What's Chico Like?

[bigdave01]

I would recomend Oakland, but also look into the Eureka/Arcata area.

It is a fairly small town, but has an arts seen and is right on the coast with cheap cost of living.

[ArtinUS]

Originally Posted by bigdave01

I would recomend Oakland, but also look into the Eureka/Arcata area.

It is a fairly small town, but has an arts seen and is right on the coast with cheap cost of living.

Thanks! I will have to go take a look.

[mateo45]

Originally Posted by ArtinUS

My husband and I live in NYC. I'm 27, White, a writer who was born and raised in NYC and never lived anywhere else. My husband is African American, a painter and graphic designer, originally from Miami, Fl.

We are tired of NYC including the people, the expense, the dirtiness. It's not the NYC I grew up in, when life was actually affordable and fun. Now it's all commerciallized. But we thrive on the diversity, the fact that we can walk around, the parks, and the art community.

Maybe I'm looking for a paradise that doesn't exist, but would Chico be a good place for us to move to?

We want:
- Outdoor recreation and a reasonable drive to the coast
- An art community (not arts & crafts)
- Diversity (which is hard to find anywhere!) But at least an acceptance of it since we are a mixed race couple.
- Young People. I'm 27 and my husband is 29.
- Reasonable real estate. Rent a 2 bedroom house for $1,000. Buy a single family home or cottage for $250,000.

I've never lived outside of NYC and I'm afraid of moving and feeling isolated.

Thanks a million for any of your thoughts!

Chico and the surrounding area has alot to offer, and is pretty affordable, especially by California standards. But wages are generally low, jobs are scarce, and Butte County is one of the poorest in the state. Also, it can seem a bit "rednecky" and conservative, but overall folks are basically "live and let live".

Although candidly, blacks are few and far between there, and the next nearest major metropolitan area is Sacramento, aprox. 90 miles away (which might be a better fit initially). So you might feel kinda isolated in a small town like Chico, especially if you don't know anybody and you've never lived outside NYC.

Sounds like maybe you need to do a little "reconnaisance trip" out here!

[agteacher1]

Originally Posted by mateo45

Chico and the surrounding area has alot to offer, and is pretty affordable, especially by California standards. But wages are generally low, jobs are scarce, and Butte County is one of the poorest in the state. Also, it can seem a bit "rednecky" and conservative, but overall folks are basically "live and let live".

Although candidly, blacks are few and far between there, and the next nearest major metropolitan area is Sacramento, aprox. 90 miles away (which might be a better fit initially). So you might feel kinda isolated in a small town like Chico, especially if you don't know anybody and you've never lived outside NYC.

Sounds like maybe you need to do a little "reconnaisance trip" out here!

I really wanted to post to promote Chico for a place for you to take a look at. It is fairly rural if you are from the city, but it is diverse because of the college culture. The review by Mateo45 is pretty accurate and I agree with the need to visit. I have gone to college in Chico and SLO. They are similar towns with cheaper living in Chico. Chico is also less pretentious and less SoCal. SLO is beautiful, but not affordable. The weather there is great year-round. The weather in Chico is hot in the summer, but not as cold as NYC in the winter and rarely snow. The almond bloom in the spring is spectacular. Definitely come take a look. There is a 5 hour drive between towns so it is a doable trip in a day. Fly into Chico and then rent a car, drive to SLO. Then while you are here fly out of someplace cheaper down south. SLO is considered Central California. Chico is Northern California.

Good Luck in your search!

[GSXRScott]

Originally Posted by kate.bell

there's a nice fountain park downtown where they have concerts in the park, etc. with all kinds of music and ppl attending them. And a pretty good Farmers Market.

Sounds a bit like Eugene minus the rain. Damned I miss the west coast.

[mysticaltyger]

Originally Posted by ArtinUS

Thanks CA! SLO looks great! I like it's fairly reasonable proximity to both LA and SF. Now I'm growing inpatient for our trip to scope the place out. Any reccommendations for what we should try to see in order to get a feel for the lifestlye there? We'll probably make a trip in January.

Best wishes!

Just a comment on SLO. It is half way between LA and SF, but not close to either. Both places are probably a 3 hour drive, assuming good traffic.

[NYMTman]

Agreed with SLO! Check out Pismo and Shell Beaches (nearby) too - and Arroyo Grande, which is a very cool little town, and more affordable than SLO. Nipomo too, but you'll be more isolated in Nipomo.

The central coast of California truly is one of the world's most beautiful places

[hydro]

I think Chico fits your description. I felt a strong sense of community there.