Redding is located in Northern California and is surrounded on three sides by millions of acres of federal and state lands including the California cascades, breathtaking Mt. Shasta, and the pristine Trinity Alps. Redding is situated at the north end of the central valley in Shasta County, just a short two-hour drive north of Sacramento and three hours west to the coast. Once in Redding, a 10-minute drive in any direction will place you directly in what the area is known for...the great outdoors! Redding is a bustling area with a population of 84,600 residents.

Both Money Magazine and Expansion Management Magazine have recognized the Shasta County metro area for its quality business environment. Redding's overall job growth in the last five years was more than double the national average (19.9 percent compared with 8.7 percent). The increase in the number of businesses in the city is almost triple the national average (38.8 percent compared with 13 percent) for the same period. The outdoor lifestyle of the metropolitan Redding area have attracted many highly skilled people from larger urban areas, creating an excellent labor force. Retail trade, government, services, manufacturing, agriculture, transportation, commercial, utilities, construction, wholesale trade, and finance are all major industries in Redding. The median household income is $38,194 per year.

Redding serves as the regional health care hub for Northern California. The city has two major hospitals with state-of-the-art treatment facilities: Shasta Regional Medical Center, which features a nationally recognized heart surgery program, and Mercy Medical Center, Redding's designated trauma center. There are also 15 convalescent hospitals, a specialty hospital, a private hospital, a large veteran's outpatient clinic, three retirement communities, 32 assisted living facilities and five nursing homes.

The climate in the Redding area is Mediterranean, with hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. Redding is the second sunniest city in the nation with 88% days of sunshine per year. Average high temperatures during July and August frequently exceed 90 degrees but drop to the low 50's in winter. Annual rainfall averages 33 inches, most of which falls between November and March.

The fantastic climate allows residents to enjoy the beauty of the natural environment all year round. California's largest river, the Sacramento, runs right through the heart of Redding, creating a lush corridor through the middle of an urban area and making Redding the ideal base camp to northern California adventure. Favorite attractions include the Shasta Dam which is the second largest and highest concrete structure in the United States, 602 feet high, and 3,460 feet long. A spectacular view of "The Three Shastas" (Shasta Dam, Shasta Lake and Mt. Shasta) is a major draw. Shasta Lake draws more people to Redding each year than any other attraction. Shasta Lake is the largest manmade lake in California, with over 365 miles of shoreline. The average water temperature is 77, perfect for any water sport. Shasta Lake is noted for being the houseboat capital of the west. Majestic mountains and soaring evergreens are the backdrop to the lake. Shasta Lake's numerous arms and inlets make it a paradise for explorers and boaters alike.

Redding's best kept secret is Whiskeytown National Recreation Area. It is located approximately 20 minutes west of Redding on Highway 299 West, and offers a lake with 36 miles of shoreline, sandy beaches, swimming, boating, and marinas. Numerous marked trails attract hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders. A memorial to President John F. Kennedy, commemorating his dedication of the dam in 1963, can be found on the south shore.

One of the newest attractions in town is the Redding Big League Dreams Sports Complex. This family friendly facility is a wonderland for sports participants. Key elements of this unique project that opened its doors during the summer of 2004 include: three softball fields constructed to replicate the historic major-league stadiums of Boston's Fenway Park, Chicago's Wrigley Field and New York's Yankee Stadium; one non-replica combination softball and hardball field; a nine-station batting cage; an indoor 20,000 square foot multi-sport field house -- designed to accommodate inline hockey, indoor soccer, basketball, volleyball, and corporate and special events; four sand volleyball courts; and the Stadium Club, a family-style sports restaurant with spectacular views of on-going games at the replica stadiums.

The city boasts two large swimming pool/water parks and many golf courses and city parks with walking trails. The recently completed Sundial Bridge with its unique construction crosses the Sacramento River. The restoration of the historic Cascade Theater and the new city hall are part of an ongoing revitalization of the downtown area. A new county library building is also underway. The community is home to the North State Symphony, and has a very active theater and entertainment schedule. Many visitors come to the annual "Kool April Nights" vintage car show or the popular jazz festival.

Housing in Redding is extremely affordable compared to most of California. The median price of single-family homes is $270,000. Prices can range from $200,000 to over $1,000,000. Executive-type luxury homes range from $200,000 to $400,000. Mobile homes on their own land, as well as in mobile parks, are also readily available. Many homes enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

Shasta County's educational system includes outstanding public and private schools, quality early childhood education, high schools scoring above average in STAR (Standardized Testing and Reporting) and SAT exams. Schools range from small sites of less than 100 students in grade school to large high schools serving over 1,000 students. There are over 30 private schools, such as the very fine Bishop Quinn High School and St. Francis Middle School, which offer excellent educational programs. For higher education, choices include Shasta Bible College, Shasta College, Simpson College, and National University.

With its natural beauty, abundance of recreational opportunities, and excellent quality of life, Redding successfully combines the ambiance of a small town with the amenities of a large city. The outdoor lifestyle, affordable housing and remarkably low crime rates attract many people from the larger urban areas, creating both a diversified culture and a growing center of commerce and industry. Redding is a fine place to live, work, retire, or raise a family! If you are considering moving to the area, or would like more information, please feel free to request a "free relocation package" today!