Eureka

Foggy mornings give way to sunny afternoons in Bayview, a coastal community just south of Eureka, California. This residential neighborhood features a hodgepodge of older homes near the Humboldt Bay shoreline. It's within a few miles of beaches, state parks and rugged hiking trails. “People are moving here for the redwoods, the outdoors and the climate. We’re in the 50s year-round. We get a little frost in the winter, and a little heat in the summer,” says Larry Doss, broker and owner of Ming Tree Realty and a longtime area resident. Bayview offers an array of homes built during the 1950s and 60s, with ranch homes, cottages and bungalows the most common designs. These residences typically range from 800 to 1,600 square feet, with lot sizes that reach up to a quarter-acre. Streets are lined with small yards, landscaped lawns and mature trees and vegetation. Tall maples, oaks and Douglas fir trees can be seen dotting the horizon line. Prices range from $300,000 to $600,000, depending on the size and condition of the home. There are several mobile home parks in the community that offer more affordable housing options. Bayview is just minutes from the Eureka Waterfront Trail, a 6-mile-long paved pathway that winds alongside Humboldt Bay saltmarshes and sand dunes. “Humboldt Bay is really unique. It’s got industry like commercial fishing and logging, but there’s a nice balance with the environment,” Doss says. “It’s one of the cleanest multi-use bays in the state.” Avid golfers tee up at Eureka Municipal Golf Course, just south of the neighborhood. This 18-hole golf course isn’t just known for its rolling fairways, it’s also a haven for regional flora and fauna like ospreys, red-tailed hawks and coastal redwoods. Also nearby is Fort Humboldt State Historic Park, an old military facility that overlooks the bay from a scenic bluff. It's just a few miles from the massive redwood forests and Pacific Beaches that Humboldt County is famous for. Restaurants close to Bayview include Golden Harvest Café, a local diner serving breakfast, brunch and coffee. Lost Coast Brewery is an independent brewer with a tasting room, restaurant and outdoor patio. West of the neighborhood is Bayshore Mall, an indoor shopping mall with apparel shops, department stores and big box stores like Kohl’s, Petco and Walmart. Groceries and everyday essentials can be found close to home at Winco Foods. Young students can attend Alice Birney Elementary School, which earns a C-rating from Niche. Students can move on to C-rated Winship Middle School, and upperclassmen can attend B-rated Eureka High School. The high school offers plenty of afterschool athletic programs for students to participate in. It just opened a brand-new campus gym in 2023 with state-of-the-art athletic courts, fitness rooms and bleachers that can seat up to 1,200 people. Bayview is less than a mile from State Route 101, also known as the Pacific Coast Highway, a celebrated and scenic roadway that traverses the California coast. It's also a regional commuter corridor that connects with Eureka, Arcata and Fortuna. Eureka Transit Service operates several bus lines with stops in Bayview. The region’s airport, the California Redwood Coast-Humbolt County Airport, is about 18 miles north of the neighborhood. The weather in Eureka is typically foggy, chilly and experiences more rainfall than central and southern California. Temperatures usually range from 40 degrees to 65 degrees all year-round. Fog typically rolls in from the ocean in the morning and dissipates in late morning or early afternoon.

