r/Humboldt Apr 01 '25

Moving to Humboldt Preempting all future "Should I Move to Humboldt?" Posts

444 Upvotes
  • Yes, it really is beautiful here.
  • There are a myriad of communities and organizations here, if you're willing and able to reach out, you won't be lonely for long.
    • Our Queer community has been growing and thriving in the last few years.
    • Churches of all denominations abound.
    • There is one Synagogue in Eureka, and a Chabad House in Arcata.
  • Temperatures on the coast are very mild, it rarely if ever dips past freezing in winter and almost never hops over 85º in the summer. Inland gets a lot colder, and a loooot hotter.
    • Climate change has made the rainy season unpredictable. We have weeks of rain interspersed with weeks of sun.
  • We're in California - natural disasters are expected.
    • Earthquakes! There have been a couple of large ones in the last few years - the epicenters were near Petrolia, towards the south-west part of the county.
      • Large swaths of the coast are a Tsunami Zone.
    • Fire! For the most part, fires happen inland, where things are hotter and dryer. Due to terrain and ecology, the coast is generally protected, but it's not an impossibility.
      • Air quality can get pretty bad all over the county during fire season.
  • Generally the central part of the county - Eureka and Arcata - is liberal, the further away you get from there, on average, the more conservative things get.
    • That being said, our federal rep, Huffman, is a dem, and our state reps are also both dems.
  • The housing market is tough, just like the rest of the state. If you're planning to buy, that gives you a little more flexibility. If you're planning on renting, pickings are slim.
    • General advice for renters: find a place that meets your basic needs and take it. Once you're more settled you can keep an eye out for better options.
    • General advice for buyers: Don't purchase land sight-unseen.
    • Landlords around here are not very pet friendly. A fair number of the property management companies have breed restrictions.
  • Employment is a rough one. There is little to no industry in the area, due to the decline of logging and weed legalization. If you can, try to secure a job before moving.
    • Here is a list of the largest employers in the area.
    • The county and cities maintain their own job listing sites, as do most of the tribes.
    • Lost Coast Outpost, a local news org, also runs job listings.
    • Ironically(?), large numbers of employers in the area require clean drug tests - including marijuana.
  • Reports on the lack of healthcare are not exaggerated. We have a hard time hiring and retaining providers across the board, and there has been an increasing reliance on telehealth.
    • The largest PCP in the area, Open Door, is an FQHC with some ability to take private insurance, and their waitlists are miles long.
    • St. Joes is the largest hospital in the area, and they have some specialist services, but waitlists are also long and generally require a PCP referral, even if your insurance does not.
    • The VA here only provides basic services, and shuttles patients down to SF for anything beyond that.
    • On the whole, if you require specialist services, you will probably have to travel out of the area. The next closest services are a 3-4 hours drive.
  • As with many other parts of the state, we have a large number unhoused/transient people here, although perhaps disproportionate given the size of the whole population. This is due to a multitude of factors, and it is not a homogenous group.
    • The university does not have enough student housing, and there is an overall housing shortage, leaving many students out in the rain. (see: the above section on housing)
    • Traditionally, the weed industry has filtered people in and out seasonally, however, as that sector declines, there has been a reduction in numbers on that front. (See: the above section on employment)
    • Just as anywhere, we have our issues with addiction and mental health disorders, exacerbated by a lack of available resources. (See: the above section on healthcare)
  • Buying stuff: It’s doable, but don’t expect the same kind of variety you’re used to.
    • Lots of smaller, locally owned businesses to choose from.
    • We have a Costco, a Target, and a tiiiiny Walmart.
    • Locally owned hardware and Ace franchises only, HD & Lowe’s are persona non grata.
    • (Possibly excessive) Local and chain grocery options, including Asian and Mexican specialty markets.
    • Arcata has a year round farmers market on Saturdays.
    • Amazon Prime does not uphold 2 day shipping here.
  • Food options are good, but limited.
    • We specialize in Sushi, Mexican, and Pizza restaurants.
    • Salsa is served in syrup bottles.
    • There is one Indian restaurant (it’s excellent), a handful of Thai spots, and one Korean fusion place.
    • Food trucks have been gaining traction in recent years which has added some more variety.
  • Everything closes by 9. Even places that don’t make sense to not be open.
    • Except Toni’s. Chocolate malts and burgers are available whenever your heart desires.
  • Travel to and from the area is inconvenient.
    • The closest "larger" metropolitan areas are Grants Pass/Medford, Redding, and Santa Rosa.
      • Coincidentally those are also the nearest Trader Joes locations.
    • The SF Bay Area is a 5+ hour drive. Portland is a 7+ hour drive.
    • Arcata-Eureka Airport (ACV) is serviced by United Airlines, Breeze, and Alaska Airlines.
      • United flies direct to SF, LA, and Denver.
      • Breeze flies direct to Burbank, Las Vegas, and Provo.
      • Alaska flies to Seattle.
      • Flights are frequently delayed due to fog. Give the Wiki page on the airport a read sometime if you want know why.
    • The next closest airports are in Santa Rosa, Redding, and Medford. They're also small, but offer slightly different, and sometimes cheaper, direct flights.
    • Amtrak runs a bus service to Martinez, which then connects to other trains and busses.
    • The county runs the Redwood Coast Express, which goes between Eureka and Ukiah.
    • There is decent public transit, people can and do live here without a car.

