Living in Redding, CA
Explore Things To Do, Cost of Living, Top Restaurants and More

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Thinking of moving to Redding, CA? You’ve come to the right place! You will find all the details about living here, from insight into the quality of life and cost of living to details about industry and job opportunities to lists of fun things to do.

Why You’ll Love Living in Redding, CA

Redding, CA, is a Northern California gem with dreamy landscapes for outdoor lovers. Nature enthusiasts living in Redding can explore everything from kayaking and fly-fishing on scenic rivers and lakes to cycling hundreds of trails that traverse not only the city but also the mountains. We’re talking waterfall hikes, wild terrain with bubbling mud pits in Lassen Volcanic National Park and moonlit kayak tours at Whiskeytown Lake. Plus, the stunning views of Mt. Shasta never get old.

Redding is also a safe and sustainable city with a tight-knit community of 92,697 and plenty of different neighborhoods to choose from. With its wealth of sunshine (it’s the sunniest city in California!), mild weather and excellent school systems, it’s no wonder people from all around the country are interested in settling in this charming and welcoming community. What’s more? The city is part of Shasta County, and thanks to the area’s reasonable cost of living, residents in this region can purchase homes for 48% less than the California average. 

The city is versatile, too, as the arts and culture scene fuses with nature at the Turtle Bay Exploration Park. The famous Sundial Bridge is an architectural marvel that connects sections of the 300-acre park. (The working sundial is one of the largest in the world!). Commute times are short, but locals can also take the scenic route. More than 225 miles of trails crisscross the 15-mile radius of downtown, justifying its nickname as the “Trails Capital of California.” Another great appeal of life in Redding is the healthy, vibrant and diverse job market with many quality employers. And despite its bustling economy, the city has managed to maintain that beloved sense of small-town charm with a long list of festivals, gatherings and community activities. Considered a jewel of Northern California, it’s undeniably one of the best places to put down roots for young professionals, families and retirees.

Top Reasons to Move to Redding

• With more than 300 days of sunshine every year, Redding is a great place for people who love the outdoors.
• Redding is affordable, with housing and overall cost of living significantly lower than the California average.
• Redding’s economy is stable and growing, anchored by health care providers and a diversifying job market.
• People who live in Redding benefit from a tight-knit community.

Redding is a charming city in Northern California, approximately 160 miles north of Sacramento, easily accessible via Interstate 5 and State Route 273. Redding Municipal Airport is just 9 miles from downtown, offering convenient flights via United Express and Alaska Airlines. Ready to head out? Here’s how close you are to some major nearby cities:

• Sacramento sits 160 miles south, home to the state capital’s historic sites, the Sacramento Zoo and the Crocker Art Museum.
• San Francisco is 250 miles south, boasting the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz and the vibrant neighborhoods of the City by the Bay.
• Portland, OR, is roughly 300 miles north, where you can enjoy the Rose City’s arts scene, craft breweries and Powell’s City of Books.

Thanks to its Mediterranean climate, the area enjoys hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. Known for its clear skies and abundant sunshine, the city features long, warm seasons and relatively low humidity, though winter months bring the majority of the region’s annual rainfall.

Retail trade, manufacturing, and government and public administration are among the largest industries in Redding. The city is also a regional health care hub; some of the largest employers are Dignity Health/Common Spirit and Mercy Medical Center Redding. The region is known as a launchpad for entrepreneurs looking to start a business or young professionals ready to start their careers.

The cost of living in Redding is above the national average. The median home value in Redding is $366,551, and the average household income is $74,691.

California has a state income tax. Redding residents can expect a combined sales tax rate in 7.25% in 2026.

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Rev up for lots of fun in Redding. The city mixes art with adventure and community spirit, packing a major punch. The Redding Cultural District is packed with more than 70 public art sites and galleries, including those at Old City Hall and Turtle Bay Exploration Park. The Cascade Theatre and Civic Auditorium host lively performances. The community comes together through events like First Fridays and annual festivals such as Kool April Nites and the Freedom Festival. Historical sites like Shasta State Park, a preserved Gold Rush town, and Lake Shasta Caverns appeal to history buffs. Beyond the arts, the city offers leisurely pursuits from indie bookstores like Shop Around the Corner Books to live music and food trucks at The Park. Community engagement thrives via programs like Healthy Shasta and exploring downtown murals via Redding Bikeshare. For some family-friendly fun, Turtle Bay Museum and Fantasy Fountain provide fun for all ages.

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Redding is a sun-soaked adventure spot. Natural wonders like Whiskeytown National Recreation Area and Castle Crags State Park offer hiking and biking thrills, while the Sundial Bridge and Sacramento River Trail provide more scenic routes. Parks like Caldwell and Lema Ranch offer spaces for picnics, walks and relaxation.Nearly 60 parks and 40 miles of trails cater to both casual and avid adventurers. The McConnell Arboretum & Botanical Gardens and Turtle Bay Exploration Park offer leisurely escapes, while McCloud Falls and Whiskeytown Lake beckon for water adventures. With its extensive network of trails, including those at Mule Ridge and Swasey Recreation Center, and its proximity to natural wonders like Lassen Volcanic National Park, the city truly lives up to its reputation as a “basecamp for adventure.”

Residents are satisfied with the city’s evolving culinary scene, a fusion of American classics and international tastes. Upscale dining at View 202 offers modern American cuisine, and Raw is a popular sushi spot. Classic steakhouses like Jack’s Grill and contemporary American restaurants like C.R. Gibbs American Grille cater to more traditional tastes. Food truck hubs pump up the vibe with live music and delicious food.

The culinary scene also embraces craft beverages and beers flowing from Woody’s Brewing Co. and Final Draft Brewing Co. International flavors are well-represented, with options ranging from Thai and Japanese to Chinese cuisine. Health-conscious diners find eats at spots like Wilda’s Grill and Roots Juice Bar. Top things off with a sweet treat from Taste & See Ice Creamery.

Residents can enjoy quality schools in their community. The city is a “school of choice” county, meaning families can choose any school that suits their children’s needs, regardless of where they live. The area is served by the Shasta Union High School District, which includes several well-regarded high schools, and the Shasta County Office of Education oversees the elementary and middle schools. Residents can also choose from a variety of private and charter schools.

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