I'm a 55-year-old real estate agent and Household incomes average around $67,929 in Chico. With a population of 102K, Chico is a mid-size city. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Is this normal for Chico? TIA!
12 upvotes
5 Replies
Sophia Murphy
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Greenfield for 9 years. Moved from Houston for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. finance is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is average - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Greenfield schools are decent. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Rising rent and home prices. Nightlife is limited. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 5/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
34 upvotes
Nova Phillips
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a accountant who relocated here from Salt Lake City about 12 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Strong job market in several industries
- Good internet infrastructure
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Summers can be brutally hot
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are stable, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Definitely worth checking out..
32 upvotes
Mackenzie Ruiz
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from New York about 2 years ago. The main reasons were weather and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Strong job market in several industries
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Limited high-paying job options
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are wild, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Happy to answer more specific questions..
24 upvotes
Jack C.
Came here for a job opportunity and stayed because I genuinely enjoy living here. The weather is honestly solid and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
20 upvotes
Jayden Jones
Came here for work and stayed because it's not perfect but it works for me. The public transit is honestly better than expected and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
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