$652,848Average Value$384Average Price per Sq Ft5Homes For Sale
California Heights offers suburban living close to campus
California Heights is a suburban neighborhood in Arcata that extends from the Highway 101 corridor into the dense woodlands of the Pacific Northwest. It sits just north of California State Polytechnic University’s Humbolt County campus. Access to the university, along with the pedestrian-friendly ways to reach town make California Heights a comfortable perch from which to enjoy all Arcata has to offer. “Because that area is so close to the university, it has a lot of staff, faculty, administration and student housing,” says Realtor Robin Quigley of eXp Realty, a lifelong resident who has been selling real estate in Arcata for 13 years. “It’s within walking distance of downtown Arcata and the university, so it’s very popular and convenient.”
Student-friendly rentals mix with evergreen-lined suburbs
The northwesternmost part of California Heights is made up of apartment buildings and townhouses, many of which cater to students at the nearby university. “It’s a mix of rentals and homeowners,” Quigley says. The more typically suburban streets in the rest of the neighborhood cut into the surrounding woodland, wandering upward into the evergreens. These are lined with Midcentury Modern homes and split-levels from the 1970s, along with wood-paneled cabins. Prices can range from $360,000 to around $920,000, varying based on square footage, rooms and build year.
Markets and eateries in Arcata are within walking distance
The Cupboard Market is a small, on-campus convenience store within walking distance of the neighborhood. The closest supermarket is Murphy’s Westwood Market and Deli, located on the west side of U.S. Route 101. Down the highway, in Eureka, there are a Target, Costco and Walmart. Eateries in downtown Arcata are within walking distance. “Right at 9th Street is the Arcata Plaza, which is the heart of the town,” Quigley says. “It’s surrounded by restaurants, bars and retail shops on all sides. It’s where festivals happen and where the farmer’s market is on Saturdays.” Among the most popular are sushi spot Tanuki’s Den and Cuban-inspired Havana Restaurant and Bar.
Trails connect suburban houses to the nearby forest and university
Trails leading into Arcata Community Forest are threaded throughout the neighborhood, often beginning at the ends of cul-de-sacs or in backyards. “The Community Forest is popular there, and there are also trails that go straight to the university,” Quigley says. “You can pick them up from the south side of California Avenue where the woods are.” The marshland on the south side of Arcata is another nearby destination. “There are walking and biking trails, and there’s boat access for people who want to get out on the bay,” Quigley adds. For a more structured experience there's the Arcata Sports Complex, which is home to several athletic fields, baseball diamonds and the HealthSPORT fitness center.
California Heights is close to well-rated schools and college campus
Students in California Heights are zoned for the Arcata Elementary School District, which earns a B-plus grade from Niche. It offers capacity-based, inter-district transfers. Arcata Elementary School also scores a B-plus, and Sunny Brae Middle receives a B. Arcata High is rated B-plus and offers programs in agriculture, along with other career and technical education pathways.
Walkable streets and the highway are easily accessible
U.S. Highway 101, also known as Redwood Highway, forms the western boundary of California Heights and connects residents to nearby towns like Eureka. L K Wood Boulevard, a surface street that runs parallel to the freeway, is preferable for commuting to California State Polytechnic or into Arcata while avoiding traffic. There are no public transit options connecting the neighborhood directly to campus or to town, but the trip is easily walkable. “You just walk down L K Wood, cross at 14th Street and turn on G Street to get down to the plaza,” Quigley says.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
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Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
California Heights
US
Homicide
3
4
Sexual Assault
3
4
Assault with Weapon
3
4
Robbery
3
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
5
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
California Heights Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in California Heights, Arcata sell after 38 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in California Heights, Arcata over the last 12 months is $664,000, down 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
