$463,663Average Value$227Average Price per Sq Ft4Homes For Sale
A remote community commutable from Chico
Forest Ranch is a rural community in the Sierra Nevada foothills north of Chico. Homes here are often set deep into the woods, giving the residential streets a remote feel. Easy highway access, however, keeps Forest Ranch from feeling isolated; Downtown Chico is just a short drive away, so the neighborhood is great for buyers who like mountain views but want to stay within a 30-minute drive of city amenities.
Forest Ranch is a community in the foothills above Chico.
Many homes in Forest Ranch have their own private roads.
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Mountain views and the Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve
“People come here for the views of the forest and the mountains,” says Kelli Lewis, real estate agent with NextHome North Valley Realty. “People like to spend time in nature.” The neighborhood is built on the foothills of the Sierra Nevadas, and Big Chico Creek winds through the neighborhood. Residents enjoy hiking along the creek bank or on the private trails found in the neighborhood. Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve sits at the southernmost edge of the neighborhood. At almost 8,000 acres, the reserve is home to a wide variety of California wildlife that visitors can observe on hikes from a safe distance. Visitors may also hunt and fish in the reserve depending on permitting and season.
Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve is an area in Forest Ranch for nature research.
If you enjoy nature, Forest Ranch might be the perfect place for you.
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Ranch houses on large lots
Houses sit at the ends of long driveways, far from the road and hidden behind dense tree cover. Properties are built on larger parcels of land than can be found in Chico, which attract buyers. “It’s for people who are looking for a little bit more of a rural location,” says Kiersten Morgan, Realtor with Crane Realty. “People want more space, as the lots are larger.” Most houses in the neighborhood are ranch-style homes built in the late 20th century, ranging in price from $300,000 to $745,000, depending on the size of the home and the size of its lot. Buyers will also find a handful of manufactured homes selling between $100,000 and $300,000, depending on the property's size, condition and location.
You can have your own space in the hills in Forest Ranch.
Ranch style homes are most common in the Forest Ranch area.
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Local charter school and Chico Unified School District
Forest Ranch Charter School, graded B-plus by Niche, operates in the neighborhood and teaches kindergarten through eighth grade. Chico Unified School District also serves the neighborhood. Kids can start at Little Chico Creek Elementary School, graded B-plus by Niche, before moving on to Harry M. Marsh Junior High School, graded A-minus. They can finish high school at Chico High School, which earned an A from Niche and has been designated a California Distinguished School and a National Blue Ribbon of Excellence School.
Chico High School is a California Distinguished School.
There are 107 students at Forest Ranch Charter School.
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Deer Creek Highway runs through neighborhood
State Route 32, called the Deer Creek Highway locally, runs north to south in the middle of Forest Ranch. This state highway serves as the main thoroughfare through the neighborhood and connects Forest Ranch with Chico, located 15 miles south of the neighborhood's center. However, during the winter months, snowfall can cause road closures and leave residents snowed in.
Fire risk in Forest Ranch
“It’s an unincorporated area, but it has its own dedicated fire station and a volunteer fire department,” says Morgan. These features are essential to the safety of community members, as the neighborhood is at an increased risk of fire damage. Fire insurance is essential, although as wildfires become more common in the area, insurance rates have increased.
If you live in the Forest Ranch area, You have a constant reminder of whet is possible.
Forest Ranch isn't very far from the city but it seems like it is.
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Shopping and dining in nearby Chico
Residents must head to nearby Chico for shopping and dining. Deer Creek Highway leads into the city’s center and has become one of the main restaurant and retail corridors. Shoppers will find mainstays like WinCo Foods and Safeway just off the highway. Downtown, also accessible by the highway, is the largest dining district.
Woodstock's Pizza is the perfect place to eat lunch and catch up with family and friends.
Forest Ranchers have access to Chico for shopping and dining.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Maya Noble,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Forest Ranch
US
Homicide
1
4
Sexual Assault
1
4
Assault with Weapon
1
4
Robbery
1
4
Burglary
1
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
1
4
Larceny
1
4
Crime Score
1
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Forest Ranch, Chico sell after 82 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Forest Ranch, Chico over the last 12 months is $454,234, up 15% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
What a charmer! Here is your opportunity to own a unique home in the serene Forest Ranch! The owners added a full home on to the existing home on the lot, essentially making this 2 homes in one, while still using the same meter. Sitting at over 3,000 square feet on 5.11 acres of treed land and featuring a redwood deck that wraps almost around the entire cedar exterior, this home is classic
Brittany LooperCentury 21 Select Real Estate, Inc.
Nestled on a serene .58-acre lot, this charming 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home offers a peaceful retreat in Forest Ranch. Spanning 1,280 sq. ft. plus an additional 500 feet in the permitted garage conversion, the property boasts a beautifully wooded front and backyard, providing a natural setting that perfectly complements the home's inviting atmosphere.Inside, you'll find fresh updates, including
Outstanding, panoramic views of Big Chico Creek Canyon and the valley await you on this 0.8 acre property, conveniently located on a paved street near “downtown” Forest Ranch and less than a 15-minute drive from Chico along scenic Hwy 32! Previous home was destroyed in the Park Fire (July 2024). All utilities were in place at time of the fire and most of the neighborhood survived. Property
Looking for partially developed VIEW property to building your dream home or to enjoy as-is when you want to escape to the foothills? This nicely developed 8.2 acre property with shared well, power, septic, finished shop building (approx. 600 sf with power), storage shed, garden area, garden shed, and more is just what you have been looking for! Your retreat in the foothills is an easy (approx.
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Maya Noble,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
887
Median Age
49
Population Density
1 person/acre
Population under 18
19.5%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
30.6%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$149,999
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$164,702
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
77.8%
Below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
30.7%
Advanced Degrees
14.1%
% Population in Labor Force
83.8%
Above the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
56''
Average Winter Low Temperature
40°F
Average Summer High Temperature
91°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
0/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