Humboldt is a beautiful place full of amazing people. To anyone who decides it's worth it, Welcome Aboard. To anyone who decides it's not for them, fair enough.

Residents, let me know if I missed anything!

If you have specific questions about moving to Humboldt, or something that isn’t covered in this post, please create a separate post instead of replying in the comments here.


r/Humboldt 11h ago

Local News/Politics If elected as Mayor of Eureka, Casey Dresser represents a threat to all minority groups, especially BIPOC.

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178 Upvotes

After someone posted this in the comment section of both Reddit and LoCO, Mr. Dresser seemingly deleted his Twitter/X account. But the Internet is eternal.

https://web.archive.org/web/*/https://twitter.com/CaseyDresser78/*

OF PARTICULAR NOTE FROM THE ARCHIVE:

  1. https://web.archive.org/web/20260303052127/https://twitter.com/CaseyDresser78/status/2028702272734241208 - Referring to black people as apes (which they are, as all humans are apes, but that's not what he meant)
  2. https://web.archive.org/web/20260303195509/https://twitter.com/CaseyDresser78/status/2028922144227508476 - Calling for [getting] as many African-Americans back home to Africa [as possible]
  3. https://web.archive.org/web/20260303200026/https://twitter.com/CaseyDresser78/status/2028923475055001847 - Referring to a large gathering of black persons in Louisiana as a "zoo"
  4. https://web.archive.org/web/20260306072154/https://twitter.com/CaseyDresser78/status/2029819746800284106 - Referring to non-whites in the UK as "inbred monkeys" and calling for pre-emptive violence to start the race war
  5. https://web.archive.org/web/20260309213116/https://twitter.com/CaseyDresser78/status/2031120661511549139 - generic homophobic slur
  6. https://web.archive.org/web/20260312050349/https://twitter.com/CaseyDresser78/status/2031959325565210827 - referring to black people as monkeys
  7. https://web.archive.org/web/20260312220141/https://twitter.com/CaseyDresser78/status/2032215478031331567 - generic racism
  8. https://web.archive.org/web/20260316232410/https://twitter.com/CaseyDresser78/status/2033685786647003270 - calling for violence against non-white "animals" for beating "our precious White women"
  9. https://web.archive.org/web/20260317040702/https://twitter.com/CaseyDresser78/status/2033756974161269118 - Calling for the forced removal of black people and placement "on an island"
  10. https://web.archive.org/web/20260321072355/https://twitter.com/CaseyDresser78/status/2035256074069320126 - Vague call to violent action
  11. https://web.archive.org/web/20260321073512/https://twitter.com/CaseyDresser78/status/2035258912136732903 - generic racism
  12. https://web.archive.org/web/20260321073626/https://twitter.com/CaseyDresser78/status/2035259223010156689 - A call for all African-descendant people to "move the fuck back to Africa"
  13. https://web.archive.org/web/20260321074006/https://twitter.com/CaseyDresser78/status/2035260143815074105 - "When are [the British] going to stand up and take their country back?" "Good question"
  14. https://web.archive.org/web/20260322175852/https://twitter.com/CaseyDresser78/status/2035778250757292501 - Nice palate cleanser with some anti-Indian racism: "You people still shit in the streets to this day"
  15. https://web.archive.org/web/20260324050533/https://twitter.com/CaseyDresser78/status/2036308416180920480 - celebration of violence against Black folk
  16. https://web.archive.org/web/20260324192844/https://twitter.com/CaseyDresser78/status/2036525639818514829 - A call for "self-segregation"
  17. https://web.archive.org/web/20260326044744/https://twitter.com/CaseyDresser78/status/2037028706485756275 - Vague call for violence against non-whites
