With a population of just over 100,000 people, Chico is a city that feels like a small town. It’s hard not to notice how friendly and welcoming everyone is. It’s the kind of place where the locals might tell you that once you are here, you belong.
And when you’ve chosen Chico as your home, there are so many opportunities to engage with the community. From small gestures like buying local at Chico businesses to bigger steps like volunteering, it’s easy to become enmeshed in the rich fabric of this beautiful city.
If you want to see community spirit in action, join other locals at one of the parades, concerts, festivals or other happenings in Chico. Downtown is a true gathering place in which locals gravitate to for regular events. Want to check out some of the dozens of offerings? Head over to the DCBA and Meriam Park calendars to find out what’s on monthly. They post their signature events along with other local, entertainment, and CSU events online on the website.
Folks around here like to note that Chico is a city smack in the middle of an agriculture zone, and this pride extends to the support that is shown to local farmers. Every week downtown hosts the Saturday Chico Farmers Market which is a year-round market rich with produce grown in the area. It has vendors selling bread, flowers, meat, cheese, honey, olive oil, and other handcrafts.
One of the greatest things about Chico is that there is a wealth of groups and organizations to join. Dedicated professionals gravitate towards the Chico Rotary Club to join hands in community service and friendship. Soroptimist International of Chico unites women interested in helping other women. Or work with the Boys and Girls Clubs of North Valley at the three locations in Chico that support youth. There’s even a Newcomer’s Club of Chico that is dedicated to helping new arrivals in the city.
If you’d like to learn or play while you meet new people, then head over to the Chico Area Recreation and Parks site. They point you to beautiful parks and recreational activities in the area. Plus, they have wonderful programs and activities for all ages and levels. You can try everything from team sports to trips and tours. There’s a diverse offering of classes like dance, art, sewing, and even self-defense. And many local children benefit from their engaging After School Programs.
