Chico rated #3 in mid-sized downtowns, article (Sacramento, Riverside: crime rates, house, neighborhood)

[Tantalust]

Bumped into this article:

"By and large, California is a state of mid-sized cities, and some of the most delightful urban places are the smaller downtowns. Often in older cities, these districts are manageable, pleasant and, very often these days, in the midst of a strong renaissance. "

"That’s why we at California Planning & Development Report are expanding our “best and worst downtowns” compilation beyond only the largest cities."

How they rated:
1. Pasadena
2. Santa Barbara
3. Chico
4. Berkeley
5. Santa Rosa

Honorable Mentions:
-Visalia
-San Mateo
-Ventura
-Riverside
-Santa Monica

Full Article:
California's Best And Worst Mid-Sized City Downtowns | California Planning & Development Report

I've stayed in Chico, I love the friendly downtown atmosphere.

[MotleyCrew]

I miss Chico and I agree with the article. It is a fantastic town to work, go to school, and play in.

[mhall35]

I am moving back to Chico can you give any advise?

[Charlie_Stephens]

Hi there,

I have lived in Chico my entire 29 yrs except for a year of consulting after graduating from CSUC. MOD CUT

Also take a look at this map and click on "Cool Places In Chico" to see some slideshows of the park and other favorite places of mine.

http://www.chicorealestate.net/monopolymap.aspx (broken link)


Hope this helps.

[volleyballer]

Love, love, love Chico. It certainly deserves to be at the top.

[gypsy77]

Yay, I'm so glad to hear these good things about Chico. I am thinking of relocation there from the Roseville (a suburb of Sacramento) area. I've been researching the Chico area for a long time now, the schools, daycaer centers, jobs, cost of living, etc.. But it's not the same as hearing real people talk about what it was like living there. That is usually more accurate than just reading the statistics on the internet. Thanks for all the info. Let me know if anyone has any more input on Chico or surrounding towns. My husband and I are in our early 30's, have an 18 yr old daughter, and want to move somewhere that would be good for the whole family. We love college towns because they always have good restaurants, fun things to do, etc.. And I'm sure there are quiet areas where we could live that are a little ways from the actual college. That is what we'll be looking for.

[Tantalust]

I'm also thinking of moving there, but I have to admit the crime rates are disappointing. Here's the Enterprise-Record's website:

Chico Enterprise Record - Public Safety (http://www.chicoer.com/publicsafety - broken link)

There were huge problems last summer, AIUI,
mostly caused by the meth morons, I suppose.
It seems to be a problem everywhere out there.

[gypsy77]

The meth problem seems to be a rapidly growing problem in a lot of nice areas. It's too bad. They need to find a way to clean that up, everywhere. I saw a nice neighborhood of Palm Springs turn ghetto in just a few short years. The good people seem to see it start happening, and they quickly move out, leaving behind the problem to grow and spread, one house at a time. I wish there was a way to stop that, but I don't see how.

[BabyWearer]

I loved growing up in Chico. Lots of great memories. Sadly my parents moved to Redding to take care of my grandma so there will be no more trips to my hometown anytime soon though they did good money on selling their house.