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What BestPlaces Users Say about Arcata
Arcata, California is a small city located on the northern coast of California, known for its scenic beauty and eco-friendly lifestyle. It is home to Humboldt State University and has a population of about 17,000 people. It has been rated as one of the best places to live in California, with a strong sense of community and a thriving arts and culture scene. Let's take a look at what some users have to say about living in Arcata.
User Reviews:
1. "I absolutely love living in Arcata! The natural beauty of the redwood forests and the ocean is unbeatable. The people here are friendly and laid-back, and there is always something fun and interesting going on. Plus, being a college town, there are plenty of opportunities for young professionals. I highly recommend Arcata to anyone looking for a unique and vibrant place to call home." - Sarah P.
2. "Arcata is a beautiful and welcoming community. The small-town feel is great and there is a strong emphasis on sustainability and eco-friendliness. The farmers' market is a must-visit, and the local businesses and restaurants are top-notch. My only complaint would be the high cost of living, but it's worth it for the quality of life here." - Mike S.
3. "Arcata is a great place for families. The schools are excellent and there are plenty of parks and outdoor activities for kids. The sense of community here is strong and I feel safe letting my kids explore and play in the neighborhood. We've been here for 10 years and have no plans of leaving anytime soon." - Emily M.
4. "I moved to Arcata for college and fell in love with the city. The proximity to the beach and mountains make it perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Plus, the music and arts scene is thriving. The only downside is the lack of job opportunities outside of the service industry, so it can be tough for young professionals to find a career here. But overall, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else." - Mark T.
based on 17 ReviewsGet to know Arcata with the latest comments and reviews from people who live in or have visited Arcata
Do not move here if you want to raise a family - 1/2/2021
Pros:
Nature hikes
Cons:
One of highest crime rates in the nation.
Opioid epidemic going on (you’ll regularly witness drug deals and ppl doing drugs)
No nightlife. All establishments close at around 8-9pm and the ones that stay open later are either gas stations/liquor stores/seedy bars.
Highest missing person and murder rates in the state.
Indifferent local government
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Start Your Review of Arcata
Cold, cloudy, wet, remote - 5/29/2017
It takes a special set of preferences to select Arcata. Is this you?
- You love clouds and fog. You are happy if you see the sun maybe 10-20 times a year.
- Chilly weather is great. After a loooong wet rainy season, you are happy to see the weather shift to windy and foggy all "summer." You are glad it rarely gets warmer than 65 degrees F, and usually is only 55 F in summer.
- You hate summertime. You'll love it here -- we don't get a summer. Fairbanks Alaska is warmer in summer than Arcata.
- Remoteness is great. You don't need access to quality healthcare, or a hub airport, or decent highways. You love driving for hours on winding two-lane roads to see you friends and family. Its great when landslides block roads in and out.
- You love really expensive gasoline. Probably the most expensive in CA.
- You really love paying super high prices to a monopoly air carrier with some of the very worst scores for
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Humboldt's best town - 9/16/2014
I've lived in Humboldt for over 30 yrs and know all the areas well. Arcata is the jewel of Humboldt due to having a university and many liberal creative people. There is plenty of money from pot growers who live in the hills or have indoor grows and they like to come to town to eat and have fun, so there are many very good restaurants and nightclubs. Festivals abound on the town plaza which is lovely with a huge farmer's market with live music. This is the only town I know that has a large marimba band. There are so many tourist the town is always busy and since most of the people who live here came from other areas, the educational level is high. When Marijuana is legalized I think the area will have been gentrified and will survive. The weather has been wonderful the 19 years I have lived here.
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Question about moving to Humboldt Bay area - 7/21/2013
This is not a comment but a question. I am in my 60s and will be retiring in a couple of years. I currently live in suburban New York and am looking to relocate to the West Coast when I retire. Northern California seems very attractive as I don't like snow or hot, muggy weather. One of the places I am looking at is the Humboldt Bay area (Arcata, Eureka, etc.) I am wondering, is it possible to rent one bedroom apartments there or do the zoning laws prevent it? I am guessing that renting a house would be too expensive. Any suggestions for other areas of California or Oregon that have mild climates and rental
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Would love some feedback - 5/25/2012
I'm a working novelist, single female, on the young side of middle-age, selling my place in Venice CA and trying to decide where to relocate. I'm a diehard Californian, so I want to stay in the state. I've always lived close to the ocean and would like to continue to do so. Would anyone care to offer some feedback on Arcata and Humboldt in general for writer types? I'm looking for a walkable community, decent restaurants and coffee houses and public spaces. I don't need constant entertainment but definitely want some intellectual/cultural stimulation.
Obviously I'll be making a visit before any kind of decision, but am curious to hear insider perspectives.
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behind the redwood curtain - 10/24/2009
when they say behind the redwood curtain they mean it, it took a lot longer for the whole recession thing to hit here and I don't think it hit nearly as bad as other places. It is small community with tons of outdoor activities ranging from beaches, rivers, mountains, forests. Night life or city life stuff falls short and the winter rains and summer fog are probably the most detering factor for the
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comparing big city life vs small towns - 1/24/2009
I am considering a move to Humboldt County next summer.
I currently live in SF, CA. The cost of living and parking wars is profoundly depressing for me now. I feel as a renter in this beautiful city, you're always struggling to make ends meet. And the cost of a 2 bedroom apt is astoundingly high. Even on my wage I cant move out of my 1 br apt now.
As I'm a single parent w/ a daughter @ HSU, we're both considering saving some money and I move up there, get a hospital job and slow my pace down. Then I wouldnt have to pay for housing on campus for her, she would love to move in w/
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Please Don't Visit - 12/2/2008
Arcata is already way too crowded with well meaning, well educated, clueless carpet baggers. Please if you can't enjoy Arcata for what it is and have this over powering need for community involvement and cultural renewal-go to L.A.. there's lots of improvement needed there. Thank
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