Chico, a city known for its charming college town atmosphere and scenic beauty, offers a variety of neighborhoods that are perfect for renters who prefer to navigate on foot. From the lively South Campus to the serene California Park, each neighborhood has its unique charm. Rentals are also fairly affordable, with the average one-bedroom apartment costing $1,250.
In this ApartmentGuide article, we will take you on a virtual tour of the most walkable neighborhoods in Chico. So, get ready to discover the pedestrian-friendly corners of this enchanting city.
All data sourced March 2024.
1. South Campus
Walk Score: 92
South Campus is the most walkable neighborhood in Chico, with a Walk Score of 92. Known for its close proximity to California State University-Chico, residents and visitors alike can explore the area and take advantage of its walkable layout. Notable attractions include the Chico State Wildcat Store and the Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park.
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2. California State University-Chico
Walk Score: 84
California State University-Chico has a Walk Score of 84, making it the second most walkable neighborhood in Chico. There’s a lot to love about the area, from the bustling campus life to the lively student community. While you’re walking around the neighborhood, check out the Chico State University Farm.
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3. Southwest Chico
Walk Score: 66
Southwest Chico is the third most walkable neighborhood in the city. There are numerous walkable areas and attractions throughout Southwest Chico, like the Chico Marketplace and theTerrain Park Climbing Center. And if you’re in the mood for an adventure, you’re not far from Bidwell Park.
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4. The Avenues
Walk Score: 65
The Avenues has plenty of amenities a resident might need within walking distance. From the Chico Certified Farmers Market to the Chico Art Center, you’re sure to find something to love. A notable amenity is the Chico Museum, which is a great spot for locals and visitors alike.
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5. Connors
Walk Score: 62
As the fifth most walkable neighborhood in the city, Connors is known for its residential charm. Consider exploring the Chico Creek Nature Center or grabbing a bite to eat at Sin of Cortez with friends. There are plenty of other amenities in this welcoming community as well, like Bowlero Chico and the Town&Country Center.
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6. Aspen Glen
Walk Score: 51
Aspen Glen has a Walk Score of 51, making it the sixth most walkable neighborhood in Chico. Known for its peaceful environment, residents and visitors can choose from walkable amenities such as DeGarmo Park and the Chico Creek Nature Center. While you’re out, check out the Chico Air Museum.
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7. California Park
Walk Score: 13
California Park is the seventh most walkable neighborhood in Chico. This serene community has quite a few hotspots for residents to visit on foot, including the California Park Lake and the Lakeside Pavilion. The Chico Community Observatory isn’t far by car, either. However, with a Walk Score of just 13, cars are required for most errands.
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8. Doe Mill
Walk Score: 10
Doe Mill has a Walk Score of 10, making it the eighth most walkable neighborhood in the city. There’s a lot to love about the area, from grabbing a bite to eat at Rione Italian to taking a walk along the Comanche Trail. With a Walk Score of 10, the neighborhood is car-dependent and may be inconvenient for pedestrians.
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9. Little Chico Creek Estates
Walk Score: 4
The ninth most walkable neighborhood in Chico is Little Chico Creek Estates. Pedestrians can enjoy the variety of restaurants, cafes, and shops, like Live Life Juice, Daycamp Coffee, and The Barn at Meriam Park. It’s also fairly easy to walk over to Baronia Park for a fun day out. Unfortunately, this neighborhood has a Walk Score of just 4, meaning it’s almost entirely car-dependent.
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10. Canyon Oaks
Walk Score: 1
Canyon Oaks is the tenth most walkable neighborhood in the city. Local attractions here include the Canyon Oaks Country Club and the Bidwell Park Golf Course, providing residents a spot to get together and enjoy their community. Canyon Oaks has a Walk Score of 1, though, so you will need a car to get around this neighborhood.
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Check out more walkable cities in California.
Methodology: Walk Score, a Redfin company, helps people find walkable, bikeable, and transit-friendly places to live, rating areas on a scale from 0-100. To calculate a Walk Score for a given point, Walk Score analyzes thousands of walking routes to nearby amenities, population density, and metrics such as block length and intersection density. Points are awarded based on the distance to amenities in each category.