Chico nicknames are: “City of Trees” • “City of Roses”. Chico’s downtown is a thriving area for unique, independent retail shops and restaurants. Farmers markets attract crowds on Saturday mornings and Thursday evenings.
City Plaza hosts free concerts regularly during the summer. Performance venues large and small, bars, coffee shops, bookstores, and city offices contribute to a lively and flavorful experience.
Chico is the cultural, economic, and educational center of the northern Sacramento Valley and home to both California State University, Chico and Bidwell Park, the country’s 26th largest municipal park and the 13th largest municipally-owned park.
Much of the local economy is driven by the presence of Chico State. Industries providing employment: educational, health and social services (30.3%), retail trade (14.9%), arts, entertainment, recreation, accommodation, and food services.
Chico has always been a regional retail shopping destination. Chico’s largest retail district is focused around the Chico Mall on East 20th Street. Target, Kohl’s, Forever 21, Best Buy, and Walmart have a large presence in Chico.