Home / Blog

Living in Chico

Magalia, CA Area Guide: The Ridge Above Paradise

By Kannon Christiansen · Published October 31, 2026 · Updated October 31, 2026

Magalia, CA is an unincorporated community on the ridge above Paradise at about 2,333 feet, with 7,795 residents at the 2020 census. In the CRMLS data on this site, its median closed single-family price was about $287,000, the lowest of Chico, Paradise and Magalia, and the commute to Chico runs about 25 to 30 minutes.

What is Magalia, CA?

Magalia is a census-designated place in Butte County, ZIP 95954, covering about 14 square miles. It was formerly called Mountain View, Butte Mills and Dogtown, and a 54-pound gold nugget, the Dogtown Nugget, was found nearby in 1859. Population was 11,310 in 2010 and 7,795 in 2020, a drop of about 31% after the Camp Fire.

How far is Magalia from Chico?

About 19 miles via Skyway, roughly 25 to 30 minutes depending on traffic. It sits about 4 miles past Paradise, with no highway on the route, so time of day and seasonal road conditions matter.

What do homes cost in Magalia?

From CRMLS Matrix closed single-family sales: median price about $287,000, median 31 days on market, about $182.77 per square foot, median year built 1991 (55 closed sales). Lot sizes tend to be more rural. Figures move monthly, so ask me for current sales.

What about insurance and rebuilding?

Magalia has the same high fire hazard designation as Paradise, and reliance on the California FAIR Plan is common. Because Magalia is unincorporated, permits go through Butte County rather than a town building department, and its rebuild pace has generally trailed Paradise's. Get a written insurance quote before you remove contingencies.

What about schools and recreation?

Nearly all of Magalia is in the Paradise Unified School District, with small portions in Chico Unified. Verify boundaries by address. Paradise Lake, near Magalia, has a 7-mile out-and-back trail that is wide, well maintained and stroller-friendly, with a day-use picnic area, a small playground and a $3 parking fee. Dogs are not allowed there, and bikes are.

Frequently Asked Questions

What ZIP code is Magalia?

95954.

How far is Magalia from Chico?

About 19 miles via Skyway, roughly 25 to 30 minutes.

Can I bring my dog to Paradise Lake?

No. Dogs are not allowed at Paradise Lake.

Which school district covers Magalia?

Nearly all of it is Paradise Unified, with small portions in Chico Unified.

Prices and days on market are CRMLS Matrix medians and change monthly. Want current Magalia sales? Call or text me at 707-672-6549 and I will send recent closed sales from CRMLS. Happy to help. Descriptions are general information about the area, not a statement about who lives there, and school boundaries should be verified.

Sources:

Next step

Thinking about a move to Chico?

Ask me anything about living here. I'll send a personal answer, plus a short list of neighborhoods to explore.

Prefer to talk? Call or text 707-672-6549