$425,019Average Value$243Average Price per Sq Ft17Homes 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.
Photography Contributed By
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Video By
Jake Bell
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
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an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Garberville, CA sell after 120 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Garberville, CA over the last 12 months is $350,000, up 32% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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
Established 40-acre Humboldt County cannabis cultivation property with substantial water resources and infrastructure. The property includes 105,750 gallons of water storage plus a catchwater pond with approximately 525,000-gallon capacity that fills each winter. Humboldt County has licensed 16,650 square feet of canopy, including hoop houses and outdoor cultivation areas. The State permit is for
Over 40 acres of beautiful Ettersburg land offering privacy, seclusion, and endless potential. The property features a small 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom cabin built in 1974, ideal for a getaway retreat or off-the-grid living. The cabin is in need of repairs, giving you the opportunity to bring your vision and make it your own. Power was previously on site but is not currently functioning. There is a
A rare 83± acre sanctuary. This remarkable property features an original 2-bedroom, 1-bath farmhouse, a magnificent redwood forest, and expansive usable land. Scenic views overlooking the community park and stunning natural surroundings create a serene, private setting just minutes from town. With PG&E and Garberville Water District service available, and zoning in both AG and RA20, this unique
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.
Looking for a private bug-out property with a reliable water supply? This secluded 41-acre parcel is tucked deep in the woods, offering exceptional privacy and peace of mind. While the usable building area is limited, the property includes a 10,000-gallon water storage, making it an appealing option for off-grid living, emergency preparedness, or a quiet recreational getaway. If privacy,
Private multi-family property with room to grow? This versatile 40-acre off-grid retreat features two well-built homes, a third guest cabin, and a seasonal creek flowing through the property. The homes offer spacious layouts with plenty of potential for expansion, making this an ideal setup for extended family, rental income, or a shared homestead. Two ponds provide additional water resources,
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
60-acre opportunity with a year-round creek and multiple outbuildings! One has toilet but septic is unknown. The property also features a large two-story shop with an attached cabin, offering plenty of space and potential. With some vision and work, this could make an excellent homestead, retreat, or potential Hipcamp-style getaway. Bring your tools and turn this property into something special!
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
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 features comfortable living spaces, a functional kitchen, and well-appointed bedrooms. The property photos
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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