Not sure if this has been asked before, but I've been here for 4 years and The median home value here is around $455,300, which is pretty steep. Average temperature is around 63--F, so the weather is moderate. With a population of 102K, Chico is a mid-size city. Household incomes average around $67,929 in Chico. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Does this match your experience? There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
20 upvotes
6 Replies
Audrey Castillo
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are better than expected, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
31 upvotes
Delilah R.
hmm interesting perspective
25 upvotes
Jordan Y.
yeah no that's not right
20 upvotes
Bennett Phillips
Can confirm, been here 8 years.
12 upvotes
leo_kid
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 57, moved here 7 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in Springfield and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Property taxes are high
3. The job market situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for remote workers. decent vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Chicago, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $70K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
9 upvotes
austinrider2024
I'm a sales manager and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. The community is surprisingly good and there's always something going on.
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