Shasta County
Redding
Northern California's Gateway to Adventure
About Redding
Discover Redding
Redding is the vibrant hub of Northern California's Shasta County, offering the perfect blend of urban convenience and outdoor paradise. As the region's largest city, Redding provides comprehensive shopping, dining, healthcare, and cultural amenities while sitting at the doorstep of some of the most spectacular natural landscapes in the American West. Named one of America's top outdoor cities by multiple publications, Redding is where cosmopolitan living meets wilderness adventure.
Founded in 1872 as a railroad town named after B.B. Redding, a Central Pacific Railroad land agent, the city grew through mining, lumber, and the construction of Shasta Dam in the 1930s-40s. Today, Redding has evolved into a thriving regional center with a diversified economy spanning healthcare, education, retail, and tourism, while maintaining its identity as a gateway to Northern California's wilderness.
Education
Schools & Education
Redding offers a comprehensive educational system from pre-K through university. Multiple school districts provide diverse learning environments, while Shasta College and Simpson University offer higher education right in town. Charter schools and private options add even more choice for families.
Shasta Union High School District
9-12 · Public
Multiple comprehensive high schools
Community
Community Resources
As the largest city in the region, Redding is the civic, cultural, and commercial hub for Northern California. Residents enjoy a full spectrum of community resources including multiple libraries, government offices, a vibrant chamber of commerce, museums, and a thriving downtown.
Shasta Public Libraries - Redding Branch
Main branch offering extensive book collections, digital resources, makerspace, meeting rooms, genealogy, and youth programs
Shasta County Government Center
Full county government offices including assessor, clerk-recorder, elections, planning, and board of supervisors
City of Redding
City government services including planning, utilities, parks, public works, and community development
Redding Chamber of Commerce
Business support, networking events, economic development, and community advocacy for the Greater Redding area
Redding Convention & Visitors Bureau
Visitor information, tourism promotion, event listings, and recreation guides for the Redding area
Turtle Bay Exploration Park
Museum and educational center with natural history exhibits, botanical gardens, and the iconic Sundial Bridge
Family & Community Life
Redding offers the rare combination of small-city friendliness with big-city conveniences. Spend your morning on the Sacramento River Trail, grab lunch at a local café, and be hiking in the mountains by afternoon. It's urban living on nature's terms.
Family-Friendly Features
- Excellent school options from multiple districts
- Family-friendly parks, splash pads, and recreation centers
- Youth sports leagues and after-school programs
- Major retail and entertainment options
- Safe, established neighborhoods with diverse housing options
- Strong community events calendar year-round
Community Highlights
- Redding Rodeo (annual)
- Kool April Nites (classic car show)
- Sundial Bridge Events
- Shasta District Fair
- Downtown Redding Farmers Market
Climate
Hot, sunny summers (averaging 100°F in July) and mild, rainy winters. The second sunniest city in America with 88% sunshine. Ideal for year-round outdoor activities with over 300 sunny days per year.
Healthcare
Healthcare & Amenities
Redding serves as the healthcare hub for all of Northern California. Two major hospitals, a VA clinic, and dozens of specialty providers ensure world-class medical care is available locally, from emergency services to advanced surgical procedures.
Mercy Medical Center Redding
Major regional hospital and Level II Trauma Center with 283 beds
Shasta Regional Medical Center
Full-service hospital with 226 beds, emergency care, and specialty services
Redding VA Outpatient Clinic
Comprehensive VA healthcare including primary care, mental health, and specialty services
Numerous specialty clinics and medical offices
Extensive network of specialty providers across all medical fields
Surgery centers and rehabilitation facilities
Outpatient surgery centers and rehabilitation services throughout Redding
Things To Do
Recreation & Attractions
Redding has been named an "Outdoor Paradise" by NPR, the US Capital of Kayaking by TIME Magazine, and one of Forbes' Top 10 Trout-Fishing Towns. With world-class lakes, rivers, trails, and mountain access, there's no shortage of adventure.
Sundial Bridge & Turtle Bay
Santiago Calatrava's iconic bridge leads to the Turtle Bay Exploration Park with museums, gardens, and nature trails
Shasta Lake
California's largest reservoir with 365 miles of shoreline, houseboating, fishing, and water sports
Whiskeytown National Recreation Area
Crystal-clear lake surrounded by waterfalls, hiking trails, and Gold Rush history
Sacramento River Trail
Over 200 miles of interconnected trails for biking, running, and walking through the city
Lake Shasta Caverns
Spectacular limestone caves accessible by boat and bus tour on the shores of Shasta Lake
Mt. Shasta & Lassen Peak
Two of California's most majestic volcanic peaks within easy day-trip distance
Your Future Home
Why Live in Redding?
Full urban amenities including shopping, dining, entertainment, and healthcare in a mountain setting
The iconic Sundial Bridge and Turtle Bay Exploration Park
200+ miles of hiking and biking trails within city limits
Second sunniest city in the United States with 88% sunshine
Proximity to Shasta Lake, Mt. Shasta, Lassen Volcanic National Park, and Whiskeytown Lake
Growing economy with strong job market in healthcare, education, and services
Explore the Region
Nearby Attractions
Ready to Call Redding Home?
Browse available properties in Shasta County or contact our local team to start your journey.
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