Firstly why Chico, California?

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

• City: Chico
• State: California
• Population: 103,668 people
• Chico’s quick summary would be Home to California State University, Chico, and the vibrant Bidwell Park.

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: 4,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 6,000 annually
• Net Migration: -2000 less people annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 600
• Number of Homeless people: 600

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it home to California State University attracts students and young professionals

Perk #1: Chico Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 36%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 48%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is White
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly Hispanic
• The median income is (and growing)  $65,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Chico is $70,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $5000 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 & Chico’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 120 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $2,982
• Property Tax %: 1.16%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,200
• Rent for an average house: $2,100
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Bidwell Park
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Chico, Paradise, Oroville, Durham, and probably could include Gridley
• Avg. Age of Homes in Chico: 57 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 1.7%

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 & Chico’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Chico are  Education, Healthcare, and Retail
• Chico Job Scene: growing job market focused on education and healthcare
• The General Tech Scene: home to California State University, emerging tech initiatives in education and sustainability ,
• Chico Resident’s pay $1,500 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Chico: 7.75%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 100 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 4

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 Chico

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $140 on average per person
• Freeway Access: Highway 99 provides key access to Chico from the south
• Commute Time: 22 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: slow traffic near California State University
• Transportation Score: 42 out of 100 described as Some Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Chico: 62,000
• Cars registered per Person: 0.6
• No. of Car Washes: 3 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Chico: dmv.ca.gov
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 63 of 100
• Local Airport: Chico 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: Chico’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Wildfires
• General Weather in Chico is best described as experiences hot summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 100°F and mild winters with occasional rain
• Winter Weather in Chico i’d describe as cool and dry
• Spring Weather in Chico can be described as mild with occasional rain
• Summer’s in Chico are mostly warm and dry
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Chico is usually warm with dry conditions
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 30 days in summer
• Days in a row in Chico below Freezing: 0
• Average Annual Rainfall: 37 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually good air quality with occasional wildfire smoke
• Chico Winter Air generally good air quality occasionally impacted by wildfires

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: Chico Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Chico 4
• While the number of trade schools inside Chicos’s city limits are 2
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Chico Branch 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 & Chico Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 10 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Chico only Doctors is about 55
• Local Hospitals here is  3
• Full-time Chico only Police Officers is about 120
• Crime Rate Index: 20/100

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

• Chico’s Monthly utility bill average is $160
• Chico’s Monthly Gym Membership: $42
• Chico’s Water Quality Score: 81

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 Chico

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 7 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: a college town with a youthful feel and outdoor recreation
• You might enjoy local theater productions at the Sierra Nevada Brewery
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Chico  has a bustling nightlife centered around bars and clubs with a strong college-town energy

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 Chico

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Offers farm-to-table restaurants and casual dining
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 30 scattered around Chico
• The Popular Sports Team is Chico State Wildcats
• Top Level Political Climate in Chico can be described as liberal college town focused on environmental issues and youth activism
• Chico’s Longer standing religious establishment is Chico State University InterVarsity

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: Chico Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Chico has 30 Parks?
• Chico City Park is Chico’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Chico Farmers Market normally open Thursday 7am-1pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, biking, and river tubing

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: Chico Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Chico can be described as youthful and vibrant town with a strong college presence
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Chico exploring parks playing sports picnicking by the creek
• The Cities people commute to from Chico are Durham 13 miles away Oroville 22 miles away Gridley 25 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 Chico 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: slow traffic near California State University. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Chico’s Wildfires risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Bidwell Park is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Chico are Durham 13 miles away Oroville 22 miles away Gridley 25 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 20 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Chico has 0 days in a row below freezing and 30 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 Chico people have an average (positive or negative) $5000 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
   600 homeless people living in Chico. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general liberal college town focused on environmental issues and youth activism 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 Chico.

Retiree & Senior Life in Chico

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can can access property tax exemptions based on qualifying criteria
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is The Courtyard at Little Chico Creek
• Chico Senior Center offers various programs including social activities exercise classes and meals

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 Chico, California?

If Chico, 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 Chico, California, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!