Firstly why Redding, California?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Redding
• State: California
• Population: 91,832 people
• Redding’s quick summary would be known for the iconic Sundial Bridge and proximity to the stunning Shasta Lake this city is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 1,100 annually
• While this many move-out: 690 annually
• Net Migration: 410 more people in (net) annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 1,224
• Number of Homeless people: 163

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it provides access to outdoor activities and a slower pace attractive to retirees

Perk #1: Redding Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 34%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 66%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is White
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly Mexican
• The median income is (and growing)  $67,535
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Redding is $74,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $6465 in positive cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Redding’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 114 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $1,700
• Property Tax %: 1%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,850
• Rent for an average house: $2,200
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Redding
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Redding, Cottonwood, Anderson, Palo Cedro, and probably could include Shasta Lake City
• Avg. Age of Homes in Redding: 43 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 1.3%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Redding’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Redding are  Healthcare, Education, and Agriculture
• Redding Job Scene: limited job market in healthcare and local services
• The General Tech Scene: modest tech presence primarily in healthcare and environmental sectors , ,
• Redding Resident’s pay $1,600 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Redding: 8%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 280 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 5

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Redding

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $118 on average per person
• Freeway Access: I-5 runs through Redding providing north-south access to the region
• Commute Time: 23 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: traffic congestion on Hilltop Drive
• Transportation Score: 19 out of 100 described as Minimal Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Redding: 90,000
• Cars registered per Person: 1
• No. of Car Washes: 3 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Redding: dmv.ca.gov
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 68 of 100
• Local Airport: Redding Municipal

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Redding’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Wildfire
• General Weather in Redding is best described as has hot dry summers with temperatures exceeding 100°F and cool winters with occasional rainfall
• Winter Weather in Redding i’d describe as cool and sunny
• Spring Weather in Redding can be described as warm and dry
• Summer’s in Redding are mostly hot and dry
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Redding is usually warm and dry
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 77 days in summer
• Days in a row in Redding below Freezing: 2
• Average Annual Rainfall: 20 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually moderate air quality influenced by wildfire smoke
• Redding Winter Air generally good air quality with occasional fluctuations

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Redding Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Redding 3
• While the number of trade schools inside Reddings’s city limits are 2
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Redding Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Redding Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 10 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Redding only Doctors is about 110
• Local Hospitals here is  5
• Full-time Redding only Police Officers is about 93
• Crime Rate Index: 44/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Redding’s Monthly utility bill average is $205
• Redding’s Monthly Gym Membership: $49
• Redding’s Water Quality Score: 74

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Redding

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 4 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: small city with access to natural beauty and outdoor exploration
• You might enjoy live music events at the Redding Civic Auditorium
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Redding  offers local drinking establishments and cultural events for casual evenings out

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Redding

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Features local diners and a variety of American cuisine
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 90 scattered around Redding
• The Popular Sports Team is Redding High School
• Top Level Political Climate in Redding can be described as conservative area with a mix of outdoor and community issues
• Redding’s Longer standing religious establishment is North Valley Community Church

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Redding Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Redding has 11 Parks?
• Enterprise Community Park is Redding’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Redding Farmers Market normally open Saturday 8am-1pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, fishing, and boating

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Redding Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Redding can be described as moderately paced city with a focus on outdoor recreation
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Redding hiking in nearby mountains attending local festivals picnics
• The Cities people commute to from Redding are Anderson 11 miles away Red-Bluff 29 miles away Shasta-Lake 12 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Redding or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: traffic congestion on Hilltop Drive. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Redding’s Wildfire risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Redding is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Redding are Anderson 11 miles away Red-Bluff 29 miles away Shasta-Lake 12 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 44 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Redding has 2 days in a row below freezing and 77 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Redding people have an average (positive or negative) $6465 in positive cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   163 homeless people living in Redding. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general conservative area with a mix of outdoor and community issues could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Redding.

Retiree & Senior Life in Redding

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can can benefit from exemptions regarding property taxes enhancing residence affordability
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is Redwood assisted living
• Redding Senior Center offers wellness programs fitness activities and meal services

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Redding, California?

If Redding, California ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Redding, California, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!