California Chico
Moving to Chico, California
Chico, California, blends authentic Northern California charm with vibrant university culture and a thriving economy driven by California State University Chico, agriculture, healthcare, and outdoor recreation—all set against lush almond orchards, the scenic Sacramento Valley, and dramatic views of the Sierra Nevada foothills. Welcoming suburban neighborhoods pair with highly rated Chico Unified School District schools and a diverse, family-friendly spirit. Residents enjoy over 50 parks, including expansive Bidwell Park with trails and swimming holes; Lower Bidwell for picnics; and nearby Upper Bidwell for hiking, plus highlights like the Chico Museum, Gateway Science Museum, and historic Bidwell Mansion. Lively downtown offers great dining—from farm-to-table at Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. Taproom to international flavors and cozy spots on Main Street—alongside events such as the Chico Thursday Night Market, Almond Blossom festivals, Farmers Markets, summer concerts, and Fourth of July celebrations, at a cost of living moderately above the national average. With Chico Regional Airport, easy access via Highway 99, Amtrak nearby in Sacramento, and extensive bike paths, Chico delivers genuine community pride, natural beauty, and the perfect balance of relaxed college-town living with outdoor and cultural adventures right outside your door.
Chico, California by the numbers
City population
Median home price
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Discover Chico: Top Attractions and Things to Do
Local Experiences
Local Experiences
Chico, California, blends authentic Northern California charm with vibrant college-town energy and a proud, tight-knit community spirit rooted in its agricultural and university heritage, all just minutes from lush almond orchards, the winding Sacramento River, and dramatic Sierra foothills. Locals live for exploring the vast trails and swimming holes in Bidwell Park, touring unique sites like the historic Bidwell Mansion or Gateway Science Museum, or relaxing in Lower Bidwell Park amid oak groves and creeks. The lively downtown and surrounding neighborhoods keep the social scene buzzing with seasonal markets, arts festivals, and events like the Thursday Night Market and Chico Wildflower Century that bring neighbors together year after year.
Hiking, Biking & Trails
Chico offers an extensive network of parks and trails perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, highlighted by the multi-use paths through massive Bidwell Park (one of the largest municipal parks in the U.S., with paved and dirt trails for hiking and biking along Big Chico Creek), scenic loops in Upper Bidwell for rugged terrain and canyon views, and connections to the broader Butte County trail system. These routes wind through oak woodlands, riparian corridors, volcanic landscapes, and wildlife habitats, linking neighborhoods to picnic spots, playgrounds, and nearby attractions like Chico Creek Nature Center or Lassen Volcanic National Park, connecting to the greater Northern California outdoor network.
Family-Friendly Activities
Families flock to the playgrounds, natural swimming holes like One-Mile and Five-Mile in Bidwell Park, interactive exhibits at the Gateway Science Museum, and guided tours at historic Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park. The Chico Farmers Market brings fresh produce, artisan goods, live music, and food vendors to downtown lots, while the city's lively Thursday Night Market with street performers, crafts, and family fun remains a beloved tradition.
Local Breweries & Dining
Chico’s craft beer scene thrives at iconic Sierra Nevada Brewing Company, with its expansive taproom, tours, house-brewed beers, and lively vibe. For eats, 5th Street Steakhouse serves hearty farm-to-table classics, The Banshee offers bold pub fare, and casual favorites like Sierra Nevada Taproom keep it fun and delicious with wood-fired pizzas and local flavors perfect for family gatherings.
https://www.visitcalifornia.com/places-to-visit/chico/
https://www.chico.ca.us/parks-and-public-spaces
https://www.chico.ca.us/bidwell-park
https://sierranevada.com/visit/taproom/chico
Sports and Recreation
Sports and Recreation
Chico is a haven for active lifestyles and sports fans, fueled by Chico High School’s passionate Panthers athletics program and diverse outdoor pursuits across the vast Bidwell Park, creeks, and nearby Sierra Nevada foothills—all just minutes from downtown and scenic Sacramento Valley landscapes.
While Chico has no major-league teams, pro-level action is accessible nearby: cheer for the San Francisco 49ers (NFL) and Giants (MLB) in the Bay Area (about 2-3 hours away), or Sacramento Kings (NBA) in Sacramento (about 1.5 hours).
Chico High’s Panthers and crosstown Pleasant Valley High’s Vikings deliver electric high school action with proud traditions of competitive play and playoff runs in California’s Northern Section leagues, excelling in football, basketball, soccer, track and field, swimming, volleyball, baseball, softball, and more at local fields and facilities.
The city shines with welcoming facilities and endless recreational playgrounds. The Chico Area Recreation and Park District (CARD) offers programs at community centers, pools, and fields for youth sports and adult leagues in soccer, softball, basketball, and volleyball. Locals flock to the scenic Bidwell Golf Course, Canyon Oaks Country Club, and swimming holes like Bear Hole in Upper Bidwell Park.
