$436,782Average Value$214Average Price per Sq Ft11Homes For Sale
Remote, mountain living in the southern Humboldt County
Deep in the redwood-covered slopes of southern Humboldt County is Garberville, a remote mountain town that sits along the shores of Eel River, more than 50 miles from the nearest city. It’s known for its bountiful natural setting, but it’s fallen on hard times in recent years. Since the 1980s, the town was at the center of the Northern California’s illegal cannabis industry and benefitted immensely from the thousands of people moving to the area to work for the region’s cannabis farmers. That all changed when California officially legalized the cultivation of cannabis in 2018; forcing local growers out of business, largely because of the steep cost of getting the permits to legally continue their operations.
“Garberville was the dope-growing mecca of southern Humboldt, and it’s really suffered since the state legalized cannabis. So many things have shut down there. But they’re figuring it out,” says Realtor Lauren Smith, owner of The Key Real Estate Group and a longtime Humboldt County resident. Dozens of local businesses that once relied on clientele who worked in the cannabis industry have shuttered, leaving many vacant storefronts, those that have remained are struggling. Town officials are hoping a pivot to outdoor tourism will boost the economy, but for now, the town remains in a state of transition.
Campers can visit Benbow State Recreation Area in Garberville.
There are many shops and restaurants on the main street in Garberville.
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Eel River, state parks and towering redwood trees
One thing that hasn’t changed in Garberville is its stunning natural scenery. “It’s absolutely beautiful out here,” Smith says. The town sits alongside Eel River between mountains that are covered in massive redwood trees. Large swaths of the surrounding area are within protected state and national forests, the closest of which is Benbow State Recreation Area, a campground with rugged hiking through dense woodlands. Just a few miles south is Richardson Grove State Park, an 1,800-acre park where visitors are met with mighty redwood trees, including some that are more than 300 feet tall. There are also swimming and fishing areas alongside the river.
The Benbow Campground near Garberville has plenty of trails to hike.
Garberville residents can go for a hike among giant redwoods.
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Local businesses weathering an economic downturn
Garberville’s restaurants and shops are found on Redwood Drive, a small-town strip that looks like an old-timey main street from another era. The battered marquee of a shuttered movie theater, a single-story motel with a neon sign out front and old homes converted into cozy restaurants greet people as they drive through town. Many restaurants have closed in recent years, but others are weathering the storm. Eel River Café serves breakfast and brunch in a classic diner setting with red barstools and quirky cow décor. There’s also Getti-Up, an old-school drive-thru café serving ice cream and coffee drinks. Groceries and everyday essentials can be found at Ray’s Food Place, a regional grocery chain. Fresh produce, food vendors and artisan wares are the staples of the Garberville Farmers’ Market, which takes place every Friday from May to November.
Get coffee through the drive thru at Getti Up in Garberville.
Residents can shop for local wares at Garberville Farmer's Market.
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Eclectic homes in a small-town setting
Garberville’s residential district offers eclectic homes that were primarily built in the 1940s, 50s and 60s. They’re typically on the smaller side, ranging from 500 to 1,500 square feet. The streets are bordered by brushy landscaping and mature trees that give it a bucolic feel. Roads extending into the hills surrounding the town showcase larger homes on sprawling lots, some of which are perched on grassy slopes with views of the landscape stretching out below. Prices range from around $200,000 to $500,000, depending on the size and condition of the home.
Garberville residents paint their homes bright colors.
Cape Cod homes line the streets near downtown Garberville.
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Public schools in Redway and Miranda
Students and parents will need to commute to get to local schools. The town is zoned for Redway Elementary School, which is about 3 miles away. Students can then move on to Miranda Junior High School and South Fork High School, both of which are about 13 miles north of Garberville. All three schools earn B-minus ratings from Niche. South Fork High is known for its athletics programs, including its well-ranked varsity football squad.
Redway Elementary School is one of the top schools in the area.
South Fork High School offers exceptional educational options.
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Easy access to the Pacific Coast Highway
Garberville is bordered by State Route 101, also known as the Pacific Coast Highway, a celebrated roadway that traverses the California coastline. It’s about 65 miles to Eureka, the largest city in Humboldt County, and about 150 miles from Santa Rosa, the nearest major city. Residents in need of medical care have easy access to Jerold Phelps Community Hospital, which is within the community. The closest major medical center is Providence St. Joseph Hospital in Eureka.
