Paradise, CA sits on a ridge about 10 miles east of Chico at 1,778 feet. Most homes there are newly rebuilt after the November 2018 Camp Fire. Median closed single-family sales were about $433,500 with a median year built of 2025 in the data on this site, and insurance is the biggest thing to line up before you buy.
Where is Paradise and how far is it from Chico?
Paradise is an incorporated town (1979) in the Sierra Nevada foothills, on a ridge between the Feather River and Butte Creek. It is about 15 miles from central Chico via Skyway, typically 20 to 25 minutes outside peak traffic, and the drive involves no freeway.
How far along is the rebuild?
The November 2018 Camp Fire killed 85 people and destroyed 18,804 buildings, including about 90% of the homes in Paradise. Population fell from 26,218 in 2010 to 4,764 in 2020 and was estimated at 10,023 in 2025. The Town of Paradise reported, as of June 3, 2025, 3,301 single-family permits issued and 2,830 certificates of occupancy issued, and officials said in November 2025 that roughly 40% of pre-fire housing had been restored. Rebuilds follow higher fire-resistant standards.
What do homes cost in Paradise?
From CRMLS Matrix closed single-family sales: median price about $433,500, median 23 days on market, about $284.47 per square foot, median year built 2025 (140 closed sales). Chico's median was about $494,500 in the same comparison. Figures move monthly, so ask me for current sales.
What about insurance?
Paradise has a high fire hazard designation. Many private insurers have limited new policies, and many owners carry a California FAIR Plan policy, sometimes paired with a Difference in Conditions policy. One documented example showed a premium rising from $2,800 to $9,550 after the area's wildfire history was repriced. That is illustrative, not an average. Get a written quote before you remove contingencies.
What are the parks and schools like?
The Paradise Memorial Trail is a paved path for walking and biking along a former railroad route. A greenbelt project is developing a managed fire buffer of parkland. The Paradise Unified School District serves the town, with several charter and private schools as well. Verify school boundaries by address. Note that Feather River Hospital has permanently closed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Paradise from Chico?
About 15 miles via Skyway, roughly 20 to 25 minutes depending on traffic.
Are homes in Paradise new?
Most were rebuilt after the 2018 Camp Fire. The median year built in recent closed sales was 2025.
Is insurance hard to get in Paradise?
It is harder than in town. The area is a high fire hazard zone and many owners use the California FAIR Plan.
What is the population of Paradise?
4,764 at the 2020 census and an estimated 10,023 in 2025.
Prices and days on market are CRMLS Matrix medians and change monthly. Want current Paradise 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.
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