r/Humboldt • • Apr 01 '25

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

451 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 • • 6h ago

Local News/Politics MapQuest now shows you Flock license plate reader cameras

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22 Upvotes

First they remain firm with Lake Ontario, and now they're offering the ability to view where Flock and other ALPR cameras are located in our county!

Nice companion to DeFlock


r/Humboldt • • 12h ago

Life in Humboldt Busy afternoon at ACV

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48 Upvotes

r/Humboldt • • 8h ago

Local Art/Photography WANTED: current Laytonville toilet photo

22 Upvotes

I drove through Laytonville today and was absolutely DELIGHTED to see that the Laytonville toilet had a baby!!! If anyone can provide a photo of the proud parental I would be most thrilled to have a picture of them!!!


r/Humboldt • • 19h ago

Review/Recommendation NORTHERN REALMS TRADING CARDS staff/owner possibly stealing prize cards for tournaments.

59 Upvotes

I signed up on the Bushi Navi app for the challenger’s cup for the Palworld TCG at Northern Realms Trading Cards a month in advance. My spot was confirmed for the challenger's cup event that was scheduled for 2pm PST on the 16th of October. I am writing to express my concerns regarding the handling of this event and to see if anyone else has shared this experience at this shop.

I arrived at the store at 12:50pm, they began the event 15 minutes later at 1:05pm, almost a full hour before the listed time. Upon arrival the store staff said the challenger’s cup event didn’t have the correct promos for prizing (Lovander’s top 4 card and serialized jormuntide ignis winner card). They stated they ran the grand challenger cup event "accidentally" a week before the scheduled date and gave out the cards then, even though no such update, date change, or event cancellation was done through the app we use for the tournaments. Additionally, one of the other competitors said he was at the event the week before at that location and no such event with prizing happened.

The store owner then ran the event as the "challenger’s cup" with the winner getting a booster box which totals up to 100$ of prizing vs the 3000$ card for 1st place and the 200$ cards for top 4 which is a total of 3800$ worth of prizing that just dissappeard.

All of the players and I have reported this store to the company that sponsors the tournament (BushiRoad) so I hope something gets done about it because this is a very suspicious situation and I hope all local players be wary of participating in tournaments at this shop.


r/Humboldt • • 6h ago

Help/Needing Info Where to buy fresh peanuts in Arcata/Humboldt?

7 Upvotes

That's it


r/Humboldt • • 12h ago

Life in Humboldt Looking for night life options

10 Upvotes

I want to go more in the evening, what are some suggestions? Anything about going out to socialize or how about nice locations around Humboldt?


r/Humboldt • • 12h ago

Questions about Moving What’s it like living in Southern Humboldt/Northern Mendo?

6 Upvotes

Curious about the stretch of 101 & surrounding areas from Laytonville to Mattole Road. If you’ve lived in the areas & have the local scoop, give me the good, bad & ugly. Particularly curious what the communities are like - it is a community oriented vibe where people look out for each other, or is it more like everyone does their own thing & doesn’t bother each other? Thank you!


r/Humboldt • • 1d ago

Local Food Experience today at the Eureka Jack in the Box

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90 Upvotes

My partner and I went to Jack in the Box today and they had restriped their parking lot. No signs indicating wet paint anywhere. I informed the manager that I had gotten paint inside my car and he said, "Don't care, Bye bye". This was all noticed after a crappy dining experience. Its not worth the effort to deal with this manager so I am reaching out to corporate. If you happened to go to the Jack in the Box tonight, check your vehicle and hit up the contact us link. here is the link for your convenience https://www.heyjackbox.com/


r/Humboldt • • 1d ago

Review/Recommendation Musk documentary movie - Currently 12:45pm everyday in Eureka Broadway

84 Upvotes

I saw this movie with a friend today, and it feels like a big bombshell on an evil trillionare.

I watched and thought it was entertaining and shocking that I had to hold on to someone feeling scared.

The downside is that it is 4 hours long, and not for the faint hearted.

Watch this before Elon Musk pulls the movie away.


r/Humboldt • • 16h ago

Local Food Hot sauces?

2 Upvotes

I remember seeing big displays of all kinds of local and other hot sauces. But I can't seem to find a good selection anywhere. Does anyone have a good tip for somewhere that carries a bunch of different hot sauces? Im specifically looking for Humboldt Hot Sauce. Any help is very much appreciated. :)


r/Humboldt • • 1d ago

Help/Needing Info Zombie Ballet for Children?

