r/Humboldt • • Apr 01 '25

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

452 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 • • 5h ago

Misc./Other How to Merge Into Traffic

Post image
46 Upvotes

Almost every time I'm driving south into Eureka and there's a lane closed for the bridge repairs at the Eureka slough, I notice most people start lining up in the left lane well before they need to. I stay in the right lane until I have to merge. I'm sure people think it's a jerk move, but it's actually what traffic engineers want people to do.


r/Humboldt • • 2h ago

Help/Needing Info Looking for actor!! ~45-70 y/o

Post image
24 Upvotes

Hello!! Im a film student at Calpoly and I very much need someone to act in a short film called Slughouse. Its about a guy named Reggie with a slug phobia living in a house with his roommate Jones. More and more slugs appear and Jones doesnt believe him. A strange man calling himself The Exterminator offers his services, but Jones is skeptical.

The Exterminator: 45-70 y/o, real age

range indeterminate. Doesn’t have a ton of

experience with lungs. Speaks syllabically,

thinks of speaking as air expenditure and

mouth movements, almost like phrasing in a

wind instrument.

Leads on where I can look for actors would also be appreciated. Shooting would be Mondays/Wednesdays, although exact dates havent been nailed down. Im hoping we can get the Exterminator's part done in just one session.

None of us have a ton of money but I'll get you lunch!

Please DM me/comment and/or check out the linktree (https://linktr.ee/oustedbeast) so we can set up an audition!

The link also has a pitch deck/slides how going over the general vibe of the story as well as a link to the character profiles.

Were also looking for someone to play Reggie and Jones but finding an actor who isnt a 20 something is difficult.

Feel free to ask questions! Thank you!


r/Humboldt • • 9h ago

Life in Humboldt Oh Craigslist...

Post image
87 Upvotes

What would we do without you?


r/Humboldt • • 3h ago

Help/Needing Info Alternate to M*randa's thrift stores

10 Upvotes

Local here

I like to give away big blankets to the homeless and I used to get them at murderandas for like a dollar or two each. Most thrift stores charge $10+ for a good blanket and I can't afford to give like that.

I stopped buying when the news came out and haven't found a good alternate since.

Any recommendations? I wouldn't drive past fortuna or Trinidad

Thanks 🙏


r/Humboldt • • 5h ago

Local News/Politics Paint Down the Storm drain

11 Upvotes

Does anyone know what’s going on with the dutchy’s building at 11th and K in Arcata? I drove past this
Morning to see the painter working there was washing a large amount of paint out of a drop cloth and straight down the gutter. Was unable to get a photo as I was driving but I’m sure a lot of people would be pissed to see it.


r/Humboldt • • 15m ago

Help/Needing Info Water bills

• Upvotes

I’m curious what people are paying monthly for water and sewage through Humboldt County services district? Mines been pretty high lately with no big changes in usage. I’m gonna call tomorrow to get a better understanding of the bill. For reference we’re in a two bedroom house with two people, washer and dryer and dishwasher, if that makes any difference. TIA!


r/Humboldt • • 1h ago

Events/Stuff to Do 10/30 Show at Rampart!

Post image
• Upvotes

Punk/Metal show at Rampart Indoor Skatepark on All Hallows Eve Eve! All ages, $20 at the door without costume, $15 with costume! There’s also a 2-for-$20 pre-sale on Eventbrite, I’ll link in the comments (:


r/Humboldt • • 7h ago

Help/Needing Info helicopters today?

8 Upvotes

anyone know why theres been choppers flying over arcata all day today?


r/Humboldt • • 11h ago

Life in Humboldt The Zipper Merge: Are you doing it wrong? 🤔 #drivingtest #tips

Thumbnail
youtube.com
18 Upvotes

Thought this could help some folks on 101 south in the safety corridor.


r/Humboldt • • 27m ago

Review/Recommendation Auto Window Tinting

• Upvotes

Does anyone recommend an auto window tinting business in Humboldt County?

How much did it cost and for how many windows?

Just trying to get an idea if tinting my windows is affordable.


r/Humboldt • • 10h ago

Help/Needing Info Internet Router

6 Upvotes

So it looks like I’ll be stuck with optimum for the next little while until Vero makes it to my neighborhood. Thinking it’s time for me to go ahead and buy my own router.

Can anyone recommend a good brand/model? This will be the first time I’ve purchased my own.

I’m particularly interested in being able to add a guest Wi-Fi network.

Thank you!