Just beyond city limits, massive Bidwell Park provides multi-use trails for hiking and mountain biking, natural swimming spots in Big Chico Creek, fishing areas, disc golf, and wildlife viewing amid oak woodlands and canyons. With abundant sunshine, hot summers, mild winters, and year-round opportunities—from winter trail runs to summer creek floating and fall cycling—Chico inspires an effortlessly active, community-packed lifestyle full of family fun and outdoor adventure.
https://www.chicorec.com/https://www.chico.ca.us/bidwell-park
https://www.chicousd.org/Departments/Athletics
https://www.cifns.org/
Adventures
Adventures
Chico, California, is an outdoor lover’s paradise nestled in the scenic Sacramento Valley, surrounded by vast almond orchards, the winding Big Chico Creek, volcanic lava formations, and dramatic Sierra Nevada foothills. Walk or bike the extensive multi-use trails through one of the nation’s largest municipal parks—Bidwell Park—with easy paths in Lower Bidwell and rugged canyon routes in Upper Bidwell, swim in natural holes like Bear Hole or One-Mile Pool, cast a line for trout or bass in the creek, or head to nearby Lassen Volcanic National Park for geothermal wonders and alpine hiking. Thrill-seekers enjoy challenging mountain biking on Monkey Face or cliff jumping into swimming holes, while families love playgrounds, picnics under ancient oaks, birdwatching along riparian zones, disc golf courses, and wildlife spotting in the park.
History and culture weave through every outing. Step back in time at Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park, the elegant Victorian home of Chico founders John and Annie Bidwell with guided tours showcasing pioneer life, visit the Chico Museum for exhibits on local Maidu Native American heritage and Gold Rush history, or explore the Patrick Ranch Museum with its restored 1870s farmhouse and agricultural displays. Nearby sites add depth with interpretive trails highlighting Native American grinding rocks and early settler stories.
Year-round festivals—from the vibrant Thursday Night Market with street food, crafts, and live music to seasonal Chico Farmers Markets, the spring Almond Blossom Cruise, summer concerts in the park, fall harvest events, and holiday tree lightings—keep the energy high and the community tight. Whether you crave canyon trail adventures through oak woodlands or peaceful stargazing under vast clear valley skies, Chico delivers authentic Northern California adventures for every age and pace.
https://www.chico.ca.us/bidwell-park
https://www.chico.ca.us/bidwell-park
https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=461
https://www.chicomuseum.org/
Seasonal Events
Seasonal Events
Chico embraces year-round celebrations that highlight its Northern California heritage, agricultural bounty, college-town energy, and vibrant community culture.
Spring
As temperatures warm and almond orchards bloom pink, Chico comes alive with markets and outdoor kickoffs. The iconic Thursday Night Market launches in early April on Broadway with farm-fresh produce, crafts, live music, and family activities, fostering fresh seasonal energy.
Summer
Summertime in Chico pulses with markets, music, and patriotic festivities. The Thursday Night Market runs weekly (April-September) downtown with fresh produce, artisan goods, live music, and food vendors, while parks invite swimming holes, picnics, and trail adventures under sunny skies. The spectacular Fourth of July events dazzle with community gatherings, parades, concerts, and fireworks displays.
Fall
With crisp breezes and harvest vibes, Chico celebrates agricultural season. Events like the Harvest Sidewalk Sale in October offer deals, live music, and festive activities downtown, while ongoing markets and community gatherings deliver seasonal bounty.
Winter
Chico’s winter sparkles with festive lights and heartfelt holiday traditions. The Christmas Preview in late November lights up downtown with entertainment, Santa visits, tree lighting, and community cheer nurturing joyful connections amid the mild valley air.
Throughout the year, Chico’s calendar brims with Farmers Markets, Thursday Night Market, summer concerts, harvest events, and neighborhood gatherings that reflect its welcoming, resilient character.
https://www.downtownchico.com/
https://www.visitcalifornia.com/places-to-visit/chico/
https://www.chicorec.com/
https://www.explorebuttecounty.com/events
Community Resources
Chico, California, provides residents with convenient access to a robust network of hospitals, medical centers, and specialty clinics located both within the city and in nearby Butte County, ensuring high-quality healthcare for all ages.
Enloe Medical Center
This 264-bed acute care facility, part of Enloe Health, serves as the primary regional hospital and Level II Trauma Center, offering 24-hour emergency care, advanced cardiac and stroke treatment, cancer care, maternity services, orthopedics, neurosurgery, rehabilitation, diagnostic imaging, and the region's only neonatal intensive care unit, recognized among America's top hospitals by Healthgrades.
https://www.enloe.org/
Orchard Hospital (nearby in Gridley)
A critical access hospital providing essential services including 24-hour emergency care, general surgery, orthopedics, and diagnostic imaging, supporting rural community needs in the greater Chico area.
https://www.orchardhospital.org/
Enloe Health Clinics
A major multi-specialty outpatient network offering primary care for adults and pediatrics, specialty services including cardiology, orthopedics, women's health, and integrated diagnostics, with convenient locations for routine and preventive care.