7 Upvotes

Is the Zombie Ballet put on by North Coast Dance for families of the dancers? Or is it something two random thirty year olds would enjoy?


r/Humboldt • • 1d ago

Help/Needing Info Looking for a watchmaker

6 Upvotes

I have gold Lord Elgin watch that I am looking to have cleaned up. It’s been dead for many years, it has sentimental value. Are there reputable shops in the area or do I need to outsource?


r/Humboldt • • 1d ago

Events/Stuff to Do Super Secret Comedy Legend Headlines Savage Henry Friday 10/23 [with extra secrets]

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8 Upvotes

Last night I noticed a new posting about a very special secret show at Savage Henry on Friday October 23rd. It also just so happens to be the day before the big Last Podcast on the Left *Side Stories* show at Matteel. So I contacted a few sources and they all say that those two shows might have a lot in common.

Sadly that is all the information i can provide at the moment buuut I do know the headliner is great and they may just have a special surprise with them.

[More 🎟 information via the link above]


r/Humboldt • • 2d ago

Events/Stuff to Do Who’s going to be there tomorrow at 7

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36 Upvotes

r/Humboldt • • 1d ago

Help/Needing Info Bank or credit union

5 Upvotes

Looking for your experience / recommendations / thoughts on whether to use a credit union (example cost central) vs a bank (example tri counties)? What are the pros and cons? Thanks in advance!


r/Humboldt • • 1d ago

Review/Recommendation Rhizome and Queer Humboldt

4 Upvotes

I’m trying to not introduce my own personal experiences to avoid bias, anyone have experience with either or both places and would be willing to share?

From what a social worker told me from one of the organizations, it seems like there maybe a degree of conflict between the two organizations. But like 🤷 that’s one person. I’ve had another person cross refer to the other from the same org that said they don’t cross refer anymore due to safety concerns.

My intention is to have more context around forming my own opinions/ understanding bias of information since it’s just confusing.

Thanks!


r/Humboldt • • 2d ago

Events/Stuff to Do Anyone gone to this event before?

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17 Upvotes

I’m planning on going to this bc why not. Never gone before and have some questions. Main question is there alcohol being sold at the event or am I supposed to bring my own? Do they stop letting enter after a certain time? What is the vibe usually like? And did you have fun when you went?


r/Humboldt • • 2d ago

Local Art/Photography Looking for models for free outdoor portrait sessions around Northern Humboldt (Arcata/Eureka/McKinleyville), shooting in the next few weeks

12 Upvotes

Hi! I’m a local photographer (Modern Virago), and I’m building out my portfolio before the weather turns. I’m offering 3 free sessions:

🤰 One Maternity Session
💍 One Couples Session (engaged, just married, anniversary, etc!)
🖤 One Boudoir Session

What you get: a free session and a gallery of 25+ edited photos.

What I ask: that I can use and share the images, and that you leave a short review if you loved it!

Sessions will be outdoors, in the next 2 to 3 weeks, at a location close to wherever you are.

Apply here (a Google form): https://forms.gle/Tk6nfSuzZ9ASr8rt6

I’ll be choosing one applicant for each session type :)

Happy to answer questions in the comments!


r/Humboldt • • 2d ago

Misc./Other arcata drivers beware!

10 Upvotes

old sky blue vw van seen speeding down LKWOOD. the car was swerving in and out of the bike lane and incoming traffic lane to pass up the four cars that driving were on the road.


r/Humboldt • • 2d ago

Events/Stuff to Do Join me at BOLDtFEST, Friday 10/16/26.

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5 Upvotes

r/Humboldt • • 2d ago

Help/Needing Info Looking for beneficial/predatory nematodes

8 Upvotes

Hey y’all, does anyone know where I could buy predatory nematodes for houseplant fungal gnats locally? Thanks!


r/Humboldt • • 2d ago

Local News/Politics Letter Writer Follows Fortuna’s Money Ahead of Measure D Vote

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11 Upvotes

When my last letter ran, my inbox and the Facebook threads filled up. Thank you. Why is the police department paid so much? Where does the money go? So… I went and dug. 

First, you should know where I started: my last letter argued against Measure D as written. Personally, I don’t think it’s a viable solution, only a temporary fix. This one isn’t a “vote yes” or “vote no” letter. I want you to have the facts. And we’ve been here before. In 2024, Measure P asked for the same 0.75% sales tax and lost, 42.5% to 57.5% (North Coast Journal). A poll done for the city this year found 46% in favor and 51% against, with a 7% margin of error (Lost Coast Outpost). Measure D is on the ballot, so here’s what you’re deciding. 


r/Humboldt • • 2d ago

Help/Needing Info good piercing recs!

8 Upvotes

I’m looking to get a new piercing soon (specifically collarbone dermals) and I have no clue about where is a good place to go that’s reliable but not extremely overpriced (or underpriced, lol). What places have you guys had good experiences at?? This will be my first body piercing too!


r/Humboldt • • 2d ago

Misc./Other Local game devs/aspiring game devs

13 Upvotes

Looking for other people in the area who are aspiring to be or already are working with video game development.
I just started working with Unreal Engine and would love to work together with some other like minded people. Maybe even start a project together.
Hit me up!