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Arcata, CA is known for its beautiful nature and outdoor recreational activities. With a variety of hiking trails, scenic beaches, and picturesque mountains, Arcata has become an increasingly popular destination for those looking to explore the outdoors. There are several small towns located nearby with unique shops, art galleries, and eateries making it a great place to spend time with friends or family. Additionally, Arcata's rich culture and history have made it a desirable location for tourists looking to experience something unique. Reviews from visitors have been overwhelmingly positive with many commenting on the cleanliness of the streets and the friendly locals that make Arcata such an enjoyable place to visit. From visiting the local Farmers Market to taking a stroll along the waterfront pier, there is surely something for everyone in Arcata!
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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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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