Dreaming of that California sunshine but worried about the cost? Redding might just be the answer you've been looking for! I'm Faith Barrett, and together with The Barrett Team, we're here to give you the inside scoop on what it's really like to live in Redding, CA. We'll cover everything from the cost of living and schools to the economy, healthcare, politics, and even crime rates.
Redding offers a more affordable California lifestyle, but it's super important to weigh all the pros and cons before making a move. So, let's dive in and see if Redding is the right fit for you!
Is Redding Really That Affordable? Let's Talk Numbers.
Real Estate: What Can You Expect to Pay?
As a realtor, I see the housing numbers every single month. As of April 2024, the year-to-date median sales price in Redding was around $360,000. How does that compare to the rest of California? According to bestplaces.net, the average California home costs about $733,000. That means Redding is about 49.3% less expensive than the California average!
Want to see what's currently on the market? Don't hesitate to contact The Barrett Team and we will help!
Renting: What Are Your Options?
Maybe you're not quite ready to buy. That's totally okay! The average rent price in Redding is roughly $1,600 a month. To find available rentals, check out these resources:
- Trulia
- Zillow
- Apartments.com
- Facebook groups (search for "Redding Rentals")
The Job Market: What's the Economy Like in Redding?
Income and Jobs
The average household median income in Redding is around $70,000. The unemployment rate is about 5.6%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What Kind of Jobs Are Available?
Redding is a bit more rural, so some of the higher-paying jobs are in healthcare, architecture, engineering, and as first responders or chief executives.
Redding's Political Side: What to Expect
Leaning Conservative
I want to be clear: I'm just sharing facts here, not taking sides. Redding has a strong sense of community and a slower pace of life compared to bigger cities. Looking at voter registration, the county leans conservative. In the last presidential election, Shasta County was 65% Republican and 32.3% Democratic.
Healthcare: What Are Your Options in Redding?
Hospitals and Specialties
Before real estate, I was a registered nurse at Mercy Medical Center after graduating from Simpson University with my bachelor's degree. So, I know a little something about healthcare in Redding. We have two major hospitals: Shasta Regional and Mercy Medical Center. Each one offers different services and specialties.
Potential Challenges
Keep in mind that wait times to see certain specialists can be long because there might only be one or two providers for a particular service. Also, for complex pediatric healthcare needs, children are often referred to larger universities down south due to limited resources.
Crime and Safety: What's the Real Story?
Addressing the Concerns
I've lived here my whole life. Like any place, there are areas with fewer crime reports and areas with more activity. I won't sugarcoat it: crime rates might seem higher in articles, and there are areas with more homeless foot traffic.
Feeling Safe in Redding
But honestly, I feel safe here. The city is working on solutions to address homelessness and make things better. If you decide to move here, The Barrett Team can help you understand the different areas and what they're like.
Education: Schools and Opportunities in Redding
Finding the Right Fit for Your Family
If you have kids, education is probably a top priority. I was actually homeschooled my entire life. And no, I didn't live under a rock! Our area has great options for charter schools and networks to connect with other homeschooling families.
Top-Rated Schools
Right now, the top-rated school is EP, a public charter school on the west side for grades 6-12. The highest-rated elementary school is Grant School, also public, serving K-8, and it's also on the west side.
Higher Education
For college, we have Shasta College, a large community college, and Simpson University, a Christian university. They're both located near each other on the east side of Redding.
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it! A look at what it's like to live in Redding, CA. From the cost of living to schools and healthcare, I hope this has been helpful. If you want to learn more about living in Redding, be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel!
The Barrett Team is here to help you find not just a house, but a community where you can thrive. Contact us by phone at (530) 339-1788 or (530) 945-0113, or send us an email at [email protected].
Ready to Make the Move?
What do you think? Does Redding sound like a place you'd like to call home? Share your thoughts and questions in the comments below! And if you're ready to start your search, contact The Barrett Team for personalized help with your move to Redding.
