2018 Best Places to Live in Humboldt CountyAbout this List

Arcata

• Town in California
• 141

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 141 Reviews

• A-

• A

• 17,775 Population

McKinleyville

• Town in California
• 19

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 19 Reviews

• B

• B

• 16,948 Population

Myrtletown

• Town in California
• 2

• B-

• B-

• 5,320 Population

Cutten

• Town in California
• 4

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

• 2,982 Population

Humboldt Hill

• Town in California
• 9

• B-

• B

• 3,710 Population

Eureka

• Town in California
• 70

Current Resident: Eureka is a very great place to be. I lived in Eureka ever since 2009 and despite how small Eureka is, Eureka will always have a special place in my heart and it will always remain like a home to me. I love Eureka for its beautiful scenery of the oceans, etc. The hiking trails here are to die for! Eureka isn't so big, nor so small. It is just perfect. And I also love the weather here!
Read 70 Reviews

• B-

• B-

• 27,002 Population

Fortuna

• Town in California
• 13

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 13 Reviews

• C

• C

• 11,917 Population

Rio Dell

• Town in California
• 1

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

• C+

• 3,372 Population

Pine Hills

• Town in California

• C

• B

• 3,440 Population

Hydesville

• Town in California

• C

• B-

• 1,158 Population

Bayview

• Town in California
• 3

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-

• 2,527 Population

Trinidad

• Town in California
• 1

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

• B+

• B+

• 209 Population

Fields Landing

• Town in California
• 1

• B+

• B

• 255 Population

Blue Lake

• Town in California

• B

• A

• 1,147 Population

Manila

• Town in California

• B

• A

• 751 Population

Indianola

• Town in California

• B-

• A

• 912 Population

Fieldbrook

• Town in California

• C+

• B+

• 798 Population

Ferndale

• Town in California
• 3

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 3 Reviews

• C+

• B-

• 1,419 Population

Garberville

• Town in California
• 1

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+

• 992 Population

Orick

• Town in California

• C

• B

• 280 Population

Benbow

• Town in California

• C

• C+

• 213 Population

Miranda

• Town in California

• C

• C+

• 660 Population

Redway

• Town in California
• 1

• C

• C+

• 1,078 Population

Shelter Cove

• Town in California
• 2

Parent: Our oceanside village has only one road in. The terrain is rugged, wild, and beautiful. The community is a mix or retired people, families, and some single and young people. The economy has been mainly based on fishing, with a boom in construction for awhile.
Read 2 Reviews

• C-

• C+

• 410 Population

Loleta

• Town in California

• C-

• B-

• 624 Population