Broadway Street is where a cool bay breeze sweeps through the streets of Eureka, a coastal town in the remote reaches of Northern California. This neighborhood is largely residential and sits just outside the city’s historic Old Town district, so residents can walk to local eateries, shops and the Humboldt Bay waterfront. Home to around 26,000 residents, Eureka is a port city where logging and fishing were once the major drivers of the local economy. The city and the surrounding area are known for its moderate weather, beautiful beaches and towering redwood forests. In recent years, the region has begun transitioning into a tourism-based economy since logging in the region has been largely curtailed. “People who come here the first time are floored by the natural beauty we have. You can be on the oceanfront, and within 10 minutes, you’re in Sequoia Park, which has some of the oldest redwoods in the state,” says Felicia Costa, broker and co-owner of Humbolt Premier Properties, a longtime area resident. Costa says the Broadway Street area offers “a hodgepodge” of architecture from the late 1800s. “You can’t go a block without seeing a Victorian that’s been really well maintained,” Costa says. “But there are many in varying states of repair.” The neighborhood is laid out in a traditional, flat street grid. Victorian homes with bright color patterns, ornamental trim and bay windows are a common sight, but midcentury ranch homes and bungalows also make an appearance. Homes are typically situated on lots between 5,000 and 6,000 square feet, so there’s plenty of room for gardening and landscaping. Prices range from $300,000 to $700,000, depending on their size and condition. Some large, luxurious Victorians in the neighborhood may list for upwards of $1 million. The neighborhood has several waterfront eateries where diners can gaze out across Humboldt Bay, like Jack’s Seafood, a long-running restaurant where dishes feature fresh catches from the Pacific. There’s also Pile High Deli, a few blocks from the shoreline, where locals stop off for a hearty lunch. Family activities are also close to home: locals can catch the latest Hollywood film at Broadway Cinema or test their skills on the hardwood at Harbor Lane’s bowling alley. The nearest grocery stores are Grocery Outlet and North Coast Co-op. Eureka’s Old Town district and boardwalk are close by, and within walking distance for many residents. The area is full of grand old architecture, public squares, restaurants and shops. Young students can attend Lafayette Elementary School, which earns a C-rating from Niche. The school offers afterschool classes, homework help and activities until 6 p.m. everyday for students who need it. Students can move on to C-plus-rated Catherine L. Zane Middle School, and upperclassmen can attend B-rated Eureka High School. The Eureka Waterfront Trail skirts the edge of the neighborhood, offering a place to walk or bike near the bay. The trail is one way to get to the Eureka Public Marina where locals dock their boats between excursions on the bay. Summer concerts are held along the shoreline at Madaket Square every Thursday from June through August. At the eastern edge of the neighborhood is Hammond Park, which takes up nearly an entire city block and features picnic areas, a playground and basketball and tennis courts. Eureka is also known throughout the state as a haven for nature lovers. The city is just a few miles from massive redwood forests, chilly Pacific beaches and seaside vistas. Broadway Street itself is State Route 101, also known as the Pacific Coast Highway, a celebrated state highway that traverses the California coast. The 101 is a regional commuter corridor that will take residents to nearby coastal towns like Arcata, Fortuna and McKinleyville. Eureka is remote – the nearest major city, San Francisco, is about 270 miles away. The region’s airport, the California Redwood Coast-Humbolt County Airport, is about 16 miles north of the neighborhood. Broadway Street is at an increased risk for flooding, especially the western side of the neighborhood where it borders the bay. The weather in Eureka is typically foggy, chilly and experiences more rainfall than central and southern California.

Buhne Street-Harrison Avenue is a lively residential district in the heart of Eureka, just south of the city’s downtown district. It’s just north of Sequoia Park, a 60-acre redwood forest and zoo that’s become one of the city’s most popular attractions. “It’s a great getaway for adults and kids. You really get a taste of the strength and beauty of the redwoods,” says Realtor Mike Pigg of Coldwell Banker Cutten Realty, a longtime Humboldt County resident. Like the rest of the coastal region of Northern California, climate is a major draw for new residents. It’s typically cool and temperate, with a light mist in the morning that gives way to sunshine later in the day. “We enjoy the air conditioning from a blanket of fog while the rest of the country is in a heat wave,” Pigg says. Some homes in the neighborhood date back to Eureka’s earliest eras when it was a booming timber town. The neighborhood’s bungalows, Craftsman homes and cottages built in the early 20th century are full of character, whether it’s a bright-pink paintjob, or exposed, ornamental beams adorning a front porch. Other streets are lined with midcentury ranch homes on small lots, while others feature custom-built, midcentury homes tucked away on wooded parcels brimming with redwoods and Douglas fir trees. “You’ve got old-time residents, families, renters. There’s a huge variety of homes, people and lifestyles,” Pigg says. Prices range from $250,000 to $800,000, depending on the size, age and condition of the home. Sequoia Park and Zoo offers miles of walking and biking trails that traverse a centuries-old redwood forest. It’s home to the city's 100-foot-tall Redwood Sky Walk that lets people experience the beauty of the redwoods from the tree canopy. Established in 1907, the Sequoia Park Zoo is the oldest zoo in California. It's known for its array of exotic and regional mammals, reptiles and birds. At the opposite end of the neighborhood is Cooper Gulch Park, a smaller park with ballfields, a playground and a concrete skate park. It’s just a few miles from the massive redwood