal parks in the country and stretches 11 miles from Chico into the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The park is a local favorite and includes almost 70 miles of trails, numerous swimming holes, stunning vistas, and the Bidwell Park Golf Course.

For even more outdoor adventure, the Mendocino National Forest is a two-hour drive west of Chico, while the Plumas National Forest is two hours to the west. Plus, just 1.5 hours northeast of Chico is the gorgeous, 90-foot deep Lake Almanor, another popular vacation destination for swimming, jet skiing, hiking, and fishing excursions.

Ready to make a move to one of California's most majestic locations? A sanctuary with access to incredible shopping and dining, exceptional schools, and an extraordinary Northern California setting? Or perhaps you're interested in the more rural but equally spectacular adjacent communities in the Northern Sacramento Valley.

Contact Jesselle Cook today to start your search for Chico homes. From Butte County real estate to Tehama homes or Glenn County real estate, allow Jesselle's years of experience and expertise to be your guide to Northern California's real estate market.