| Summary | National Percentile | Rank vs Metro |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | 69th | Best |
| Demographics | 62nd | Good |
| Amenities | 86th | Best |
Multifamily Valuation
| Property Details | |
|---|---|
| Address | 2161 Hartford Dr, Chico, CA, 95928, US |
| Region / Metro | Chico |
| Year of Construction | 2011 |
| Units | 70 |
| Transaction Date | --- |
| Transaction Price | --- |
| Buyer | --- |
| Seller | --- |
2161 Hartford Dr, Chico CA — 70-Unit Multifamily Investment
Stabilized renter demand, a newer 2011 vintage, and a strong amenity footprint in an inner-suburb location support durable operations, according to WDSuite’s CRE market data.
Situated in Chico’s inner suburbs, the neighborhood ranks 2 out of 74 metro neighborhoods, signaling competitive fundamentals for multifamily investors. Amenity access is a clear strength: cafes and restaurants score in the top quartile nationally, and pharmacies, groceries, and parks also rate favorably. These lifestyle features help reinforce leasing appeal and day-to-day convenience for residents.
The area’s renter-occupied share of housing units is elevated (59.1%), placing it in a high national percentile, which points to a deep tenant base and consistent demand for multifamily product. Neighborhood occupancy is near the metro middle, suggesting typical leasing velocity with room for operational value through marketing, retention programs, and unit positioning.
Home values trend above national norms while local rent-to-income ratios are relatively modest, indicating a high-cost ownership market that can sustain reliance on rental housing while keeping rent burdens comparatively manageable. For investors, this combination supports pricing power without overextending affordability, aiding renewals and reducing turnover risk.
Within a 3-mile radius, population grew over the last five years and households expanded at a faster pace, with smaller average household sizes. Looking ahead, forecasts show household counts continuing to rise even as total population trends soften, implying more, smaller households entering the market — a setup that can expand the renter pool and support occupancy stability. School ratings for the neighborhood average around the upper-middle of national peers, adding family-oriented appeal that can enhance tenant retention.
The property’s 2011 construction is newer than the neighborhood’s average vintage (1991). Newer stock typically competes well against older buildings on curb appeal and operating efficiency, while still offering selective upgrade paths (common areas, in-unit finishes, or energy systems) for targeted value-add.

Safety metrics for the neighborhood are weaker than many Chico sub-areas: its crime rank is toward the lower end (66 of 74), and national percentiles indicate below-average safety compared with neighborhoods nationwide. Property offenses sit in a low national percentile and violent offenses track similarly low on a comparative basis. Year-over-year, property offense levels were roughly flat, while violent offense measures increased modestly.
For investors, this points to the importance of proactive on-site management, lighting and access controls, and resident engagement. Monitoring quarterly trends and coordinating with local resources can help support tenant retention and protect operating performance.
2161 Hartford Dr combines a newer 2011 vintage with a high-amenity inner-suburb location and a large renter-occupied housing base, supporting steady leasing and renewal potential. Neighborhood occupancy sits around the metro middle, while a high-cost ownership backdrop reinforces reliance on rentals. Within a 3-mile radius, household growth and shrinking household size suggest a larger pool of renters, which can underpin occupancy stability and sustained absorption.
Cafes, restaurants, and daily-needs retail score in top national tiers, bolstering livability and leasing appeal. According to commercial real estate analysis from WDSuite, these neighborhood dynamics, paired with a competitive 2011 vintage that can still benefit from targeted upgrades, position the asset for durable operations with measured value-add potential. Key watch items include safety metrics and close-in population softness, which warrant active management and disciplined underwriting.
- Newer 2011 vintage versus local average, competitive against older stock with selective upgrade upside
- High renter-occupied share indicates deep tenant base and demand resilience
- Strong amenity access (food, retail, parks) enhances leasing appeal and retention
- Household growth within 3 miles expands the renter pool and supports occupancy stability
- Risk: Safety metrics trail metro leaders and population growth is uneven — plan for active management and prudent underwriting