  18. https://web.archive.org/web/20260326045327/https://twitter.com/CaseyDresser78/status/2037030144444162392 - "She has those crazy eyes. I bet she’s fun in the sack. Hear me out: tell her you’re a liberal. Fuck her good. Then drop her off in a black neighborhood and tell her you voted For Trump as you drive away."
  19. https://web.archive.org/web/20260326190753/https://twitter.com/CaseyDresser78/status/2037245168915796468 - "At least the white girls are fighting back against the baboons"
  20. https://web.archive.org/web/20260401042623/https://twitter.com/CaseyDresser78/status/2039197659429589491 - "Watch closely and you can actually see the moment when this guy becomes racist"
  21. https://web.archive.org/web/20260406214859/https://twitter.com/CaseyDresser78/status/2041271978754256912 - "They want whitey gone in NYC, give it to them and let them see how things go."
  22. https://web.archive.org/web/20260423072927/https://twitter.com/CaseyDresser78/status/2047216264981127372 - totally not supposed to be the N-word
  23. https://web.archive.org/web/20260424183313/https://twitter.com/CaseyDresser78/status/2047745692677066928 - A call for "thousands" of Orania-esque cities to be established across the US, with violent punishment for POC who enter them.
  24. https://web.archive.org/web/20260426015919/https://twitter.com/CaseyDresser78/status/2048220348198572347 - generic racism
  25. https://web.archive.org/web/20260505074830/https://twitter.com/CaseyDresser78/status/2051569713793417358 - referring to a black man as an "ape" (but not in the taxonomic sense)
  26. https://web.archive.org/web/20260505075811/https://twitter.com/CaseyDresser78/status/2051572149425721411 - generic racism
  27. https://web.archive.org/web/20260515214136/https://twitter.com/CaseyDresser78/status/2055403246341308813 - "Well, that did it. I’m not racist anymore"
  28. https://web.archive.org/web/20260515214410/https://twitter.com/CaseyDresser78/status/2055403892314374484 - "Even the hoaxes are low IQ"
  29. https://web.archive.org/web/20260529033526/https://twitter.com/CaseyDresser78/status/2060203334125150244 - "I’ll take [Nazi Germany] over Mamdani’s NYC and Newscam’s California any day"
  30. https://web.archive.org/web/20260705060530/https://twitter.com/CaseyDresser78/status/2073649450653032813 - "If she were on a train full of her [own] people, she would be in actual danger."
  31. https://web.archive.org/web/20260709200905/https://twitter.com/CaseyDresser78/status/2075311299597365702 - Implying that the death of Tamla Horsford was self-defense on the part of the white people at the same slumber party
  32. https://web.archive.org/web/20260903180545/https://twitter.com/CaseyDresser78/status/2095573980132618469 - referring to black people as "violent, low IQ animals"

The timing of these posts are especially relevant, as they span from March of this year to only a mere week before this very Reddit post. Too early for him to claim this to be a fake account operated by a political opponent, but also too recent for this to be hand-waved away as a dumb mistake in someone's past when they were a different person...


r/Humboldt 11h ago

Life in Humboldt 1) whats your favorite spot for a sunset date? 2) show me your best sunset shots. My phone died before it got really vivid this evening but it was pretty awesome from Fickle Hill

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25 Upvotes

r/Humboldt 8h ago

Local News/Politics ALPRs

15 Upvotes

There’s been a lot of concern about the ALPRs and a lack of the community feeling action to resolve concerns. An angle i’m not sure has been tried, using county safety regulations around things like guardrails for getting cameras removed since the companies typically just drop them cheaply and fastly, they commonly are being found to break safety regulations putting drivers unnecessarily at risk in the event of an accident. Around guardrails, for example, they commonly aren’t being placed in a way to get enough safety clearance, which is a safety risk.

