2019 Best Places to Live in Humboldt CountyAbout this List

Arcata

• Town in California
• 157 reviews

Works Here: The redwoods and beaches won me over when deciding upon an undergraduate University. Humboldt State is an incredible University and the hidden gem of the CSU system. The professors tend to have extensive experience from across the world. What makes Arcata magical is the community. Farmers markets, fishing competitions, musical shows in the forest, and lets not forget the Kinetic Sculpture Races every summer! After living here for 4 years I am still discovering new places to explore. My favorite discovery was a covered bridge tucked away in the outskirts of Arcata. Sometimes this little town feels like it's taken a step back in time! Arcata will always have a special place in my heart.
Read 157 Reviews

• B+

• A-

• 17,814 Population

Myrtletown

• Town in California
• 2 reviews

• B

• B-

• 5,145 Population

McKinleyville

• Town in California
• 21 reviews

Current Resident: It's great! Plenty of convenience and also plenty of outdoor recreation activities nearby. It's a great place to live, the neighborhoods are safe and the people are nice. People drive a little poorly, but that's not so bad. Good for kayaking, biking, hiking, walks, beach activities, river activities, gambling, sports, and other stuff.
Read 21 Reviews

• B

• B

• 16,963 Population

Cutten

• Town in California
• 4 reviews

Current Resident: A more quiet side of town, Cutten is home to many local businesses including places to eat and go grocery shopping. Growing up here provides the opportunity for diverse socialization especially through the local school district. I believe that if I had grown up somewhere other than here, I would not be the person I am today.
Read 4 Reviews

• B-

• B

• 2,907 Population

Humboldt Hill

• Town in California
• 9 reviews

• C+

• B-

• 4,217 Population

Eureka

• Town in California
• 84 reviews

Current Resident: Beautiful Victorian town by the sea and surrounded by majestic redwood forests! Family friendly neighborhoods, old town by the bay. Many really good restraunts with a great array of vegan foods. The schools are well funded and all have excellent sports programs. There is a community college and a highly rated university. Eureka has a large diverse population, has a great nightlife, excellent shopping and many different job opportunities.
Read 84 Reviews

• C+

• B-

• 27,024 Population

Pine Hills

• Town in California

• C+

• B

• 2,986 Population

Bayview

• Town in California
• 3 reviews

Niche User: It is a beautiful coastal town with vibrant and friendly people. The local economy is bustling; renovations and improvements are frequently being made to city roads and buildings. The artwork around town is captivating. It is also nestled into one of the most rare forest ecosystems on the planet. Driving North or South one can find stunning redwood forests and stand in the shadows they cast, in awe.
Read 3 Reviews

• C

• B-

• 2,466 Population

Fortuna

• Town in California
• 15 reviews

Current Resident: Fortuna, the friendly city, is a great place to live. Not only is it a city, but it is a community. A strong community that works together to help pull up anyone that is struggling. Everyone knows everyone, giving it more of a family feel than just a town. The business owners all throughout town are more than willing to give back to their city. There are also many opportunities to shop local, you never have to venture far, and don't have to rely on large corporations. Year round, you can always visit Rohner Park where you can check out our roller skating rink, the Fortuna museum, and even hike through the Redwoods. Fortuna in July is the best time of year, between the Fireworks Celebration, Rodeo Week, and capped off by AutoXpo, there is something for everyone in Fortuna. While in town, you must try Bob's Footlongs, a family owned restaurant founded over 60 years ago. Fortuna is a town full of love and community that you just cannot find anywhere else!
Read 15 Reviews

• C

• C+

• 11,981 Population

Hydesville

• Town in California

• C

• B

• 1,004 Population

Rio Dell

• Town in California
• 1 review

Niche User: I chose "It's great" because of the scenery-gorgeous valley of redwoods and river. Rio Dell has some rough areas, but most of the people and the town are quite pleasant. I've lived there almost my whole life. And I'll probably continue there for the rest of it.
Read 1 Review

• C-

• B-

• 3,385 Population

Trinidad

• Town in California
• 1 review

Visitor: Trinidad is a very beautiful place to be. It is small town, you can walk around the whole town and stop by the shops and coffee shops, restaurants and go to the beach all in one day. The people there are easy going.
Read 1 Review

• A-

• B+

• 199 Population

Fields Landing

• Town in California
• 1 review

• A-

• B-

• 147 Population

Blue Lake

• Town in California
• 1 review

Current Resident: Best place to live in northern cal. Sunny, yet close to the two biggest cities in northern cal. which are on the coast. Only 6 miles from Arcata ca. The Mad River runs through town. Surrounded by mountains. Great small town feel. Arts and music abound.
Read 1 Review

• B+

• A-

• 1,096 Population

Big Lagoon

• Town in California

• B

• B+

• 113 Population

Manila

• Town in California

• B-

• A-

• 823 Population

Indianola

• Town in California

• B-

• A

• 736 Population

Fieldbrook

• Town in California

• C+

• B+

• 865 Population

Orick

• Town in California

• C

• B+

• 295 Population

Ferndale

• Town in California
• 4 reviews

Current Resident: Ferndale is the ideal Mayberry type of town. Overall, it's a great little town. Main Street is full of historic Victorian-era buildings, surrounded by lovely farm countryside, backed up by mountains, and only 5 miles from the beach. The climate is very mild year round. Summers are the naturally air-conditioned "English" type where the thermometer struggles to get to 72 degrees. 3 days out of 5, you will have to find a way to get along with the famous Coastal Northern California fog, though, and I feel sorry for the tourists who visit here on those days. I thought this was California? What happened to summer? LOL. Anyway, when we get a sunny day, it is absolutely glorious and all the more appreciated. Tourist tip: get here in the late morning when it's sunny and warm and the fog hasn't blown in yet. Or call the Red Front Store to ask about the weather.
Read 4 Reviews

• C

• C+

• 1,458 Population

Loleta

• Town in California
• 1 review

Current Resident: I really love the fact that it is a very small close community, everyone just about knows everyone. It seems to be pretty safe and free from criminal activity for the most part. Raising a child here is a very good idea, and the local casino has a very large employee count so lots of jobs are available. Very clean comfortable living.
Read 1 Review

• C

• B-

• 591 Population

Redway

• Town in California
• 1 review

• C

• C+

• 1,433 Population

Benbow

• Town in California

• C

• C+

• 152 Population

Willow Creek

• Town in California
• 1 review

• C-

• C-

• 1,434 Population

Garberville

• Town in California
• 1 review

Former Resident: It's a rural town. You just have to drive a bit east of town. Townspeople are very nice & neighborly.
Read 1 Review

• C-

• C+

• 979 Population