Arcata/Eureka: More than one question :) (Susanville, Red Bluff: fit in, rent, how much)

[Affinity]

Hello, I just joined and I have a few questions.
Last summer I went to stay with my aunt in Bayside (we spent most of our time in Arcata or Eureka) for a little while and I absolutely fell in looooove with the place. I decided right then I was going to move there.
Next June I'm graduating high school and being emancipated and my plan is to move to Eureka and go to College of the Redwoods for 2 years, then transfer to HSU. I want a degree in art and to become a tattoo artist

Anyways, I went to the Arts Alive thing and saw ALOT of musicians. My current boyfriend is a close-to-professional drummer and is hoping to move there with me to find a band there. I have always considered the area to be very involved with music and art, however, my dad says different. (cough, he's never lived there, cough). He has been saying that there is absolutely nooooo music scene there and it'll be a waste of my boyfriend's time. Keep in mind, he doesn't want his baby girl leaving the nest and it's even harder with a guy involved, so he'll say about anything to change my mind.
Is it or is it not a good place to find a band?
We're not talking like after two weeks together they hop into a recording studio and make a hit album, but people who will jam and hopefully move on gradually to get serious.

Also, is it generally easy to get a job there?
Obviously not a 5,000/month job but something that will make enough to pay rent and bills. Doesn't have to be anything special, a clothing store or whatever would do.

Lastly, pro's and con's of living there?
What I already know is... I love rain and fog. I have family that lives there, major plus. I read alot of complaints on here about the "hippie scene" ahah. I guess I fit in with that. As far as the drugs and such, where I live know is already swarming with 'em, and I'm smart enough to stay away from that.

Any input is greatly appreciated
-Kat

[Jaybee]

I see from your zipcode that you're currently in Susanville. I understand the attraction to the vastly different climate that Humboldt County offers-to say nothing of the cultural differences between the two communities. Humboldt is appealing largely because it isn't Susanville. However, there may be your equal in Eureka who similarly can't wait to leave the fog/rain/parents/limitations/isolation... It's a lot about change and independance, isn't it?

OK, first of all, I've never lived in Humboldt County. I do like to visit there during the summer when the temperature here in Red Bluff hits 110 degrees. I've known some people who've moved to the northcoast who couldn't stand the grey dreariness, fog and cool temperatures. They returned with horrible stories of isolation, depression, moldy armpits and webbed feet (kidding). You may be different-who knows.

As for the degree in art with the goal of becomming a tatoo artist-interesting idea. But, I certainly don't think tatoo artists necessarily need degrees-the one's I've met definitely aren't the college graduate type. However, let's see, we are talking about Humboldt County aren't we... Yeah, come to think of it, there probably is a market for a degreed tatoo artist there.

Of course, you'll need to fund yourself while you earn that degree. Also, before deciding on that as a career path-look into just how much money experienced tatoo artists make a year. Does that salary justify the expenditure of all the money it takes to earn a degree? To say nothing of the four or five years it takes to earn a BA.

Not sure the economy is booming there right now. I'm kind of a student of demographics and can tell you that Eureka's population has been pretty stagnant for the last 30 years or so. They've been hurt by loss of lumber and fishing industries. There may be some starter minimum wage jobs in retail or fast food available. In reality, the economy all over the north state sucks right now. Don't expect that to change in the near term-particularly on the isolated northcoast.

As for the band scene- I frankly have no idea. You might subscribe to the local newspaper-check things out in the entertainment section and the jobs want ads.

One other thought I'd like to leave you with. I too am a father and can understand your father's concerns for your. I have the same for my daughter. You might not understand them now, but at some point in the future you may. At that point you may really appreciate just how wise your father was and is.

Good Luck!

[TheDragonslayer]

The music scene is quite strong here. The Blue Lake casino always has local bands playing. There is an annual jazz festival and a blues by the bay festival. Southern Humboldt in the Garberville area has several Reggae events every summer. I take care of a yard for a couple that have a recording studio and they seem to be busy.

[Livingwithart]

Hi, posted earlier on another related thread but... how is the area up there for new businesses? Would an interior design shop fly at all, everything from color and specialty paint finishes to remodeling and furniture design? Is the jazz and blues scene active? would love some good live music!