About Chico CA
Quick Facts:
Population: 79,091 (incorporated); 103,625 (including unincorporated areas)
Size: 30.52 square miles
Year Founded: 1860 by General John Bidwell
Located in the heart of the north State, Chico’s proud culture, location and economy have made it home to one of Northern California’s most unique cities. Though a self-determining small-town feel remains, Chico has become the premier location for business, culture and recreation in the north state. In addition, Chico is home to one of California’s most distinguished state universities – commonly known as Chico State.
Resting 90 miles north of Sacramento, Chico is home to over 80,000 residents. To the west and south of the city you’ll find mainly fields, plains and agricultural crops, and to the north and east, the foothills of the Sierra Nevada.
Chico locals have taken pride in their surrounding wilderness, preserving a large portion of it for Bidwell Park. As the Park winds like a miniature Grand Canyon into the foothills, it becomes one of the largest city parks in the country. Though surrounding areas are spectacular, Chico inner city boasts a diverse population of trees; thus, earning its nickname, The City of Trees.
Known to be a college town, Chico’s rich culture has become a hotspot for many events: live performances frequent both indoor and outdoor stages; in the summer, Thursday night market transforms downtown into a carnival like atmosphere; the Chico Outlaws, a minor-league baseball team, entertains many of the hot summer nights; and the nightlife keeps the streets alive well into the morning.
With a strong sense of community and culture, Chico’s businesses – from restaurants to bicycle cabs – have come to support and thrive on the active people that are proud to call Chico their home.
