Chico : California

What Chico is like for active adults

Chico, California represents a more affordable California retirement community for active adults who are looking for an active outdoor lifestyle. Located in the Sacramento River Valley, the city is the cultural, economic, and educational center of the northern Sacramento Valley. There are more than a dozen parks and greenways. Fishing, skiing, biking, and hiking are abundantly available in the nearby Sierra Nevada Mountains. Live oak and ash trees provide shade in the hot summers. About 70,000 people live in Chico, which is in Butte County.

California State University, Chico makes this town especially popular with active adults 50+. The university not only provides a lively environment and youthful presence, but it also encourages retirees to attend classes and take part in the university’s cultural offerings.

There are many new developments on the edge of town where active adults would be happy. In some cases these have rental apartments or condominiums. There are several large new urbanist neighborhoods, either planned or under construction, including Doe Mill, Barber Yard, Meriam Park, and Westside Place. Within town there are older neighborhoods where adults can live in a mixed generation environment. Mansion Park is the old high-end neighborhood.

Prices are relatively modest compared to much of California. According to Zillow the median home price in mid 2009 had declined to about $229,600.

Find out more about what it is like to retire in California.

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What is special about this retirement community

• Bidwell Park is one of the largest parks in the U.S. • Weekly farmers’ markets • Sierra Nevada brewery • California State University, Chico • Sierra Nevada mountains

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What is not special about this retirement community

It is a drive to nearest big city. Hot in summer

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What kinds of people like retiring here

Chico attracts a community of who enjoy living in a small college town near the mountains.

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Local economy is driven by

Education, medical services, brewing (Sierra Nevada), agriculture, and financial services are the principal drivers of the economy

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Climate and Physical Environment

Chico is on flat ground which gives way to the foothills of the Sierra Nevada just outside of town. Summers are hot and dry; most rainfall comes in winter.

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Cultural environment

California State University, Chico provides much of the cultural opportunities. There are many musical venues such as the North State Symphony, Several theatres, 4 museums, and numerous galleries. There are a number of public sculpture and mural art expositions provided by the City of Chico Public Art Portfolio.

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Medical facilities

The Enloe Medical Center is here, 3 other hospitals are within 30 miles.

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Transportation

Chico Municipal Airport is the major airport, where United Express operates. Amtrak operates the Coast Starlight service. The B-Line (Butte Regional Transit) serves the Chico Urban area with eight routes. Chico is considered very bike-friendly.

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Facts about CHICO

State: CA
Environment: College Town,
City Population: 50,001-100,000
Median age of Population: 25-44
Avg Jan Temperature: 41-60
Median HH Income: 20,001-40,000
Average Home Price (MLS): $300,001-$500,000
Annual Property Tax on a $200,000 house: 2000-4000
Total Crime Index: 101-110 (slightly above average)
Cost of Living Index: 101-110 (slightly above average)
Culture Index: 101-110 (slightly above average)
State Sales Tax: Yes
State Income Tax: Yes
Name of the Guide: boomer1

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