Breadcrumb
Discover Your Community
Where will you call home?
This page is your guide to exploring the diverse and inviting neighborhoods surrounding the campus. From the charming streets of Arcata to the bustling city of Eureka, the coastal beauty of McKinleyville, the tranquil vibes of Blue Lake, and the coastal charm of Trinidad — each of these areas offers unique character and amenities for you to consider. Join us as we delve into the distinctive features of Arcata, Eureka, McKinleyville, Blue Lake, and Trinidad, helping you make an informed decision about where to reside while pursuing your academic and professional endeavors at Cal Poly Humboldt. Your new home awaits ‚Äì let's embark on this exciting journey together!
2022 Best Places to Live in Humboldt Ranked
Explore Humboldt county by city and discover what real residents and U.S. statistics on crime, services, and livability have to say about each one. Rankings are based on Niche's current Best Places to Live ranking system and include only places which earned strong Crime and Safety grades
Best Places to Live in Humboldt
Cal Poly Humboldt Map
Communities Near Campus
Arcata
Highlights
- Location of Cal Poly Humboldt's main campus
- The Plaza - Central downtown area
- Saturday farmers markets
- Restaurants, bars, shops, and events
- Access to essential resources (e.g. hospital, healthcare, childcare, schools, shopping)
Other considerations
- Higher cost of housing
- Lower housing inventory compared to surrounding areas
- Limited services
Mckinleyville
Highlights
- Distance to Campus - 5.3 miles
- Highlights
- Lower cost of rental housing and more single family residences
- Quieter, more residential feel
- Access to beaches, coastal trails, and dog park
Other Considerations
- Limited services (grocery stores, schools, childcare, and some specialty stores, but less than other areas)
- Short commute to campus (~10 minutes by car)
Eureka
Highlights
- Distance to Campus - 8.3 miles
- High availability of rental housing
- Lower average costs for rental housing
- More options for essential resources compared to the other towns (e.g. healthcare, childcare, shopping, and other services)
Other Considerations
- Distance from campus
- Urban environment
Blue Lake
Highlights
- Distance to Campus - miles
- Warmer weather and more sunshine
- Quieter, rural residential feel
- Access to the Mad River, mountain biking trails, and land-based outdoor activities
Other Considerations
- Extremely limited services (one grocery store, one gas station, and a handful of other businesses)
- Slightly longer commute to campus
- Very limited housing inventory
Trinidad
Highlights
- Distance to Campus - 14.6 miles
- Oceanfront housing
- Small boutique business district with monthly art walk
- Access to beaches, trails, and outdoor activities
Other Considerations
- Farther commute than all other areas
- Higher cost of living
- Extremely limited services (one grocery store, one gas station, and a few shops and restaurants)