Chico/Paradise vs. Sacramento (Davis, Yuba City: renting, buying a home, buying)

[vilji1]

Since I've narrowed down my choices to those areas, was hoping I could get a feel from different feedback, opinions, etc. on what life is like in either place.
If I lived in Sacramento, I don't want to live right in the city, but renting a small place somewhere quiet and less hectic. A low cost of living area, but not a lot of drugs and crime. lol

Every town I've been to has a different feel or vibe. I'm not sure if the Chico/Paradise area would be too dull for me. I'm in my 30's, single, so was wondering if it's mostly college kids in one town, and 60+ in Paradise?

Some of that was answered in another thread, but the more opinions and feedback, the better.

thanks everyone

[KC6ZLV]

The real difference is big city vs small city. If you need to go shopping in the middle of the night in Butte County your options aren't going to be much more than WinCo in Chico. If you need an odd part for an appliance or your car chance are you will have it in your hands today if you are in Sacramento. In Chico your options are to drive to Sacramento and pick up the part if you want it immediately, or special order it from Sears and wait for it to arrive.

[vilji1]

thanks, KC6. I get it. I'm from Atlanta, but have enjoyed living in much smaller towns where one has to order almost everything off the internet, or drive far to get something, so that doesn't bother me.

I like the slower pace of small towns, but would prefer to be near other 30-something singles.

[StandingLenticular]

Hi! I think you would fit well in Chico. My wife and I just moved here (lower 30s) and we're loving it. It's nice not having to fight traffic on a freeway. The area is gorgeous, nice people, a lot of opportunities to meet people, a cool local music scene, and good options for buying a home (we just bought one in Paradise).

[Hwy phantom]

Originally Posted by vilji1

thanks, KC6. I get it. I'm from Atlanta, but have enjoyed living in much smaller towns where one has to order almost everything off the internet, or drive far to get something, so that doesn't bother me.

I like the slower pace of small towns, but would prefer to be near other 30-something singles.

I'm not so sure you're gonna find many people in that demographic. Chico is a combination of teen/early 20's kids and people that are married and raising families.

[vilji1]

thanks both for your input. I'm looking at all my options. Since I can't visit Ca. towns first, it's not easy.

I might consider towns in between Sac and Chico, too.

[NewToCA]

Originally Posted by vilji1

thanks both for your input. I'm looking at all my options. Since I can't visit Ca. towns first, it's not easy.

I might consider towns in between Sac and Chico, too.

I kind of doubt if Yuba City or Marysville will meet your requirements. I'd say Chico or Sacramento seem like your legitimate options.

[Hwy phantom]

Originally Posted by vilji1

Since I've narrowed down my choices to those areas, was hoping I could get a feel from different feedback, opinions, etc. on what life is like in either place.
If I lived in Sacramento, I don't want to live right in the city, but renting a small place somewhere quiet and less hectic. A low cost of living area, but not a lot of drugs and crime. lol

Every town I've been to has a different feel or vibe. I'm not sure if the Chico/Paradise area would be too dull for me. I'm in my 30's, single, so was wondering if it's mostly college kids in one town, and 60+ in Paradise?

Some of that was answered in another thread, but the more opinions and feedback, the better.

thanks everyone

Have you considered Davis? It's a small college town like Chico but closer to Sacramento.

[Curmudgeon]

Having lived in Sacramento for 18 years, made many business trips to Chico and with family we visited fairly often in Paradise, my inclination would be the Chico/Paradise area. But I we're in our 60s (that dreaded age group, unless you're in it). I think it has it all over Sacramento for scenery and safety.

However, if night life is a prime motivator, you can trade some scenery and a lot of safety and tranquility and opt for Sacramento and environs.

[Dport7674]

I'm 35 and love the Chico area.