Chico is perhaps best known as home to one of the 23 California State Universities. In addition to that rich source of arts and culture, the town offers a wide array of repertory and community theatres, a local ballet company, art galleries, music venues, and historic sites. The University is right next to Chico's downtown district, bringing youthful energy and a vibrant nightlife nine months of the year. In the summer most students are gone, leaving the town to the local residents. Some favorite outdoor destinations include the broad green swath of Bidwell Park in the heart of the city as well as Lake Oroville to the south, Feather Falls to the southeast, and Lassen Volcanic National Park to the northeast. Residents also enjoy running, bicycling, fishing, and field sports year-round.

Chico's blend of youth culture and agricultural surroundings creates a mellow and friendly place to live and play. The town boasts some unique distinctions, such as an extensive disc golf course and the Yo-Yo Museum. Every Labor Day hundreds of people float in innertubes down the Sacramento River. Chico is even home to a nationally recognized microbrewery.

Housing in Chico is quite affordable compared with most of California. For more information on housing prices, schools, demographics, and local resources, please visit these websites: City of Chico, County of Butte (rhymes with 'cute'), the Chico Chamber of Commerce, City-Data online portal, Wikipedia, Craigslist, the Chico News & Review, and the Chico Enterprise-Record.

Some photos above used with permission from JiminChico.com.