Chico, a northern California college town less than a half-hour drive from Butte Community College, is buzzing with activity as the citizens get ready for Halloween festivities. Amongst those planning to go out this October is East LA native Kayla Farley.

I was recently able to sit down and talk to her about exactly why she chose to make the big move to Chico, and if she would recommend the to anyone also thinking of going to school there. Here is what she had to say.

Our interview began with the question of what it was like growing up in LA. She explained, “It wasn’t the best environment, but I got my education and made close friends there.” She moved to Chico specifically to go to college.

When asked if there was a difference in how people act in LA compared to Chico, she said that people do not wave at you on the streets of LA so she had to get used to the air of friendliness that hung over the tight-knit community of Chico.

Regarding having a preference on which city to live in, she at first said that she would choose LA because there is so much to do; however, at this point in her life, Chico would be the move “because it’s so much more financially affordable.”

Kayla expressed her happiness in life. She is attending Butte Community College while living in Chico and gives some advice to anyone thinking of moving to the town for the same reason:  choose your friends wisely and do not forget the reason you moved is to better yourself. Do not lose the focus on your education.

In the end, Kayla seems incredibly happy with her decision and encourages those on a budget who want to leave the business of city life behind to follow her lead and move to Chico. With Butte’s California promise grant making the first 2 years of college free at community college, it has never been a better time to pursue higher education in a place you want to live.