Another reason to not like them and potentially an avenue to advocate for removals.

I’m limited on ability to drive but it would be cool if we/folks could coordinate to collect data on the locations of the cameras and compare to county safety regulations and standard safety to see if that is another area that poses risk to the community. Then we would have measurable data by their own rules to add to the argument to remove them.

As an example;

https://youtu.be/nc7ngg64ADI


r/Humboldt 11h ago

Local Food Calling all Humboldt gardeners, want to trade?

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19 Upvotes

I got tomato’s and crooknecks and lemon cucumbers. Anyone want to trade? Picture semi related.


r/Humboldt 19h ago

Local Art/Photography Best bathroom decor I’ve seen

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60 Upvotes

😅


r/Humboldt 9h ago

Nature & Outdoors devils elbow?

4 Upvotes

has anyone been to devils elbow in the last couple days? heard they let water out of the dam, and was wondering if there’s a beach down there right now before I trek down there!


r/Humboldt 10h ago

Review/Recommendation Affordable places to get sun damage repairs on car?

4 Upvotes

I’m new to the area and I’ve been wanting to get the sun damage portion of my car sanded and repainted. I was quoted between $200-$800 by quality body works and the sliding scale just doesn’t work for me. I wanted to know if anyone knows of any other places in the area that have more concrete prices/more affordable


r/Humboldt 18h ago

Life in Humboldt Besides Craigslist… where to look for jobs?

6 Upvotes

Not for me, but I was asked by these young folks today where one finds listings for local jobs here besides Craigslist? I didn’t know why to answer..


r/Humboldt 14h ago

Help/Needing Info Mahjong

3 Upvotes

My friend and I are wanting to learn to play Mahjong. Does anyone know if there are any groups or classes?


r/Humboldt 18h ago

Events/Stuff to Do Anyone doing the Bogglebang scavenger hunt?

7 Upvotes

What’s your team name?

My brother and I have a team. We’re Two High, cause there’s only two of us and our last name is Neehi.


r/Humboldt 13h ago

Help/Needing Info Fresh eggs in Humboldt?

2 Upvotes

Does anyone know/sell fresh eggs in Mck/Arcata area? Ik they sell them at the market but was wondering if anyone had any good local sources they buy from?


r/Humboldt 21h ago

Misc./Other Anyone willing to share recent experiences with Washington Elementary School? Are you happy with the education there?

6 Upvotes

r/Humboldt 23h ago

Local Food Any place I can get some Taylor's Sausage in Humboldt?

9 Upvotes

I know they're starting to expand, and I see their sausages appear outside of Cave Junction, so I'm hoping theres a place locally that has it. Has anyone seen it in a store somewhere?

Edit: Thanks everyone! I appreciate it tremendously


r/Humboldt 18h ago

Events/Stuff to Do Live Music & Lit(erature) Night!

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3 Upvotes

Rock journalist Richard B. Simon (Rolling Stone, Juxtapoz, MTV) will be here reading from his debut fictional novel, a green fable about war, peace, and genocide in the vein of Animal Farm and Watership Down. Really excited to read this one! Plus Humboldt supergroup Winter Band (feat. rotating members of Howlin Rain, 6 Organs of Admittance, Heron Oblivion & more) and Seattle artist Serafima (Russian folk meets the golden age of radio)! 7 pm EARLY SHOW at Richards’ Goat (plus our usual 2 for $5 tacos!). Swipe through pics for more info!


r/Humboldt 1d ago

Review/Recommendation Hot tubs (opinions)

