C hico, California is located amidst the Northern Sacramento Valley in Butte County. Widely known as being a college town thanks to the presence of a major university, Chico benefits both financially and culturally from the school. It also makes Chico an ideal place for families, with its array of amenities and services that rival cities several times its size. The city has a charming historic downtown district with over four hundred businesses, and is a popular place for an afternoon stroll, shopping in the many boutiques, or sipping a leisurely cup of coffee in a sidewalk cafe.

With its scenic beauty and invigorating atmosphere, Chico has proven to be a popular relocation destination. The city currently supports approximately 67,509 residents today. The presence of a major university skews the median age of residents here slightly down, to twenty six years old. Nearly thirty percent of Chico residents are employed in the service industry. The second largest employment sector here is professional or managerial services, employing just over a quarter of locals. Nearly sixteen percent of residents here work in an administrative capacity. The median household income within the city of Chico is around $31,340 per year.

Chico has made itself a very attractive option for businesses of all sizes. Both major corporations and entrepreneurs can take advantage of the city's unique approach to creating economic stability for its residents. Called Team Chico, this dedicated group of city employees work to aid both existing businesses and those thinking of relocating to town. Team Chico works with these firms to obtain permits, understand regulations and other services, creating a truly business-friendly environment. This keeps unemployment rates down in Chico, providing both stability and diversity of employment options for residents.

There is an array of housing styles offered in this area, with about half of the homes being single-family detached style and half located in multi-family complexes. Like many other California communities, home ownership has proven to be a solid investment in this area, with steady appreciation over the years. The most popular option for buyers in Chico is typically a two-bedroom model. Recent sales figures indicate that the average purchase price of a home in this area is currently $303,333.

One of the main focal points of Chico is certainly its much lauded university, the California State University, Chico. Regionally referred to as simply Chico State, this school is ranked as one of the top four public regional universities in the western United States. Its popular undergraduate program offers over one hundred different majors, and draws students from throughout America. This creates a diversity in Chico that you wouldn't normally find in a town this size. Folks here come from every imaginable socio-economic, religious and geographic region of the world, lending a global perspective to this cozy town.

There is an equally varied array of entertainment and recreational options in Chico. The town boasts Bidwell Park, which is one of the largest municipally-owned parks in the country, with nearly four thousand acres. The park has an impressive trail system, designed for jogging, bicycling and equestrian use. Bordering both downtown Chico and the university, Bidwell Park is a popular gathering spot for people of all ages.

Chico also sponsors many much-anticipated annual events. Slice of Chico offers residents a chance to beat the summer heat by coming downtown for free slices of icy watermelon. The city's Farm Day Celebration pays homage to the region's agricultural roots, while the National Yo-Yo Contest brings a lighthearted yet highly competitive event to town. Throughout the year, locals can also enjoy community events such as Friday Night Concerts and the twice-weekly Farmers' Market.

The town of Chico is a pleasant, vibrant community. With all of the benefits of small-town living, the presence of Chico State University lends a diversity to the town that means residents have access to the amenities and services that would normally only be found in a much larger city. This proves to be the perfect combination for the thousands of folks who decide each year to make Chico their home.

If you are thinking about moving, consider a move to Chico, California! To learn more, request our "free relocation packet" today.