Eureka/Arcata? (Berkeley, McKinleyville, Fortuna: realty, house, rent)

[tnawilson]

I am hoping to get some advice on where to live in Northern California. I am moving from Phoenix and I have a 4 year old daughterand my husband is an RN. I have lived in Phoenix my whole life and the growth has finally pushed me out. I am tired of having to drive across the state passing 100 Walmarts to find organic food. I want to be somewhere eclectic, near water and hopefully near a hospital. My daughter will be starting school next year so schools are a consideration as well. Obviously so is crime. We all hate the heat and love the rain and are missing the community feel we used to have here. Arcata is probably where we will end up but any advice would be helpful. Are there hospitals that are better than others? We are outdoorsy people and get up north here as much as possible. Any advice?

[tnawilson]

What about Crescent City??

[thomasw98]

Originally Posted by NorthernCalifornia

...

As for crime Arcata is more dangerous than Eureka in terms of random crime and violence. Eureka has plenty of thefts and domestic violence and wannabe drug dealers fighting each other but all in all it's rather safe. A random rape for example is unheard of in Eureka. It's also a much bigger city than Arcata, with a population around 40k whereas Arcata is about 8k plus another 5-8k when school is in session.

If homeless people shock you well, welcome to America!

As I remember, the crime statistics are the opposite, showing Eureka with much more crime than Arcata. Which is correct?

[eureka1]

To a resident, the stats are meaningless. There are good and bad areas in both towns. There is not a lot of violent crime but there are areas of Eureka where there is gang activity. On the other hand, Cutten, where I live, we don't even lock our doors. It all depends on your neighborhood. There is a lot of PETTY crime in Arcata, which can be very annoying. You can't leave anything in your car, it'll get ripped off. You really need to come and check out the various areas and get a "feel" for the place before making a commitment. I've lived here off and on my whole life- to some it's paradise, to others it's cold, bleak and bereft of opportunities and services. Re: the hospitals, they both suck but at least they're here. Our beloved governor has just slashed the MediCal reimbursement rate again and more doctors will be leaving the area, which will leave us in a crisis like Crescent City had last year, when people had to drive 80 miles to a doctor because no one up there was taking new patients. Sorry not to be more of a booster, but I myself am in the middle of deciding whether to stay here after I retire. The jury is still out.....

[thomasw98]

Originally Posted by eureka1

...Sorry not to be more of a booster, but I myself am in the middle of deciding whether to stay here after I retire. The jury is still out.....

No need to be sorry at all. I appreciate the honest review. I don't know much about the area except what I have learned on the internet, which so far sounds good. I am still wondering if I will be able to handle the cold weather.

Planning a few trips this summer to various potential places such as Arcata, Chico, maybe Eugene and Portland Oregon, etc. So I think I will get a more concrete feeling then (except I still will not know about the winter weather).

In the end, no matter what area looks best, I will first rent for 6 months or so before buying anything.

[eureka1]

Very wise, especially in the wierd real estate market we're having now.

[thomasw98]

For once, time is on my side. The longer I wait, the lower the real estate prices will go (I hope...sorry to you current homeowners). Also my savings are currently in a non-US$ currency, so that is looking good too....maybe if I wait long enough, I can get a big house for free!

[cnfinegan]

I'm a college student in Tennessee, and am considering taking a trip out to the Arcata area, not only to visit the local parks (I'm a natural resources management major and a sucker for big trees), but to scope out Humboldt State as a possible travel-study opportunity. The only time I could make it out there is over Christmas break - to the tune of $600 just for traveling, not to mention food and camping/hotel. Is it worth it? I'm concerned about the weather (I don't want to be stuck and miss the bus/train back to LA and TN), and if I do travel-study out there, getting a part-time job.

[michellehamm]

HI, I am moving to the Humboldt area this fall with my husband and two girls. I have never lived there, but have spent time in Arcata in the late 80s and travelled through the redwoods many times. I love the beauty of the place and am trying to decide on area. I am coming from the Big Island of Hawaii, I love the ocean, nice people, good schools and want to be within 30 minutes or so of Eureka. I have horses and love to be able to walk or ride close to home. I also don't want to be in a higher crime, or tweaker zone. I would love at least an oversized lot in a good area. Where do you think i should look? I also would love a warmer area. Please tell me what you think. Thanks
Thanks


quote=TheDragonslayer;2333824]The crime rate is higher in Eureka because that is where the county seat is, the county jail, 2 hospitals and a large infrastructure for a city of 28,000. The juvenile hall is there also. A large amount of juvenile delinquints and ex-cons are sometims sent here to get rid of them. Arcata on the other hand is a college town with a decent police force that keeps the meth addicts away. The lazy substance of choice there is pot and alchohol. Now there is also McKinleyville, Ferndale, Fortuna and Bluelake . Each one is differnent. Mck is bedroom community, Ferndale and Fortuna are farming and Blue lake is a small town inland from the coast by about 10 miles and is much warmer than Eureka, Arcata and McKinleyville and Ferndale which is the coolest in weather. Fortuna can be nice and warm. There is also Rio Dell, Scotia, Trinidad, Fieldbrook, Bayside, Samoa, Manilla, Cutten and Myrtle town. Fieldbrook is inland and shielded from the coastal fog and wind, which is not all the time and besides it cleans the air and keeps it fresh.[/quote]

[thomasw98]

Hi, I was looking up some realty info for the Humboldt area and came across a long list of various areas/cities. I am wondering if there is anywhere online where they would have a map showing these different areas clearly? Any ideas?

Alderpoint
Alder
Arcata
Azalea
Bayside South
etc., etc.

Thanks!