$407,724Average Value$366Average Price per Sq Ft2Homes For Sale
A former lumber town on the Pacific coast of Northern California
A century ago, Samoa was a busy lumber mill where loggers lived on company land between Humboldt Bay and the Pacific Ocean. Today, the logging industry has been largely curtailed, and this seaside village is getting a facelift from a local developer. Danco, based in nearby Arcata, has begun renovating the former mill and its seaside homes with plans to construct many more. “This is a small bedroom community on the coast that’s being developed. The people that are moving here want to be close to the beach, and don’t mind living on the sand,” says Realtor Ami Wruck of The Key Real Estate Group.
Wruck says the development has coincided with an uptick of new residents moving to this little pocket of Northern California, many of whom are drawn to the mild, coastal weather. “Right now, it’s grey, it’s overcast and I’m wearing Uggs and light jacket. And it’s July,” Wruck says. In Samoa, residents come home to the sound of ocean waves crashing on sandy beaches, a chilly breeze and pelicans swooping low over the Pacific surf. It’s just west of Eureka, Arcata and the redwood forests of Humboldt County.
Colorful cottages and new development on the way
Samoa’s small residential neighborhood features beach cottages that come in a range of sizes. Some of these homes come in bright shades of pink, blue and green, and sit on small, landscaped lots along wide streets. Some residents are several hundred yards from the beach, with scenic views of the seaside. These homes were built during the area’s logging heyday, and date back to the early 1900s. But many have been restored, renovated or refurbished with modern amenities. Home prices range from around $250,000 to $400,000 depending on the size and condition of the home. Danco has already built an 80-unit affordable apartment complex on the peninsula that serves disadvantaged people and families. The company has plans to build at least 198 new homes in the area in the coming years.
Homes in Samoa were built in the early 1900s.
Newly renovated homes are available in Samoa.
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Beaches, wetlands and sand dunes at the sea’s edge
Wide beaches, sand dunes and wooded wetlands make up the natural environment that surrounds this seaside village. Samoa Beach is where residents can put on a coat for a misty, morning walk. It’s too cold to swim, but the views, wildlife and fresh air are a major perk for locals. The Samoa Dunes Recreation Area is a wide-open expanse at the southern end of the Samoa Peninsula that’s become a popular destination for off-roading, beachcombing and fishing. East of Samoa, across Humboldt Bay, are magnificent state and national parks that encompass millions of acres, and feature some of the oldest redwood groves on earth.
Enjoy a wonderful view of the Eureka bay at the Samoa Boat Ramp.
Samoa residents enjoy all the benefits of living by the beach.
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Public schools close to home
Peninsula Union Elementary School is in Samoa and is just a short distance from the community’s residential streets. It serves students from kindergarten through eighth grade. It has no ratings from Niche or GreatSchools. Peninsula Union Elementary serve free breakfast and lunch for all students, and supper for those enrolled in afterschool programs. Upperclassmen can move on to Arcata High School, which is about 8 miles away.
Arcata High School was the first high school in Humboldt County.
Peninsula Union Elementary School encourages students to think creatively.
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Getting around the Northern California coast
From Samoa, it’s about 3 miles to Eureka and 8 miles to the town of Arcata. Getting to Eureka requires crossing the Samoa Bridge that crosses the bay. The nearest major highway is State Route 101 in Eureka. Once on the highway, it’s about 150 miles to Santa Rosa, the closest major city.
The historic Samoa Cookhouse
The Samoa Cookhouse is the only restaurant on the Samoa Peninsula and has been serving the community since 1893. It’s the last logging cookhouse in the region and offers a slice of history that can’t be found anywhere else. Cookhouses were once the heart of logging communities along the coast, providing room, board and meals to the lumberjacks who travelled to the area for work. The Samoa Cookhouse, which is currently closed for renovations, has a small museum inside to commemorate its rich history. For everything else, residents can cross the Samoa Bridge over Arcata Bay into Eureka, a city of around 26,000 that has a busy downtown district. It’s home to popular eateries like Humboldt Bay Provisions and Ramone’s Bakery and Café. North Coast Co-op is the closest grocery store to Samoa.
Samoa is a seaside village on the coast of Northern California.
Lush trees provide shade throughout Samoa.
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Flooding, fog and overcast weather
Samoa’s seaside location means it’s more susceptible to flooding than areas further inland. It’s also foggier, chillier and overcast compared to central and southern California, typically ranging between 40 degrees and 70 degrees all-year-round.
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
Interested in learning more about homes in this neighborhood?
Reach out to
Claire Patton,
an experienced agent in this area.
Transit
Airport
California Redwood Coast-Humboldt County
28 min drive
Bus
Phyllis Rex Apartment Complex
Bus
Vance St & Rideout St
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Samoa
US
Homicide
2
4
Sexual Assault
2
4
Assault with Weapon
2
4
Robbery
3
4
Burglary
2
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
3
4
Larceny
2
4
Crime Score
2
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Samoa Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Samoa, Eureka sell after 36 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Samoa, Eureka over the last 12 months is $369,500, up 8% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Nicely restored and refinished home in the Historic Coastal Town of Samoa. This home offers 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, cozy living room with wood stove, plus a nice parlor with attractive beam ceilings. Large well appointed kitchen with custom cabinets, quartz countertops, and stainless appliances. Dine in kitchen plus formal dining potential. Several attractive ship lap wall and beam details
Own your very own piece of Arcata Bay! These beautiful parcels amount to just over 32 acres with highway 255 frontage. Great lots for potential wetland mitigation needs.
Nicely refurbished 4 bedroom, 2 bath home in the Historic Coastal Town of Samoa. Awesome new kitchen with custom cabinets, quartz tops and stainless appliances. Spacious dining/living areas with lots of windows and natural light. Extra room with den/office/guest room potential. Nice size laundry room too! All new LVP flooring throughout, new interior/exterior paint, fixtures, roof,
Interested in learning more about homes in this neighborhood?
Reach out to
Claire Patton,
an experienced agent in this area.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
168
Median Age
41
Population under 18
19%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
20.2%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$59,444
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$80,138
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
90.5%
College Graduates
41.3%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
16.7%
On par with the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
66.9%
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
49/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
7/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
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.