state parks and Pacific beaches that Humboldt County is famous for. Local eateries, breweries and cafes can be found along the outskirts of the neighborhood, on Harrison Avenue, Harris Street and Myrtle Avenue. Kool Beanz Coffee & Ice Cream is an old-school roadside stop with espresso drinks, breakfast sandwiches and frozen treats. There’s also Ramone’s Bakery & Café, a long-running local institution that’s been baking cakes and desserts for four decades. Beers, brews and snacks can be found at Redwood Curtain Brewing Company, a family-owned brewery opened in 2010. Safeway is less than a mile away for groceries and everyday essentials. Eureka’s walkable downtown and Old Town districts are about 2 miles away. Young students can attend Washington Elementary School, which earns a C-plus-rating from Niche. Students can move on to C-plus-rated Catherine L. Zane Middle School, and upperclassmen can attend B-rated Eureka High School, both of which are within the neighborhood. The high school opened a brand-new campus gym in 2023 that offers 40,000 square feet of space, athletic courts, a fitness center and bleachers that can seat up to 1,200 people. The neighborhood is about 2 miles from State Route 101, also known as the Pacific Coast Highway, a celebrated state highway that traverses the California coast. It’s also a regional commuter corridor that connects with Arcata and Fortuna. Eureka Transit Service operates several bus lines in the district with stops on Buhne Street and Harrison Avenue. The region’s airport, the California Redwood Coast-Humbolt County Airport, is about 16 miles away. Providence St. Joseph Hospital Eureka operates two medical campuses in the neighborhood. It’s the largest hospital system in Humboldt County and the county’s second largest employer. The weather in Eureka is typically foggy, chilly and experiences more rainfall than central and southern California. Temperatures usually range from 40 degrees to 65 degrees all year-round. Fog typically rolls in from the ocean in the morning and dissipates in late morning or early afternoon.

City Center is in the heart of Eureka, a remote town in Northern California that’s situated between the misty Pacific coast and the sprawling redwood forests of Humboldt County. The neighborhood is largely residential and sits just east of the city’s vibrant Old Town district. It offers a mix of historic homes, including grand architecture that dates back to the late 1800s. “We’ve got a lot of beautiful, Victorian style homes similar to those you see in San Francisco,” says Scott Pesch of Pacific Partners Real Estate, a longtime area resident. Home to around 26,000 residents, Eureka is a port city where logging and fishing were once its largest commercial exports. In recent years, it’s transitioned into a tourist destination since logging in the region has been largely curtailed. “We’ve got great outdoors, but we’re also smaller than most California cities, and I think that’s a big advantage for us,” Pesch says. Eureka’s Old Town district, just a few blocks away from City Center, is where locals can walk through streets full of old architecture, public squares, restaurants and shops. It sits at the edge of Humboldt Bay and the Eureka Boardwalk, known for its waterfront views, boats sailing around the harbor and local wildlife. There are a wide range of restaurants, from upscale oyster bars like Humboldt Bay Provisions to downhome diners like The Greene Lily. Victorian estates like the Ingomar Club and The Pinc Lady Mansion are some of the city’s most famous sightseeing spots. There’s also Target and CVS Pharmacy within the neighborhood for groceries and everyday goods. City Center has a hodgepodge of eclectic homes on a traditional, flat street grid. Colorful Victorian homes with ornate trim, Craftsman homes with exposed beams and tiny bungalows can all be found here. Many of these homes have been well-maintained, updated or renovated, but it’s not uncommon to see homes in need of major repairs. Streets typically have wide sidewalks that back up to manicured front lawns, making for safe pedestrian travel. Prices range from $350,000 to $900,000, depending on their size, age and condition. Cooper Gulch Park is a small community park at the center of the neighborhood with a playground, grassy fields and a concrete skate park. The Waterfront Trail is accessible from the neighborhood as well. It’s a 1.5-mile path that winds alongside Humboldt Bay, crossing wetlands and coastal scenery on the way to Old Town. One of the major perks of living in Eureka is its proximity to scenic outdoor destinations. It’s about a mile from Pacific beaches and seaside overlooks, and within about 20 miles of massive mountain parks, including Humboldt Redwoods State Park, Headwaters Forest Reserve, Arcata Community Forest and Trinity National Forest. These parks and beaches are known across the country for their scenic beauty and for their abundance of massive redwood trees. Young students can attend Washington Elementary School, which earns a C-plus-rating from Niche and then move on to C-plus-rated Catherine L. Zane Middle School. Older students can attend B-rated Eureka High School, which opened a brand-new campus gym in 2023. This state-of-the-art facility is home to athletic courts, a fitness center and bleachers that can seat up to 1,200 people. The neighborhood is traversed by State Route 101, also known as the Pacific Coast Highway, a celebrated, scenic highway that traverses the California coast. It’s also a regional commuter corridor that connects Eureka with nearby towns like Arcata and Fortuna. Eureka Transit Service operates several bus lines in the district for those who prefer public transit. The region’s airport, the California Redwood Coast-Humbolt County Airport, is about 16 miles away. Providence St. Joseph Hospital Eureka operates two medical campuses just south of the neighborhood. It’s the largest hospital system in Humboldt County and the county’s second largest employer. The weather in Eureka is typically foggy and chilly, and it experiences more rainfall than central and southern California. Temperatures usually range from 40 degrees to 65 degrees all year-round. Fog normally rolls in from the ocean in the morning before burning off in late morning or early afternoon.

