Living a Biking Lifestyle in Chico, California

Chico, California represents a more affordable California community for those who are looking for an active outdoor lifestyle. Located in the Sacramento River Valley, the city is the cultural, economic, and educational center of the northern Sacramento Valley. There are more than a dozen parks and greenways. Fishing, skiing, biking, and hiking are abundantly available in the nearby Sierra Nevada Mountains. Live oak and ash trees provide shade in the hot summers. About 70,000 people live in Chico, which is in Butte County.

California State University, Chico is a colorful addition to Chico. The university not only provides a lively environment and youthful presence, along with the university’s cultural offerings.

Where to Retire in Chico and Home Prices

There are many new developments on the edge of town where active adults would be happy. In some cases these have rental apartments or condominiums. There are several large new urbanist neighborhoods, either planned or under construction, including Doe Mill, Barber Yard, Meriam Park, and Westside Place. Within the town there are older neighborhoods where adults can live in a mixed generation environment. Mansion Park is the old high-end neighborhood. Prices are relatively modest compared to much of California. According to Zillow.com the median home value was $728,592 in late 2022.

What Is Special about Chico

Bidwell Park is one of the largest parks in the U.S., weekly farmers' markets, Sierra Nevada brewery, California State University-Chico, the Sierra Nevada mountains

What Is Not Special about Chico

It is a drive to nearest big city. Hot in summer. Chico is near the town of Paradise, CA, which suffered catastrophic losses from the Campfire forest fire in November, 2018.

Climate and Physical Environment

Chico is on flat ground which gives way to the foothills of the Sierra Nevada just outside of town. Summers are hot and dry; most rainfall comes in winter.

Restaurants & Cultural Scene

California State University, Chico provides much of the cultural opportunities. There are many musical venues such as the North State Symphony, Several theatres, 4 museums, and numerous galleries. There are a number of public sculpture and mural art expositions provided by the City of Chico Public Art Portfolio.

Crime

Crime in Chico is just over the national average.

Medical Facilities

The Enloe Medical Center is here, 3 other hospitals are within 30 miles.

Transportation

Chico Municipal Airport is the major airport, where United Express operates. Amtrak operates the Coast Starlight service. The B-Line (Butte Regional Transit) serves the Chico Urban area with eight routes. Chico is considered very bike-friendly.  

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