Amenities
An abundance of amenities, including restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores and fitness facilities, are conveniently situated within walking distance of the area.
Commute
High commute scores indicates that public transit should be easily accessible in this area and the average commute time to work is less than average.
Health & Safety
A high score in the health and safety category is a result of good air quality and the accessibility to health facilities such as hospitals, clinics, doctors, pharmacies and fire stations.
Cost Of Living
Based on the most recent cost of living data, this area is more expensive to live in. You can expect to pay more for everyday goods and services, housing, groceries and utilities.
Crime
This area is reporting high crime rates per 100,000 people and could signify that it is a dangerous place to live. Crime rates include both violent and property crimes.
Ratings
AreaVibes conducted surveys and polls with locals who live in the area. The results were not favorable for walkability of amenities, parks, public transit and the overall sense of community in the area.
Chico is a moderately-sized city located in the state of California. The city has a population of 98,683 people. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (79% White). Given that fact, Chico could be considered less diverse than other cities. If you are a young adult or student, you might be pleased to know that the average age of all Chico residents is 30. In Chico, only 40% of people over the age of fifteen are married. This city could be a good option for singles ready to mingle. If you're not a fan of traffic congestion and long commute times to work, Chico is the place to be. Commutes to work here are shorter, with an average one-way commute time taking only 17 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
Are you trying to ascertain if living in Chico is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a positive experience before relocating to any new city in California, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. To help you find the best places to live in and around Chico, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like crime, commute, health & safety, employment and more.
Chico has a livability score of 76/100 and is ranked #113 in California and #2,732 in the USA. Clearly, Chico is doing something right, as this score ranks well above the average of most cities. Chico also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities, which is no small feat! If we dig down a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Chico has higher than average rankings for the following: education (A+). There is at least one category that did not score well in Chico. The following was graded with a concerning score: crime (D) and cost of living (F).
If you're considering living in Chico, it comes with numerous advantages, particularly in the form of an extensive selection of local amenities. These amenities play a pivotal role in elevating the quality of life within this vibrant community. From easily accessible grocery stores, to conveniently located fitness facilities, a diverse range of dining establishments and a multitude of shopping options, Chico provides a comprehensive array of resources for its residents. This ensures the effortless fulfillment of your daily needs and creates ample opportunities for relaxation and recreation. The convenience of these local offerings greatly contributes to the overall appeal of the area, making it an enticing destination for those in search of convenience, diversity, and a gratifying lifestyle. If you're contemplating a move, the abundance of local amenities could very well be a defining characteristic of this area. Here are some of the more popular things to do in Chico: Sierra Nevada Brewing Company, Bidwell Mansion, and Silverdollar Speedway.
Chico real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Chico. The median home price for Chico homes is $349,300, which is 14.7% lower than the California average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Chico, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 6.1, which is 4.7% lower than the California average.
| Statistic | Chico | California | National |
| Average one way commute | 17min | 28min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 73.8% | 73.5% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 8.9% | 10.6% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 1.0% | 5.2% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 3.9% | 1.1% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 4.1% | 2.7% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 6.6% | 5.4% | 4.6% |
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