February 24, 2020 |
Is it time to change careers? It is not only important to decide what you are going to do for work, but it is also important to determine where you will work. Making the right decision in this regard is not only going to benefit you in your work life, but it can also have a positive impact on your home life as well. When it comes to choosing where you will work, the old axiom would certainly apply, “The world is your oyster.” If you have your heart set on the beauty and benefits of northern California, however, don’t overlook the possibility of working in Redding. Once you learn the reasons why this area is so attractive, your decision will practically be made for you.
Life in Redding offers the unique opportunity to live in a small city while also having all the benefits of living in the country. Redding proper offers the amenities of most major cities such as shopping, healthcare, entertainment, culture, and the arts, education, and dining. What makes Redding unique is its geographical placement that provides access to so many natural resources. There are very few places that offer all the natural resources that Redding does within a traveling distance that is shorter than the commute most experienced in the cities. Within three hours’ drive of Redding you can visit major recreational lakes, thousands of miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, ample camping locations, rivers, waterfalls, National Parks, world-famous skiing and snow sport locations, mountains, volcanos, historical sites, the ocean and so much more.
Redding is also within reach of many getaway options, including Napa Valley, wine country and Mt. Shasta, which offers snow skiing only 45 minutes away. You also have fairly easy access to the ocean with a 3 hour trip from Redding.
Perhaps the most important benefit for your personal life in Redding is the people. If you are accustomed to life in the city, the friendliness and courtesy of the people in Redding might just take you by surprise.
The cultural and artistic activities of Redding range widely from food cultivation and dining, music production and consumption, microbrewing and wine tasting to the theater, dance, cycling, scholarship and education, art and exploration of nature. There are nearly 70 public art sites and more than 50 restaurants, bars, and coffee shops. Regional, national and international performing artists frequent the historic Cascade Theater and Redding Civic Auditorium, while the Carter House Gallery, Old City Hall, and Turtle Bay feature art and cultural installations.
It’s hard to argue with the amazing climate in Redding. As one of the sunniest cities in the United States, its citizens are rarely lacking vitamin D. Being sunny almost year-round allows its citizens and visitors to enjoy the many recreational opportunities and still benefit from the water brought by the rain and snow just to the north of town.
Redding is home to not only a thriving community college but it offers four-year degree options and graduate school options as well. The colleges and universities in the Redding area are growing and rapidly expanding their options and offerings.
Shasta College, the local community college, was recently supported by the local community with a bond measure to invest more than $60 million into its facilities and programs. It offers a variety of two-year degrees as well as specialty certificate programs. Shasta College also now offers the first two years of courses free to qualifying students and has many local employers that hire straight from their programs.
For those seeking four-year degrees or graduate programs, these are offered through a variety of different local programs. Simpson University is a private university offering four-year programs, graduate courses and degrees, as well as specialty certifications. They recently expanded their nursing program and degree completion program for working adults. National University is another local option for four-year degrees and graduate programs. They offer both online and in-person classes, catering to working adults.
Recently added and expanded, Chico State University now offers courses and programs at their extension campus in downtown Redding. This allows local students to obtain their degrees through the CSU system without having to relocate or commute to Chico or other CSU locations. Currently specializing in business programs, there are plans to expand the degrees offered through the extension campus in the future.
Redding, California is located in Shasta County in the northern part of the state. It is a great place to settle in and raise a family, as it offers the benefits of a California lifestyle but it is far enough away from the city to provide a relaxed atmosphere. The weather in the area is what many people consider to be ideal, with clean air, sunny days and high temperatures.
Redding and the North State have one of the lowest costs of living in the state of California. While the median household income is slightly lower than the national average the cost of living and housing along with the natural resources more than make up for it.
There are also many benefits to working in Redding to be considered as well. Not the least of these is the average salaries, which are quite impressive for an area outside of the city. The income per capita is $23,763 but is higher for specific jobs, such as an operations manager ($85,945), retail store manager ($50,000) or registered nurse ($81,389).
The economy is diversified in Redding, with a number of healthcare, retail, professional and tourism services available. The highest percentage of employment is in the management, business and finance sectors.
Redding sometimes has a reputation for being a lumber mill town, but for the past two decades, they have largely gotten away from it. Not only are they the medical hub for the far North in California with two major hospitals, but they are also a major retail center and headquarters for a number of regional government operations. Even tech companies, including Axcient and Tegile Systems, from Silicon Valley are moving part of their sales operations to Redding.
You really aren’t limited when it comes to employment choices in Redding. The biggest decision you need to make is where you are going to work. The choice to work in Redding and to relocate to the area is really one that offers many benefits. Those benefits can be seen, not only in the finances of your decision but in the benefits to your lifestyle as well.
This blog post is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is created between the author and reader of this blog post, and its content should not be relied upon as legal advice. Readers are urged to consult legal counsel when seeking legal advice.
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