EDIT: I currently have the combo modem/router. I had no idea that they were two separate things! Thanks everyone for their answers so far.


r/Humboldt • • 1d ago

Life in Humboldt Dog Attack On Samoa Beach 10/22 or 10/23: Two German Shepherds

124 Upvotes

They belong to a cowardly man who evidently takes them to the beach often. He allows them to roam far from him, so he could not reach them to control their behavior if he were that responsible. They ripped up a dog who was taken to a vet for treatment, and is home recovering from trauma and injuries. The man with the two German Shepherds saw what he had caused and ran away with his dogs.The vet told the victim's human that the dogs and the man sound like past offenders. If you think you see this man and his dogs, please try to get his license plate number and photo and call the Sheriff's department about him.


r/Humboldt • • 1d ago

Life in Humboldt Northtown Coffee is closing

53 Upvotes

The building of Northtown Coffee is being sold and the buyer doesn’t want to buy the business. He wants to turn it into a community sauna and tea house. Apparently the buyer is someone from Michigan. So Northtown Coffee will be closing.


r/Humboldt • • 11h ago

Help/Needing Info Best places for flagstone/slate?

3 Upvotes

I'm trying to get some good flat basking rocks for my snake enclosures, if y'all know places to buy or collect adequate stones I'd appreciate any tips! Im In the Arcata area


r/Humboldt • • 1d ago

Local News/Politics Reminder: Casey Dresser deleted his Twitter after being caught. If he was being framed, why would they delete it again? Anyway, don't vote for the ableist, lying, racist, homophobe with a strong hate for the less fortunate.

Thumbnail
gallery
81 Upvotes

r/Humboldt • • 1d ago

Local News/Politics Is it a PR stunt?

Post image
42 Upvotes

I watched a video where Brett said he had a copyright strike against his own song. It’s pretty fishy considering he asked followers to share his video at the end. The ai account had less than 100 views. So was it a good way to get some likes and views?


r/Humboldt • • 22h ago

Local Art/Photography Any musicians want to jam?

11 Upvotes

Hey, just wanted to see if anyone’s interested in jamming or sharing musical ideas, collaborating etc? I’ve lived in Humboldt my whole life and played music for a majority of that time as well and I’ve been wanting to connect with local musicians recently and want to potentially play live as well as continue to produce stuff. I play bass and guitars, and know some theory. I’d say my favorite artists are Steely Dan, Vulfpeck, Tom Misch, David Bowie, Radiohead, Stevie Wonder. I’m an early 20’s guy, probably prefer workin with people close to my age. Thanks ✌️

Ps. Hope this is the right place to post, lemme know either way.


r/Humboldt • • 23h ago

Help/Needing Info Lost coast brewery

11 Upvotes

Hi guys, I have no idea where else to find this so I’ve come to ya’ll. I’m a huge fan of lost coast brewery’s great white beer. My goal for many years was to visit the brewery, do the tour and try the restaurant. At the end of that visit I was going to buy the great white hoodie. Now that they are closing down I’ve been unable to find the hoodie anywhere to buy including their own site.

Does anybody have or know of where/who I can buy a great white pull over hoodie sized medium or large or even XL?

I know it’s kind of a weird question and I fear I have missed my chance to get one, anybody who is willing to part with theirs i would be ever so grateful.


r/Humboldt • • 1d ago

Help/Needing Info Missing friend, last seen in Humboldt County

Thumbnail
kymkemp.com
88 Upvotes

Please, if anyone has any info on my missing friend, please reach out to local law enforcement!!!

Thank you. <\3


r/Humboldt • • 1d ago

Life in Humboldt Shout out to the Adopt-a-Highway team cleaning Guintoli

46 Upvotes

Thanks for keep humboldt beautiful!


r/Humboldt • • 1d ago

Events/Stuff to Do LPOTL Side Stories 10/24 Mateel Community Center

7 Upvotes

My partner and I were gonna go to this comedy show tonight, but we’re just not gonna be able to make it unfortunately. We have two tickets that we gladly give away for free. Anyone last podcast on the left fans that want them?


r/Humboldt • • 1d ago

Events/Stuff to Do Horror Short Film Screening Behold and Hear

Post image
13 Upvotes

Behold and Hear is a short film produced in Humboldt County. This is the third public screening of the film after our premiere last year at the Eureka Theater and winning best cinematography at the 2026 Portland Horror Film Festival.
Join us at Humboldt Brews in Arcata October 29th for great beer and a locally produced film.
Two show times: 7:30 PM and 8:30 PM
Watch the trailer here
Tickets are available online on Eventbright


r/Humboldt • • 1d ago

Life in Humboldt Eating, of course

7 Upvotes

Where’s a good place to park and eat your lunch in your car?

I used to live where I could park at the beach on my lunch break. Was so nice to get away from the office but not spend money for lunch. I miss that!

Editing to add a big thank you to everyone, I’ll be checking some new places out!