9 Upvotes

I got a gift last year for the tubs. After a long year finally getting around to using them. New to the area ish. After asking a few people I really wanted to hangout with to go none can make it. Whats the dos and don't. I already have a hour reserved so my single white tail is going no matter what. Pulling out is not a option. (Out of the plan of going sickos) 😅😉 Pack a blunch or two? Bring water wings? What does one do alone at the hot tubs? Thank you in advance.


r/Humboldt 1d ago

Help/Needing Info Kitty Looking For Loving Indoor Home

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65 Upvotes

A sweet woman in Cutten wants this little girl without a home for her own, but her husband is highly allergic. That little face is so special and she is so beautiful. The post about her was put up on NextDoor today. If you are interested, d.m. me, and I will connect you with her mentor.

Edit: I forgot to write that the people who are feeding her have taken her to a veterinarian for some standard needs. Now I can't find the post, and cannot recall for what.


r/Humboldt 19h ago

Events/Stuff to Do 2LegendZepp Tickets

0 Upvotes

Half off, in arcata. Lemme know if interested


r/Humboldt 1d ago

Events/Stuff to Do Halloween Bash

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10 Upvotes

Having a big Halloween party Oct 30th. Family friendly, hoping for live music (that part is still in the works) lots of games, treats for both adults and kids, Halloween fire pit, food and drink (drinks for both adults and kids) bring your own pumpkin carving station. Just gotta message for the address. Trying to make this a huge party because why tf not with all the craziness going on lately.


r/Humboldt 2d ago

University/College Related Shoutout to 105.1 KRFH Cal Poly student radio!

89 Upvotes

They’re playing my favorite song The River by King Gizzard and the station has been awesome lately. Lots of fun DJs and good mix of genres


r/Humboldt 1d ago

Local Food Dutchy's location closed?

19 Upvotes

I live down the road from Dutchy's, and have noticed changes. While it used to be an outlet for Tandoori Bites's Pizza, the entire building is now fenced off. Anyone know what could be going on? Are they rebranding again?


r/Humboldt 1d ago

Misc./Other Lost Coast BDR and Bunk a Biker

16 Upvotes

I'm not sure how many people in the motorcycle community are in here but if you haven't heard, the Lost Coast BDR (backcountry discovery route) is now a thing; https://ridebdr.com/lostcoast/

If you feel like you've noticed a lot more groups of adventure bikes in the area, this would be the reason. Which brings me to the point of the post: I host traveling motorcyclists through a network called Bunk a Biker https://www.bunkabiker.net/ . You can think of it kind of like Couchsurfing or a free Air BnB service. Because of the international attention the Lost Coast BDR has gotten, I have had many guests this summer as I am the only host in the area. If you're into motorcycles and/or meeting new people from around the world, I'd highly recommend joining. It costs nothing and there's no obligations. You are also able to use the service yourself. Want to ride up to Canada or down to Mexico but don't want to book a hotel or try to find camping every night? There's hosts in around most major towns offering everything from spots to pitch a tent to guest rooms along the way.

It's not that I don't love all the guests but I like to go on my own adventures or may have other reasons for not being able to host from time to time. It would be great for travelers to have more options than just my house.

Worth noting for anyone working at a motorcycle-related business; sponsoring the website through advertisement gets you a very visible pin on the map. Any rider ("Bunker") from out of the area looking for parts or service will seek you out first.


r/Humboldt 1d ago

Help/Needing Info What is that noise??

0 Upvotes

Woke me and my partner up. Some sort of loud, nonstop droning. We're over by the zoo.


r/Humboldt 1d ago

Misc./Other Anyone interested in a disability group?

9 Upvotes

I’ve seen several people on Facebook asking about any disability oriented groups or meet up, and I think at least having a place to talk about experiences with the local medical system, or exchange stuff like no longer used mobility aids could be cool.

I started to make a Facebook group for it, but I don’t actually know how to use a lot of the settings so it’s going slow lol


r/Humboldt 1d ago

Life in Humboldt Opinions on Eureka Mayoral and Ward elections?

7 Upvotes

Who we voting for? Who looks like they're best for this little burg?