Cottonwood, California is a census-designated place (CDP) in Shasta County in Upstate California. The population was 2,960 at the 2000 census.

Just minutes south of Redding, Cottonwood is located along the Cottonwood Creek approximately four miles west of the Sacramento River. During the hot summer months, the low-lying valley with its indigenous cottonwoods, live oaks and "digger" pines, was sought out by the migratory hunter-gatherer peoples who lived here before the coming of the Europeans. These peoples were Wintu, including the Nomo-laki (Noe-ma Y-lac-ca). In contrast to the more militant, bellicose Hokan (Yana or Nosa-Nozi) groups to the east, these peoples were said to embrace a gentle, riverine culture. They subsisted on game, particularly Chinook salmon which run each fall in huge numbers in the Creek, but also numerous land game, as well as such abundant staples as piñon or "digger pine" nuts and acorn mash.

The first Europeans to arrive in California were Spanish-speaking "pobladores," who traveled up and down the river we call the Sacramento (they called their Río Grande, later the Buenaventura) trading with local peoples, in particular those to the west of the River; and traveling between this area and the more populated southern California, recruiting teenaged workers, especially female, for the ranchos in southern (Alta) California. In the 1820's Yankee mountain men and "pathfinders" began trekking through the region.

The first permanent European settlement in this area was in 1844 by Pierson Barton Reading (pronounced Redding), an immigrant to Alta California from the United States. Reading was attracted by the beauty of the (now Shasta County) area, the fertility of the low lying soil, the abundance of wild life, and of course was eager to take advantage of the accessibility provided by water transport. The Sacramento River was a "shining highway" which south of Red Bluff meanders leisurely, and only becomes swifter as it falls from the hills north of there (the "Iron Canyon"). In time, the governor of the (then) Mexican state of Alta California granted Reading a vast domain stretching 19 miles in length and three miles wide along the west bank of the Sacramento River from Cottonwood Creek to Salt Creek north of what is now the City of Redding. Reading established his seat somewhat north of the mouth of the Cottonwood Creek (into the Sacramento River), and immediately west of Goat Island, or Reading Island.

Today's Cottonwood, California appeals to many as a recreation and retirement haven, offering a rich blend of summer sunshine, scenic landscapes and lots of natural charm for people alienated by the congestion or exorbitant cost of living of the major urban areas. The Greater Redding area has been rated as the best place to retire in California and the United States (according to a 1987 Rand McNally study). "Crime rates are extremely low and housing is affordable with plenty of wooded acres, hills, streams, mobile home parks and horse ranchettes to choose from."

That's why Shasta County residents easily refer to their home as Northern California's Tourism and Recreation Capital.

For more information on activities in and around Cottonwood, California, visit:

• Cottonwood Community Library
• Shasta County, CA
• Cottonwood Chamber of Commerce
• Cottonwood, CA Real Estate Summary on IDCide
• Cottonwood, CA Google Earth Map
• View Cottonwood, CA Area Jobs on Career Builder
• View Cottonwood, CA Area Jobs on Yahoo HotJobs
• Cottonwood, California on Wikipedia.com
• Cottonwood, California on epodunk

For more information on activities in and around Rural Upstate California Region, including Shasta County, California, visit:

• Upstate California
• Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway
• Lassen Volcanic National Park
• Shasta Dam and Lake Shasta Info
• Turtle Bay Exploration Park
• Mt. Shasta Ski Park
• Whiskeytown National Recreation Area
• The State of California

Cottonwood Homes, Properties and Special Feature Real Estate

Cottonwood, California real estate includes a wide variety of homes for sale, condos for sale, water access properties (waterfront or scenic view), active adult communities, hobby farms and executive properties. Sellers who have been in the area for a while know my reputation for knowledgeable advice, enthusiastic service, creative marketing and professional networking. My associates and I will mine every source for suitable properties so you can feel at ease that your search will produce the right kind of solution for you.

For buyers new to the area, you can rest assured that I will provide the specialized services you deserve: a strong work ethic, personal real estate expertise to help define your needs, help with selecting and securing standard financing for your purchase, special technology, constant communication throughout the transaction, and more. I’ve gained a proud reputation for providing superior benefits to my home-buying clients as I help them complete their search - from existing homes for sale, properties for sale, lots, vacant land, new construction, 55-plus and retirement communities, investment properties, waterfront, golf and recreational properties, golf course lots - all the way to luxury villas, estates and executive homes.

So when you're ready to buy or sell real estate in or around Cottonwood, California, please let Rod Pierson help you find the home or property of your dreams. Contact Rod Pierson today!

Other nearby communities have similar real estate characteristics as Cottonwood and may also be of interest to you in your home search. Please feel free to ask Rod Pierson about homes for sale, lakeside/riverside properties and other real estate listings for nearby communities, such as Redding, Anderson, Cottonwood, Palo Cedro, Millville, Lake California, Bella Vista, Shingletown, Shasta County, Whiskeytown, Lakehead, Burney, Fall River Mills, Shasta Lake City, Lake Shasta, Tehama County, Trinity County, French Gulch, Weaverville, Happy Valley and much more.

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