About Shasta County

If you're looking for a haven from the hustle and bustle of the big city, Shasta County is waiting for you. Easily one of the most picturesque counties in all of California, Shasta County attracts people from larger urban areas with its natural beauty, reasonable housing, low crime rates and friendly communities. Shasta County offers all of the amenities of the big city while retaining a comfortable small town atmosphere. Forget about the stressful commute to work each day. Ten minute commutes can be a reality in Shasta County!

The County of Shasta is a major employer and emphasizes pride in public service. The County workforce is spread amongst twenty-five departments and includes dedicated, talented individuals committed to serving in fields ranging from law enforcement, to public health, to road engineering and maintenance, and on to virtually any other area where local government is called upon to serve the public.

Redding, the county seat, is the center of health, government, and commerce for Northern California. There are two major hospitals, and several opportunities for higher education. Shasta Community College, Simpson University (a 4 year private university), National University, and the California State University Extension Program are all available in Redding. California State University at Chico is located only 70 miles south of Redding. The city also boasts numerous restaurants and a variety of shopping areas.

The Redding area has hosted numerous cultural events, many on an annual basis, such as the Shasta Jazz Festival, Blues by the River, the Shasta District Fair, Kool April Nites, the Annual Lighted Christmas Parade, and the Northwoods Renaissance Festival and Jousting Tournament. Our Redding Convention Center has welcomed a Broadway Series and many shows by top-name performers, and Shasta Speedway in Anderson. Shasta County also features several outstanding galleries and museums, such as Turtle Bay Museums and Arboretum by the River, the Old City Hall Gallery, and the Cottage Gallery operated by the North Valley Art League. Many different on-going programs for children and teens are also offered, hosted by the city departments and community organizations.

Redding receives 88% more sunny days than any other metropolitan city in the nation, outshone only by Yuma, Arizona. This exceptional weather gives its residents plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. Shasta County is thehome of the clear blue waters of Shasta Lake, which boasts 370 miles of shoreline, and lovely Whiskeytown Lake, as well as many other smaller lakes, rivers, creeks, and streams. Here residents enjoy such activities as hiking, sailing, water skiing, boating, camping, windsurfing, gold-panning, horseback riding, and fishing. In fact, the north state is known for being a top fishing spot for a range of species, from salmon and sturgeon to trout and bass. If you're the more adventurous type, you could try rock climbing, white water rafting, kayaking, or hang gliding. There are seven national forests in the Shasta-Cascade region, all waiting to be explored! Walkers, joggers, and rollerbladers are all attracted to the scenic beauty of the Sacramento River Trail, which is also a popular spot for families out for a leisurely stroll. Families also take advantage of our many community parks and playgrounds. Recently built for the community, by the community, Kids Kingdom is an immensely popular playground that features, along with the regular park amenities, a fountain and water cannon. Anderson River Park is another notable area park, offering 440 acres located along the Sacramento River. There you will find ponds, trails, two children's playgrounds, lighted softball and soccer fields, horseshoe courts, a disk golf course, a bandshell and amphitheater, a miniature airport and lighted tennis, bocci, and basketball courts. The Anderson River Park is also the site of the Shasta Wildlife facility, and two-thirds of the park is set aside as wildlife natural area. The park also offers beautiful group picnic areas, making it a popular spot for outdoor events. Winter in Shasta County offers even more recreational opportunities, with enough locations for skiing, snowboarding, and sledding to keep an entire family busy all season long!

Overall, Shasta County offers the best of both worlds, with urban services in a rural atmosphere.

For more information about Shasta County, see:

• Redding Chamber of Commerce
• Shasta-Cascade Wonderland Association