Local Resources

A handy collection of local contacts and resources, curated for buyers, sellers, and neighbors alike.

Living in Humboldt County

Humboldt County is unlike anywhere else on the California coast - towering redwoods, dramatic ocean bluffs, and small towns that still feel like real communities. From Eureka's Victorian charm to Arcata's artsy energy to Trinidad's quiet coastal beauty, life here moves at its own pace: foggy mornings, afternoons among the redwoods or along the beach, evenings at a local café or farmers market.

Whether you're drawn to Eureka's waterfront, Arcata's redwood access, McKinleyville's family-friendly neighborhoods, or Trinidad's rugged coast, Humboldt offers a lifestyle that's hard to find anywhere else. I love helping people find their place here - whether relocating, buying your first home, or ready for a slower, more connected way of life. Let's find the neighborhood that feels like home.

Everything You Need to Know About the Area

Humboldt County
Assessor: 707-445-7663
Building Department: 707-445-7245
Planning Department: 707-445-7541
Health Department: 707-445-6215
Public Works: 707-445-7205
Tax Collector: 707-476-2450

Eureka
City Hall: 707-441-4100

Arcata
City Hall: 707-822-5951
Planning Department: 707-822-5955
Public Works: 707-822-5957

Post Office
Arcata: 707-822-3370
Blue Lake: 707-668-5115
Eureka (Main): 707-442-1768
Fortuna: 707-725-9306
McKinleyville (located in Safeway shopping center)
Trinidad: 707-677-3117

It can take up to 30 days to have mail forwarded to your new address, but your post office can provide change-of-address information.
PG&E Customer Service: (800) 743-5000 (also the 24-hour emergency line)
AT&T Residential: (800) 288-2020
AT&T Business: (800) 321-2000
Optimum (Cable, Internet, Land Line): (877) 443-3127

Call early to arrange phone service — perhaps 2 weeks in advance for timely installation.

Propane
Sequoia Gas: 707-822-4851
AmeriGas: 707-822-2188
Water Districts
Arcata — City of Arcata: 707-822-5951
Arcata Public Works: 707-822-5957
Eureka — City of Eureka: 707-441-4267
Eureka — Humboldt Community Services*: 707-443-4559
Fortuna — City Water & Sewer: 707-725-7650
Hydesville Water District: 707-768-3000
McKinleyville Community Services: 707-839-3251
Trinidad City Water: 707-677-3862
Trinidad City Hall: 707-677-0223

If you don’t see your city listed, call the city nearest you — many cities share water services. *Includes Fieldbrook, Samoa, Manila, Freshwater, King Salmon, Fields Landing, Cutten, and Humboldt Hill.

Garbage Companies
Arcata — Arcata Garbage Company: 707-822-0304
Blue Lake — Blue Lake Garbage Company: 707-444-2903
Eureka — City Garbage Company: 707-442-5711
Fortuna — Eel River Disposal: 707-725-5156
McKinleyville, Trinidad/Westhaven — Humboldt Sanitation: 707-839-3285
Schools
College of the Redwoods: 707-442-6700
Cal Poly Humboldt: 707-826-3011
Humboldt County Office of Education: 707-445-7000

Hospitals
Mad River Hospital (Arcata): 707-822-3621
Redwood Memorial (Fortuna): 707-725-3361
St. Joseph’s (Eureka): 707-445-8121

For Fire & Police emergencies, dial 911.

Now Let's Talk Leisure

A local’s guide to the coffee, coastline, trails, and hidden spots that make this place feel like home.

Coffee & Food

I have my go-to spots, and I'm sharing all of them. Whether you need a quiet corner to work from, a coffee worth savoring, or just a cozy spot to sit and people-watch, these are the places I send friends (and clients) first. Consider it a local's list, built one favorite cup at a time.

Outdoor Spots

This is why I love living here; redwoods just minutes away, bluffs that stop you mid-sentence, trails for every kind of morning. These are a few of my favorite ways to get outside and remember why we call this place home.

Hidden Gems

Just like any place, Humboldt has its hidden gems. These are some of the spots I tell people about — the local gems that make this place feel like home. Try to make it to at least one of them on your next visit.

Coffee Spots

Cafe Brio

Arcata, CA

A casual European-style café and bakery serving local, responsible food seven days a week, with a beloved weekend brunch. Sit outside on the plaza and watch Arcata go by.

Familia Coffee Roasters

Arcata, CA & Eureka, CA

An employee-owned company roasting beans sourced directly from producers. Just a block off Arcata Plaza, sharing a spot with The Local Cider Bar, try the mole latte or a Familia taco alongside your cup.

Beachcomber Cafe

Trinidad, CA

A small, family-owned neighborhood coffee shop serving exceptionally crafted coffee, fair-trade beans, and house-made baked goods. A true community staple in the heart of coastal Trinidad.

Fogline Coffee

Arcata, CA

A local favorite among Arcata's coffee scene, known for quality brews in a laid-back atmosphere.

*I'd also consider this spot a hidden local gem.

Witness Coffee Roasters in Eureka, Northtown Coffee in Arcata, and Stu’s Brews Drive-Thru in Eureka also deserve a shoutout.

Restaurants

Campground

Arcata, CA

A live-fire restaurant and bar serving prime cuts grilled over mesquite and almond wood, alongside small plates, craft cocktails, and an extensive wine list. Widely regarded as one of Arcata's best.

Larrupin Cafe

Trinidad, CA

A special-occasion destination that's drawn loyal diners for decades, with eclectic decor and locally sourced New American dishes in an atmosphere unlike anywhere else.

Brick & Fire Bistro

Eureka, CA

A beloved Eureka bistro known for wood-fired, seasonal Italian-inspired cooking.

Tanuki's Den

Arcata, CA

An intimate 15-seat sushi bar serving seasonal, sustainable fish and organic local vegetables — by day, sushi and ramen; by night, an 8-course omakase experience by reservation.

*I'd also consider this spot a hidden local gem.

Humboldt Bay Bistro in Eureka, Bayside Farmstead Cafe in Bayside, and Tomo’s Sushi in Arcata also deserve a shoutout.

Outdoor Recreation

Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park

Orick, CA

Old-growth redwood groves and open meadows where Roosevelt elk roam freely, this is one of the most iconic hikes in the region.

Arcata Community Forest

Arcata, CA

Accessible, locally managed redwood trails right in town, this is an easy way to get into the trees without leaving Arcata.

Redwood Park attaches to parts of the forest and this is a great place to take littles.

Trinidad Head Trail

Trinidad, CA

A coastal bluff-top loop trail with sweeping ocean views, this is easily one of the best short hikes on the North Coast.

Fern Canyon

Orick, CA

A hundred delicate cascades trickle down 50-foot fern-covered walls in this otherworldly canyon inside Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park.

*I'd also consider this spot a hidden local gem.

Hammond Trail in McKinleyville, Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary in Arcata, and Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail in Orick also deserve a shoutout.

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985 `G` Street
Arcata, CA 95521

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707-599-7145
patty@pattystearns.com