This CA City Is The Best Bang For Your Buck In The Golden State

CHICO, CA — Californians hoping to find the best bang for their buck without leaving the Golden State need look no further than Chico, according to a recent ranking from Advance America.

The financial services website surveyed 3,021 real estate professionals, asking which U.S. cities strike a perfect balance between affordability and quality of life.

Nationally, the top-ranked cities were Ocala and Pensacola, both in Florida, at No. 1 and No. 2, respectively, followed by Greer, South Carolina, at No. 3, according to a news release from Advance America.

Chico was the highest-ranked California city on the list, at No. 40.

“Whether you’re into bikes, books, or brunch, Chico keeps things lively, leafy, and surprisingly affordable,” the news release said, noting the city’s arts scene and 3,600-acre Bidwell Park.

The median home price in Chico is around $465,000 and the cost of living is 5 percent below what’s typical for California, according to Advance America.

Other Golden State cities in the ranking include Redding — “an outdoor haven with modern comforts” — at No. 70 with a median home price of about $390,000 and Clovis — known for its good schools and safe streets — at No. 109 with median homes priced just under $517,000, the news release said.