Urgent Care Options
Chico features convenient urgent care centers including Enloe Prompt Care (multiple locations), Ampla Health Xpress Care, and Action Urgent Care, offering walk-in and same-day services for minor illnesses and injuries.
Regional Clinics and Medical Practices
Chico and surrounding areas include numerous primary care offices and specialty clinics affiliated with Enloe Health and other networks, with access to larger facilities in the North State for advanced care, delivering preventive, diagnostic, routine, and specialized services close to home.
https://www.healthgrades.com/hospital-directory/ca-california/chico
Together, these hospitals and medical facilities ensure Chico residents have reliable access to advanced healthcare, emergency response, pediatric treatment, and long-term wellness services that support the health of the entire community.
Chico, California, is a dynamic family hub renowned for its commitment to education across all stages. From highly rated public schools and diverse private options to world-class higher education and ongoing learning programs, Chico cultivates a comprehensive academic ecosystem that nurtures innovation, growth, and achievement for learners of every age.
Public Schools & Education
Chico is served by the Chico Unified School District, a system covering TK-12 with multiple schools focused on academic excellence, equity, and holistic student growth. Flagship Chico High School delivers rigorous curricula, athletics, and arts in a supportive environment, with strong college readiness through a 40% AP participation rate. Specialized learning tracks, including STEM initiatives, Advanced Placement (AP) courses, dual enrollment, and enriched performing arts and agriculture education, empower students to customize their paths.
https://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/california/districts/chico-unified-school-district/chico-high-school-2812
https://www.chicousd.org/
Private & Alternative Education
Chico families can choose from diverse private and faith-based schools emphasizing tailored instruction and character building. Pleasant Valley Christian School and Champion Christian School serve PK-12 with Christian, values-driven approaches in small classes focused on critical thinking and individualized learning. Other options like Chico Oaks Adventist School foster creativity through hands-on, personalized experiences.
https://www.privateschoolreview.com/california/chico
https://www.championchristianschool.org/
Higher Education Opportunities
Right in town, California State University, Chico (CSU Chico) provides highly regarded undergraduate and graduate degrees in fields like business, engineering, agriculture, education, health sciences, and the arts. Butte College nearby offers associate degrees, workforce training, certifications, and seamless transfer pathways. These institutions form a supportive network for degree pursuits, certifications, and career advancement.
https://www.csuchico.edu/
https://www.butte.edu/
Adult & Lifelong Learning
Chico champions continuous curiosity through Butte College's Continuing Education programs (offering workforce skills, professional development, and enrichment classes), adult basic education for GED/HiSET prep and ESOL, and community workshops. The Chico Branch of the Butte County Library hosts lectures, technology classes, and cultural events that keep lifelong learning vibrant.
https://www.butte.edu/continuinged/
https://www.buttecounty.net/bclibrary/
Whether you're a parent seeking the ideal match, a teen aiming for higher horizons, or an adult craving new expertise, Chico's enriching educational fabric empowers success in every life phase.
Chico, California, operates under a council-manager form of government and is supported by local departments that provide essential services to residents and businesses.
Law Enforcement
Public safety in Chico is provided by the Chico Police Department, which emphasizes community-oriented policing, crime prevention, and responsive emergency services to maintain a safe environment for residents, businesses, and visitors.
https://chico.ca.us/police-department
Fire Protection and Emergency Medical Services
Fire and EMS services are managed by the Chico Fire Department, a professional organization providing reliable fire suppression, rescue operations, and emergency medical care throughout the city.
https://chico.ca.us/fire-department
Weather & Climate
Chico experiences a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. Average temperatures range from approximately 46°F in January to 95°F in July, supporting year-round outdoor recreation, community events, and activities amid abundant sunshine.
https://weatherspark.com/y/325/Average-Weather-in-Chico-California-United-States-Year-Round
Transportation & Mobility
Chico is conveniently located along Highway 99, providing easy access to Sacramento, Redding, and regional hubs. Public transportation is offered through Butte County Association of Governments (BCAG) and Butte Regional Transit (B-Line) with fixed bus routes serving the city and surrounding areas. The city connects to Chico Regional Airport (CIC) with commercial flights to San Francisco and other destinations via limited carriers.
https://www.bcag.org/transit
https://www.chico.ca.us/airport
Utilities & Waste Management
Essential services in Chico include water, wastewater, and stormwater managed by the City Public Works Department, with curbside trash, recycling, and green waste collection provided through Recology Butte Colusa Counties. Electricity and natural gas are provided by Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E). The city promotes sustainability through recycling programs and environmental initiatives.
https://www.chico.ca.us/public-works
https://www.recology.com/recology-butte-colusa-counties/ https://www.pge.com/
Together, these regional services and agencies ensure Chico residents have reliable access to public safety, emergency response, transportation, and essential utilities that support the health and vitality of the entire community.
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This city guide is provided as a service by Atlas Van Lines.