Chico

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Chico, CA

Area Guide

Northern California town provides natural tranquility and bustling amenities.

Nature Quaint Artistic Green Space

Welcome to Chico, a charming college town nestled in California's Sacramento Valley. Home to California State University, Chico, this tree-lined city combines natural beauty with local culture. Bidwell Park, one of the nation's largest municipal parks, stretches across the city, offering miles of hiking trails and natural swimming areas. The historic downtown features local shops and restaurants, while the weekly farmers market showcases regional produce. The city's neighborhoods include preserved Victorian-era homes near campus and contemporary residential communities throughout the area. Current rental trends show moderate increases, with one-bedroom apartments averaging $1,201, representing a 2.5% year-over-year increase, while two-bedroom units average $1,411.

Officially nicknamed the "City of Trees" and "City of Roses," Chico features several museums, art galleries, and theaters. The city is also home to Sierra Nevada Brewing Company, which operates a popular taproom and restaurant. The surrounding agricultural landscape includes almond and walnut orchards that create spectacular spring blooms. Chico's commitment to alternative transportation has earned recognition as a gold-level bicycle-friendly city from the League of American Bicyclists, with bike paths connecting neighborhoods throughout town. The Mediterranean climate brings mild winters and warm summers, making outdoor activities possible throughout the year in this Northern California community.

Rent Trends

As of December 2025, the average apartment rent in Chico, CA is $920 for a studio, $1,229 for one bedroom, $1,441 for two bedrooms, and $1,706 for three bedrooms. Apartment rent in Chico has increased by 2.1% in the past year.

Property Type
Average Rent
Average Sq Ft
Apartment
$1,229/month
622 Sq Ft
House
$2,566/month
1,002 Sq Ft
Townhome
$1,889/month
908 Sq Ft
See Rental Market Trends in Chico, CA

Transportation

61

Somewhat Walkable

out of 100 WalkScore® Rating

You might be able to get out and walk when living in this area. Some errands can be accomplished on foot, but for others you’ll need a car.

73

Very Bikeable

out of 100 BikeScore® Rating

This area is very bikeable. You’ll find a variety of bike paths and lanes.

Schools

Parkview Elementary

Public

Grades K-5

406 Students

Marigold Elementary

Public

Grades K-5

568 Students

Emma Wilson Elementary

Public

Grades K-5

565 Students

Sierra View Elementary

Public

Grades K-5

456 Students

Citrus Avenue Elementary

Public

Grades K-5

341 Students

Marsh (Harry M.) Junior High

Public

Grades 6-8

732 Students

Bidwell Junior High

Public

Grades 6-8

990 Students

Chico Junior High

Public

Grades 6-8

928 Students

Butte County Community School - Lead

Public

Grades K-12

39 Students

Loma Vista School

Public

Grades K-12

12 Students

Chico High

Public

Grades 9-12

1,905 Students

Pleasant Valley High

Public

Grades 9-12

1,840 Students

Butte County Community School - Lead

Public

Grades K-12

39 Students

Loma Vista School

Public

Grades K-12

12 Students

Points of Interest

Parks and Recreation

  • Chico Creek Nature Center
  • Gateway Science Museum
  • Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park
  • Bidwell Park
  • Bidwell-Sacramento River State Park

Commuter Rail

Military Bases

Top Apartments in Chico

Houses for Rent in Chico

Property Management Companies in Chico, CA

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Methodology

† Our analysis of utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, home prices, and other goods and services is sourced from the Cost of Living Index, a respected benchmark published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) that provides a thorough overview of living expenses across different regions.

Rent data is provided by CoStar Group’s Market Trend reports. As the industry leader in commercial real estate information, analytics, and news, CoStar conducts extensive research to produce and maintain a comprehensive database of commercial real estate information. We combine this data with public record to provide the most up-to-date rental information available.

Consumer goods, services, and home prices are sourced from the Cost of Living Index published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER). The data on this page is updated quarterly. It was last published in November 2025.