$421,204Average Value$244Average Price per Sq Ft22Homes 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
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On average, homes in Garberville, CA sell after 110 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Garberville, CA over the last 12 months is $289,000, up 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
In the heart of Garberville, this move-in ready 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom one-level home offers an elevated setting and a bright, open layout. Built in 2010, it features vaulted ceilings, premium laminate flooring and a spacious kitchen with extensive cabinetry and storage, a breakfast bar and dedicated dining area. The primary bedroom includes a large closet, low-lip shower with grab bars and direct
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
Enjoy views, privacy, and room to breathe on this 3.37-acre, property in the Benbow Hills. City water on site and a large gardening area make it ideal for a homestead or weekend getaway. Just five minutes from Garberville and close to shopping, it's a great setting to build a cozy cabin and enjoy the best of rural living
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 with 30x50 two story metal building and well. Perfect for a barndominium conversion. The reliable well supplies clean, abundant water, making the property ready for your dream homestead, cabin, or weekend getaway. Whether you crave quiet solitude, outdoor adventure, or endless skies, this land delivers a truly special mountain lifestyle. Owner will
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
True barn-dominium on 40 beautiful acres featuring 4 bedrooms, 1 bath, septic system, and two productive wells. Enjoy a mix of forested land and open meadows with plenty of usable space. Two large flats were previously used for cultivation--no county infractions reported. Ideal for homesteading, recreation, hunting or agricultural use.
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
Off-grid living at its finest on 147 acres of private, usable land. This unique property features two cabins: an 800 sq. ft. main home and a 200 sq. ft. second unit, offering ample space for guests or extended family. Each cabin includes its own septic system and is supported by excellent spring water from Jones Creek with a recorded diversion. The land boasts over 100 fruit trees, including
Two homes on separate lots, totaling 154 acres, are offered together just 20 minutes from Highway 101. Both homes are 3 bed 1 bath and are in need of repair. They are OFF Grid and need solar or generators. Ideal for equestrian enthusiasts, the property features a large flat area perfect for a barn, with plenty of space for gardening. Main water comes from McCoy Creek. Enjoy serene country living
Ridgetop property with Stunning Forever Views in the Palo Verde Subdivision. This property features a main home with one bedroom one bath another unit built in 2018 with an open canvas to finish however you desire and the original cabin on the lower part of the property that needs TLC but has a unique geodesic dome living room. The lower part of the property has a 200 amp PGE drop as well as a
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.
10 acres +/- 3 BR | 2 BA | Ranch-style home 1,500 +/- square feet of comfortable living space. Located in the Garberville Sanitary District with PG&E utilities provide reliable service and peace of mind. Beautiful redwood siding lends warmth and curb appeal, and the recently re-built deck invites you to take in the views across the property.The attached two-car garage plus a separate workshop
Welcome to 478 Oak Street, a comfortable and well-maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home located in the heart of Garberville. This inviting property offers a spacious layout, making it ideal for families, professionals, or anyone seeking a peaceful place to call home.The home is currently fully furnished and move-in ready, featuring comfortable living spaces, a functional kitchen, and
Escape to the beauty and tranquility of Southern Humboldt at 1430 Ettersburg Road in Garberville. Nestled among towering trees and surrounded by breathtaking mountain views, this private country retreat offers the perfect balance of peaceful living and outdoor adventure.Enjoy the serenity of rural life while being within driving distance of Garberville, Redway, the Lost Coast, and the
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