Paradise is a small city in the Sierra Nevada foothills east of Chico, heavily damaged by the 2018 Camp Fire and still in the process of rebuilding. Chico State students occasionally live here for lower rents, accepting the 20-mile commute down the ridge to campus. The community has a strong recovery spirit and new housing development since the fire. Rents are lower than Chico proper, which is the primary draw for students considering it.
The most rebuilt corridor — newer housing stock and the main road connecting Paradise to Chico. Practical for students who drive.
The commercial and service center of Paradise, with the most apartment inventory.
Here's what you need to know about getting around Paradise.
Butte Regional Transit buses connect Paradise to Chico, but service is limited and the commute by bus takes over an hour. Most students drive the ridge road.
Paradise is a foothill town — terrain is hilly and not designed for commute biking. A car is required for most practical needs.
Abundant. Standard small-town availability.
Common questions from students searching for housing.
Paradise runs $600-$900/mo per person — cheaper than Chico, reflecting the recovery situation and distance from campus. New construction since the fire tends toward higher price points.