Increased risk of wildfires
Garberville and the surrounding areas are at a high risk for wildfires. In August 2020, the August Complex fire burned more than 1 million acres in Northern California, including Humboldt. Because of global warming, wildfires are becoming increasingly common in California.
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Video By
Jake Bell
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On average, homes in Garberville, CA sell after 86 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in Garberville, CA over the last 12 months is $350,000, up 10% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Easy-access 20-acre farm right off the paved road! This productive cultivation property includes a 10k active permit with an additional 5k ready for next year—totaling 15k. A 400-amp power drop is scheduled for installation in 2026. Fully functional, year-round greenhouses feature propane heat and dual lining for efficiency. With plenty of room to build drying sheds, a cabin, or expand your
Own this agriculture spot with timber still on the hills. Power at the edge of property. Power also available via generator. Seasonal stream runs through the property. Some structures remain on the property.
Thoughtfully designed 2,000 sq ft rural retreat on two parcels totaling 89 acres, just 30 minutes from town. This inviting home features open-concept living with vaulted ceilings, tile countertops, custom cabinetry, and abundant natural light throughout. With 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, and a versatile game room ideal for remote work, hobbies, or guests. A cozy wood stove adds rustic charm, while
Looking for a true back-country parcel? This 107 acre off-grid property offers a sunny flat building site, a small well-built cabin, and a dependable well with storage tanks already set up. A trusty porta potty adds rustic charm, and dirt-road access keeps the peace and quiet fully intact. With room to roam, big skies, and possible logging potential, this raw land is ideal for anyone dreaming of
317 Acres Selectively logged in the 1960s, this land has beautifully regenerated into a healthy stand of Douglas fir with lush natural regrowth throughout. Today it offers a vibrant, forested landscape rich with privacy and possibility. Multiple access points make the property easy to explore, enjoy, or develop. Whether you're envisioning timber potential, a private camping retreat, or a future
Your own private haven on 30+ acres overlooking the stunning Salmon River Valley. This 2183sf. 3 bed 2 bath home sits atop rolling hills, panoramic views, and excellent sun exposure creating the perfect setting for gardening, homesteading, horses, and livestock. This was never a cultivation farm. The land features fruit trees, grapevines, berries, artisan springs, a well, and an electric-fenced
Two beautiful 40-acre parcels offering the ultimate off-grid retreat! Property features a cozy yurt with a functioning kitchen and tub, plus a convenient outhouse and multiple outbuildings for storage or creative use. Enjoy two ponds, 30,000 gallons of water storage, a reliable spring, working water system, and solar power. Several prime building sites offer incredible views. Surrounded by a
Delightful homestead just minutes from Garberville. Set on 23 picturesque acres, this freshly remodeled 3 bed 2 bath home blends modern comfort with rustic charm. The open living, dining, and kitchen area is filled with natural light, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Redwood slab countertops and shelves complement custom cabinetry, highlighted by distinctive Eel River tumbled rock handles
Discover 60 stunning acres with prime Eel River frontage just minutes from Garberville! Towering old growth redwoods, wide open meadows, and easy access off Sprowl Creek Road set the stage for your dream homestead. Year-round Connick Creek winds through the property, complete with a rail-car bridge for smooth access to the north side. City power at the street.
Escape to wide-open freedom on 10 stunning acres framed by breathtaking mountain range views. This scenic rural retreat offers the perfect balance of privacy and accessibility, reached by a dirt road that keeps the setting peaceful yet practical. A reliable well supplies clean, abundant water, making the property ready for your dream homestead, cabin, or weekend getaway. Whether you crave quiet
Prime east-side-of-the-freeway location featuring two adjoining vacant lots totaling approximately 0.23 acres (just under a quarter acre). Both parcels are zoned Commercial/Residential, offering flexibility for a variety of business or mixed-use opportunities. Previously used for a long-standing towing and salvage operation, this property presents excellent potential for redevelopment or
Owner financing with $50k down! Off-grid home in the gated Sprowl Creek subdivision only 20 minutes from Garberville off meticulously maintained road. Designed with two families in mind, this duplex-style home offers versatile living and plenty of potential with some finishing touches. Convert the attached garage into additional living space while still enjoying the convenience of a detached
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