Our Community
The Paradise Ridge—A remarkable community of indomitable pioneers.
Paradise
The town appropriately named Paradise grew from overland stage stops with picturesque names like Toadtown, Dogtown and Whiskey Flat. The first inhabitants of the Paradise Ridge were Maidu tribes who made Butte County their home from about 1500 B.C. Today’s Concow-Maidu tribe are their descendants. After gold was discovered in 1848, prospectors headed to Paradise staking claims along the Ridge’s sparkling rivers and streams that carve their way through our stunning canyons. Incorporated in 1979, the Town of Paradise is governed by a Town Council and offers many services, including a police force and dedicated building support center.
Paradise continues to offer a warm welcome to visitors and newcomers who delight in the beauty and adventures that await them in our beautiful mountain home. Paradise is served by restaurants, pharmacies, medical services, public, private and charter schools and stunningly beautiful parks.
On November 8, 2018, Paradise, Magalia and neighboring communities were devastated by the most destructive wildfire in California history. Contrary to reports, Paradise was never completely lost, with 40% of its business infrastructure largely unaffected, and 60% of Magalia homes intact. As we evolve and rebuild, we invite you to explore opportunities and adventure in our remarkable community of indomitable pioneers.
Magalia
The slogan "just a bit above Paradise" welcomes visitors to Magalia, just across the dam from Paradise. Most traffic into Magalia comes from the south, and a trip via "Old Skyway" will take travelers by the Sawmill Peak lookout and the quaint Magalia Community Church, the Ridge's oldest building and house of worship.
Magalia is served by two elementary schools, several restaurants, groceries, healthcare and a pharmacy. Hiking trails abound, and the South Pines Disc Golf Course and Paradise Lake also offer outdoor recreation. Many of Magalia's homes are located within the Paradise Pines Property Owners Association, which offers amenities including a seasonal swimming pool, classes, and weekly happy hour events. Unincorporated Magalia is served by a Butte County Sheriff's substation and a fire station.
Magalia offers slightly cooler temperatures than Paradise, and its residents are more likely to see snow most winters.
Stirling City
16 miles above Paradise is the historic town of Stirling City, population 300, built in 1903 to house mill workers and loggers of the Diamond Match Company. Many of the original buildings still stand. The Stirling City Museum tells the full story.
A must see is Stirling's crown jewel, Merlo Park. Take a relaxing stroll around the ponds and through the trees and statuary. Located on Retson Road at the south end of town, the Park opens Mother's Day. Call (530) 873-1658 to confirm opening times.
After your Stirling City visit, continue north out of town on Skyway for a beautiful drive over the top of the mountain to Butte Meadows and the High Lakes, only another 16 miles. (This route is not recommended in winter due to snow.)
After the Camp Fire, Paradise and Magalia have been steadily building brand new homes for the community. The median price of a home in Paradise is $494.9K, compared to the overall median house price in California, which is $790.5K. Find local realtors at this link and see why the Ridge is the place to buy a home!
If you want to build your own home, learn more through the Rebuild Paradise Foundation and Building Resiliency Center.
Looking for rentals? Check out our member apartments and mobile home parks.
The Paradise Ridge is a community that supports and values its variety of exceptional school choices. In addition to the excellent programs and facilities of the Paradise Unified School District, charter and private schools offer alternative options. The Ridge is also fortunate in its proximity to higher education with access to both the multi-campus Butte College and California State University, Chico. Elementary and junior high school students are welcomed by Boys and Girls Clubs of the North Valley in after-school programs providing safe, fun and engaging activities five days a week for three or more hours per day.
Visit our schools directory here.
Local employment resources are here.
Major employers on the Ridge:
Adventist Health Feather River is located in Paradise and offers primary and specialty care services, including women's care, dental care and behavioral health along with medical imaging and lab services. The rapid care clinic is open 7 days a week with experts ready to help.
Visit our business directory for more information about medical and dental services on the Ridge.
Area hospitals are Enloe Health in Chico and Oroville Hospital in Oroville.
The Paradise Ridge is home to miles and miles of unspoiled and undiscovered recreational opportunities, including hiking, biking, riding, fishing, hunting, kayaking, disc golf, swimming, picnicking, and more. The Paradise Recreation and Park District (PRPD) offers a diverse selection of park facilities and programs, classes and special events for residents and visitors. Check out our member gyms for more fitness opportunities.
The Yellowstone Kelley Heritage Trail, a former railroad bed, runs through the center of Paradise and offers a glimpse of our pioneer past through commemorative plaques.
Paradise has long been home to antique and specialty shops, operated with pride and expertise by local mom 'n pops. No trip to Paradise is complete without a stop in to our very own Chocolate Factory - Joy Lyn's Candies - making delicious confections in their sweet pink shop since 1969.
Paradise, Magalia and Stirling City host many events throughout the year, in addition to Paradise's signature Gold Nugget Days, Chocolate Fest, Party in the Park and Johnny Appleseed Days. Visit our online events calendar or sign up to receive invitations.
Butte County is a region rich in recreational pursuits. Visit Explore Butte County to discover historical sights, aquatic adventures, wineries and breweries, and more.
The art spirit has never been stronger, with the Ridge offering a haven for both creative-types and the outlets and venues for expression. Home to Theatre on the Ridge, the longest running community theatre in the north state, the 770-seat Paradise Performing Arts Center, Paradise Art Center, Gold Nugget Museum, Northern California Ballet, Norton Buffalo Hall Foundation, Paradise Symphony Orchestra, Mechoopda Tribal Council, and Paradise Library.
A walk along the Skyway in Paradise provides a view of beautiful murals dedicated to the resilient sprit of the Ridge.
Paradise Arts Alliance (PAA) was formed by leading arts and culture organizations as a new and separate 501(c)(3) nonprofit to help raise the profile of our burgeoning arts-engaged community as the Ridge grows. PAA supports communication, education, economic development, appreciation and collaboration in the arts community. This means added capacity for marketing, grant-seeking, events scheduling, potential for civic advisement on public art, and closer coordination on projects that bring mutual and community benefit.
The Paradise Ridge is home to several churches and a lively list of clubs and organizations.