$468,894Average Value$240Average Price per Sq Ft11Homes For Sale
Rural living in the redwood-covered hills of Northern California
Tucked away in the hills of southern Humboldt County is Benbow Historic Inn, a hotel built in 1926 that was once a destination for Hollywood and political elites including Eleanor Roosevelt and Clark Gable. A small community sprouted up around this grand old hotel, and today its residents live a quiet life surrounded by winding country lanes, hilly scenery and dense redwood forests. It’s about 3 miles outside the small town of Garberville and 70 miles from Eureka, the nearest city. “People move out here for the redwoods, the river and the golf course. It’s nice rural living,” says Elizabeth Jimenez, a real estate agent at Re/Max Humboldt Realty and a longtime resident of southern Humboldt County. The community is also close to Daishu-in West, a Buddhist Temple perched in the wooded hills south of Benbow.
Rivers, redwoods and parks
Rivers, parks and campgrounds are minutes from many front doors in Benbow. The town is bordered by the South Fork Eel River, a teal-blue body of water that snakes through the mountains from the Pacific Ocean. It provides plenty of local spots for swimming, salmon fishing and kayaking. Benbow State Recreation Area sits alongside the river and has a campground, hiking trails and a picnic area. Golfers can tee up at Benbow Golf Course, a challenging 9-hole course that winds through picturesque woodlands. Richardson Grove State Park, a few miles south of Benbow, is an 1,800-acre park where visitors can hike alongside mighty, old-growth redwood trees, including some that are more than 300 feet tall.
Benbow Golf Course is a small 9-hole course in Benbow.
A family with friends are cooling off in th Eel River at Benbow State Recreation Area.
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Upscale homes in the Humboldt hills
In Benbow, it’s common to see large custom-built homes perched on hillsides with tall windows and patios facing the surrounding mountains and valleys. Well-kept ranch-style, bungalows, cabins and Mediterranean Revival style homes can be found here. The community also showcases some historic homes like Julia Morgan Redwood Grove, a large, Tudor Revival style estate built by architect Julia Morgan that now operates as a wedding venue. Many of the older homes in the community have been well-maintained, upgraded and renovated over the years to include modern amenities. Homes are typically situated on narrow country roads lined with lush foliage, brush and tall trees. Prices range from around $300,000 to $800,000 depending on size, condition and acreage. The median list price was about $350,000 in 2024.
This ranch-style home, in Benbow, has a well-manicured lawn.
Further up the mountain, in Benbow, you will find more custom upscale homes.
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Dining and grocery shopping in nearby Garberville
The only dining in town is the Benbow Inn restaurant, a luxurious dining hall with half-timbered ceilings and dark wooden detailing. For everything else, Garberville is only a short drive away. This small town of around 1,800 residents offers a variety of shops and restaurants such as Café Bellini North, The Eel River Café, Humboldt Bar & Grille and Woodrose Café. Groceries and everyday essentials are found at Ray’s Food Place, while health-conscious consumers might swing by Chautauqua Natural Foods.
The Eel River Café is a Garberville favorite for classic food near Benbow.
Rays Food Place is a local grocery store that serves the community of Benbow.
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Commute to public schools
Students and parents will need to commute to get to school. The town is zoned for Redway Elementary School, Miranda Junior High School and South Fork High School. 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.
The courses a Miranda Junior High encourage critical thinking and creativity.
South Fork High School offers exceptional educational options.
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Easy access to the Pacific Coast Highway
State Route 101, also known as the Pacific Coast Highway, cuts through Benbow. It connects with Eureka, 70 miles north, and Santa Rosa, about 150 miles south. There’s no public transportation in Benbow, so residents will need a car to get around. Medical care is found at Jerold Phelps Community Hospital in Garberville.
The Benbow Bridge is a stone-built archway bridge that is an historic icon in Benbow.
Benbow is a rural community split by highway 101 and the Eel River.
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Increased risk of wildfires
Benbow is at a high risk for wildfires. In August 2020, the August Complex fire burned more than 1 million acres and destroyed more than 900 homes in Northern California, including in parts of Humboldt County.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Rollin Trehearne,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Humboldt Redwoods State Park
Benbow State Recreation Area
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Benbow
US
Homicide
2
4
Sexual Assault
1
4
Assault with Weapon
2
4
Robbery
2
4
Burglary
1
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
2
4
Larceny
1
4
Crime Score
1
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Benbow, Rio Dell sell after 86 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Benbow, Rio Dell over the last 12 months is $341,333, up 20% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Beautiful Private Area above Benbow Golf course on the 5th Hole. Structurally sound with a cozy wood fireplace and bolder back splash. 1 patio and 1 porch with a running stream in the back yard to enjoy the peaceful sounds of nature. Located at the end of the street with neighbors out of sight.
A Riverfront Retreat Awaits YouImagine waking up every morning to the serene sounds of the river flowing right outside your door. Welcome to this comfortable 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom single-story home, where peaceful living meets modern luxury. Located on the East Branch of the Eel River this charming property offers direct river access from your backyard, creating a private retreat you'll
Desiree AvilaEXP Realty of Northern California, Inc
Welcome to this enchanting 1920's historical Spanish-style house nestled amidst the serene redwoods, in the heart of warm Southern Humboldt. The highlight of this remarkable property is the expansive balcony that offers breathtaking valley views as well as the Historic Benbow Inn adding to the allure of this location. As you step inside you'll be captivated by the timeless elegance and unique
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Rollin Trehearne,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
318
Median Age
46
Population under 18
20.1%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
26.7%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$33,289
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$42,172
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
82.4%
Below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
16.3%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
9.6%
% Population in Labor Force
59.8%
Area Factors
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
0/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
