I'm transfering to College of the Redwoods in Humboldt and curious as to where I should live (Eureka: rental, good credit) - California (CA) - City-Data Forum

Kurtsea · 05-28-2009, 08:14 PM

Hey, Im going to be moving up to Humboldt county for school and was wondering as to the best place for myself to live; which city and neighborhood?

Here's my info and desires:

--I will be attending College of the Redwoods and would like to have an easy commute; by bike or car.

--I dont have much money. ($500/month, for rent and utilities)

--I'm 21 yrs old and not an outrageous partier.

--Need to be able to get away from crowds, people and responsibility.

--Want to have a veg garden w/ a couple 215 plants.

--Would like to continue drumming, so I need to be able to be loud.

--I am an outsider artist and would like to support myself some day with my painting, drawing, music or whatever.
Portfolio = ]Image hosting, free photo sharing & video sharing at Photobucket

--Would like to have easy access to groceries and Pharmacies.

--Im also not big on getting stabbed by meth-heads. But keep in mind I've lived in San Fran in the mission district.

eureka1 · 05-28-2009, 09:37 PM

Have you been to CR? If you have,you know it's not set up for a good bike commute;you'll be on the freeway. Better plan on driving. It sounds like you need a place in the country. If you have good credit or your parents can cosign for you you can find something through a rental agency maybe in Loleta (not much there) or Fortuna. The real amenities are in Eureka and Arcata. Plan to spend some time looking and you'll find something.

mdvaden · 05-28-2009, 11:53 PM

Just stumbled on this thread.

I can't offer tips - not knowing the urban layout there.

Can help with your album though - you added an extra bracket on the right side of the URL - try this:

Photos of Projects by Kurtsea

Cheers.

Kurtsea · 05-29-2009, 10:22 PM

thanks eureka1, I've never been to the school but knowing its the commuter type is actually really helpful; I'm taking a trip up soon. I just found out through financial aid that I could recieve the money to pay my tuition so Im kinda rushing this move.
---------------------------------------------
and mdvaden, gratsi as well.

Kurtsea · 05-29-2009, 10:26 PM

Does eureka seem dangerous? after living there yourself. Do you feel comfortable walking around at night everywhere, or are some places too creepy?

MikensusanL · 05-29-2009, 10:58 PM

Kurtsea, having lived in Eureka for 17 years previously I can tell you it is pretty small. The population within the city limits is probably not even 50.000 people. I graduated from CR in 2000 from the nursing school there. My kids (adults) and grand-daughter still live there. Probably best to not walk at night through the "projects" the area down around Winco.
CR is a pretty campus but quite a distance from Eureka, about 15-20 minutes by car depending on where you live so biking isn't an option especially since it is located off Hwy 101. Loleta is probably closer and maybe less expensive or Ferndale or Fortuna. Cutten is a bit nicer and bit more inland, not sure about rents anymore though. Try checking with Professional Property management I think it is located on or around 6th or 7th and E street.
You do get a fair amount of rain there too so be prepared for that and fog! As far as your planting plans, good luck. You should check out the old town area too.
Good luck!

eureka1 · 05-30-2009, 11:58 AM

Previous poster is right on,there are good and bad areas. But even in Cutten, where I live,we are locking our doors now where we didn't used to because there have been drug murders (marijuana-related) within a mile or two. On you way into Eureka,on the left, PAST the big mall,you will find a Chamber of Commerce welcome center that will have lots of free maps. Get one and DM me when you get here. I'll buy you coffee and redline the "no-go" zones for you.

mdvaden · 05-30-2009, 11:02 PM

I'm following the Eureka stuff, simply because it's on my list to drive to again next time or two into the redwoods. I get to the redwoods about every 6 weeks on average it seems.

You know what I liked about Eureka? Petty thing ... but it has a Winco store. I love shopping at Wincos. Not just the prices, but the wide isles and room to get around. That's the first place I went to last November on my way to Rockefeller Forest, to stock up my cooler with steaks, ice, juice, bacon, cheeses, etc..

All in all, the town had a nice feel to it. One stretch of highway had some gorgeous old Eucalyptus. Pretty sure that was Eureka.

M. D. Vaden of Oregon

eureka1 · 05-31-2009, 04:10 PM

That's the stretch of road between Eureka and Arcata. Caltrans is trying to cut those trees down.

nmnita · 05-31-2009, 06:07 PM

Eureka, like any city, anywhere has some bad areas but it is basically safe and a good place for someone who wants the slower paced life with lots of liberal influence.

Someone said 50,000 people, I think it is probably closer to 30,000 at the most. By the way, the drive from Eureka to College of the Redwoods is awesome.

Nita