Off-Campus Housing

The "north campus" student neighborhood is typically described as the area beginning at the West Sacramento Avenue edge of campus and bordered by North Cedar Street to the west and The Esplanade to the east. A greater concentration of student housing is found in the area bordered by North Cedar Street to the west and Warner Street to the east, including West Sacramento Avenue, Rancheria Drive, West First Avenue, West Second Avenue, and West Fourth Avenue. This area includes single-family homes and smaller apartment communities.

For many years, the north campus neighborhoods were not within Chico city limits, so infrastructure such as sidewalks and lighting was not developed to the same degree as in other campus-area neighborhoods. Over time, some areas have seen updates. This area is very close to campus, but with less commercial and entertainment activity, it is typically quieter and has a lower concentration of students than the south campus neighborhood. Additional student-focused housing is found along North Cedar Street, and some of the larger, newer properties are located closer to Third and Fourth avenues.

Fun Fact
Chico's street naming can be a little confusing because numbered streets are generally found south of campus, while numbered avenues are north of campus. For example, West Fourth Street is south of campus, while West Fourth Avenue is considered north campus. So, when ordering a pizza, make sure you specify whether you live on Fourth Street or Fourth Avenue, or you may be faced with a cold dinner!

The "east side" neighborhood is a lesser-known but unique and popular place to live. Established between 1900 and 1930, the area includes many historically restored homes. The east side is home to young professionals and students looking for a quieter place to live. It is close to downtown, the Saturday Farmers' Market, Chico State, shopping, restaurants, and Bidwell Park. From this neighborhood, it is easy to walk or bike to many of the places that make up downtown Chico.

The "south campus" neighborhood is generally viewed as the area south of West Second Street between the downtown commercial zone (Broadway and Main streets) and the Union Pacific railroad tracks. This area is known for its 19th-century historic homes, fraternity and sorority houses, highly concentrated student housing, including both homes and smaller apartments, and a small but vibrant commercial area at the corner of Fifth and Ivy streets.

Given the historic nature of many of the area's homes, proximity to downtown, location of Greek life housing, and social activity around the Fifth and Ivy streets commercial district, this neighborhood typically has slightly higher rental rates and a high concentration of college-aged residents.

Ease of Access and Parking
Many streets within south campus have sidewalks, although older tree roots have caused uneven surfaces in some areas.

Biking routes are limited in this neighborhood, and cyclists, pedestrians, and vehicles all share the area, so use caution when traveling through the neighborhood.

Street parking is very limited in residential areas, and parking meters are found on many streets beginning at Fifth Street and continuing toward campus. Maximum time limits on these meters can range from 36 minutes to 10 hours, with longer limits typically found farther from campus. Parking meters operate Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–6 p.m., and are patrolled regularly. The University and City both have off-street parking lots, but these lots are typically impacted by pre-sold permits. Students can check parking permit availability through Student Financial Services.

Fun Fact
Chico's street naming can be a little confusing because numbered streets are generally found south of campus, while numbered avenues are north of campus. For example, West Fourth Street is south of campus, while West Fourth Avenue is considered north campus. So, when ordering a pizza, make sure you specify whether you live on Fourth Street or Fourth Avenue, or you may be faced with a cold dinner!

About West Campus
Nord Avenue and its extension as Walnut Street form a natural "west campus" boundary for several neighborhoods west of the Union Pacific railroad tracks that have long been popular with college-aged renters. Rental prices are generally closer to north campus rates, and many businesses and services are located along Nord Avenue. Nord Avenue becomes Walnut Street, and vice versa, at West Sacramento Avenue.

What You Will Find on the West Side of Campus
Larger apartment communities are common in this neighborhood, and many offer amenities such as swimming pools, recreation rooms, computer centers, and abundant on-site parking. You are likely to find two-, three-, and four-bedroom apartments in this area, which extends from roughly one mile west of campus to Dayton Road on the south end. Many locations west of Nord Avenue and Walnut Street offer spacious and convenient off-campus living options.

Bike and pedestrian trails provide convenient access from the west campus neighborhood to the campus core. While this area may not offer the same concentration of entertainment as downtown Chico, grocery stores, fast-food restaurants, and local eateries are nearby, and much of Chico is within a relatively short bike ride or walk.