Cutten is where modest, midcentury homes meet the auburn and green redwood forests of Humboldt County. This small town is just south of Eureka, and only a few miles from the Pacific shoreline and sprawling national parks. “It’s quiet, and close to nature. It’s very green,” says Elizabeth Garcia of Re/Max Humboldt Realty. Another perk: it gets less mist than other parts of the coast. “It’s a little bit east, so you’re going to get a little more sun and warmth and a little less fog.” Cutten has a small commercial strip at the corner of Fern Street and Walnut Street with restaurants, a grocery store, a post office, fitness center and a doctor’s office. Babe’s Pizza & Pasta is a locally owned restaurant that’s been serving pies, pasta and other Italian staples since 1991. Across the street is The Cutten Chalet, a breakfast, brunch and lunch diner known for their pancakes, egg plates and biscuits. Cocina Oaxaqueña offers authentic Mexican, including tacos, burritos and tortas. Murphy’s Market is a local one-stop for groceries and everyday essentials. Cutten was largely built out during the 1950s and 60s with curved streets and plenty of quiet cul-de-sacs. Ranch homes and midcentury modern designs are the most common styles here, and many have been well-maintained and renovated. Sidewalks, privacy fences and two-car garages are common sight throughout the neighborhood. Lots are typically small, but there’s still plenty of room for grassy lawns, landscaping and small gardens. A curtain of tall trees and dense brush skirt around the edges of the community, giving it a remote, woodsy feel. Prices range from around $450,000 to $800,000 depending on the size and condition of the home. Sequoia Park, one of the area’s most popular parks, is just north of Cutten. At 60 acres, it includes lush walking and biking trails that traverse an old-growth redwood forest. It’s also home to the recently constructed Redwood Sky Walk, a 100-foot-tall walkway where visitors can experience the power of the redwoods from the tree canopies. Within the park is the Sequoia Park Zoo, a wildlife center with bear, bird, primate and reptile habitats. Established in 1907, it’s the oldest zoo in California. Cutten is about 7 miles from Samoa Beach where sea scrub covered dunes overlook the vast Pacific waterfront. Massive national and state parks and forests such as Trinity National Forest, Six Rivers National Forest and Humboldt Redwoods State Park are within 30 miles of Cutten. Young students can attend Cutten Elementary School, which earns a B-plus rating from Niche. The school is walking distance from many homes in the community. Students can move on to C-rated Winship Middle School, and upperclassmen can attend B-rated Eureka High School. The high school opened a new campus gym in 2023 with updated athletic courts, a fitness center and bleachers that can seat up to 1,200 people. The neighborhood is about 3 miles from State Route 101, also known as the Pacific Coast Highway. It’s a regional commuter corridor that connects with cities like Eureka, Arcata and Fortuna. Eureka Transit Service operates several bus lines in Cutten, with stops on Walnut Street. Providence St. Joseph Hospital Eureka is about a mile away. It’s the largest hospital system in Humboldt County and the county’s second largest employer. The weather in Cutten and surrounding coastal towns is typically foggier and rainier than central and southern California. Temperatures usually range from 40 degrees to 65 degrees all year-round. Fog rolls in from the ocean in the morning and burns off in the early afternoon. Cutten is less foggy than neighborhoods closer to the coast.