$421,512Average Value$214Average Price per Sq Ft7Homes 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 neighborhood?
Reach out to
Sarah Corliss,
an experienced agent in this area.
Parks in this Area
Tooby Memorial Park
Southern Humboldt Community Park
Humboldt Redwoods State Park
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Garberville
US
Homicide
3
4
Sexual Assault
1
4
Assault with Weapon
3
4
Robbery
3
4
Burglary
3
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
3
4
Larceny
3
4
Crime Score
3
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Garberville, Rio Dell sell after 148 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Garberville, Rio Dell over the last 12 months is $301,666, down 10% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Charming Single-Story Townhouse with Private PoolWelcome home to this inviting 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom single-story townhouse, perfectly situated for comfort and convenience! Remodeled approximately five years ago, this home is in great condition, and only small touches would make it shine again.Step inside to find a spacious living area with a seamless flow to the backyard, where a
Desiree AvilaEXP Realty of Northern California, Inc
One of the nicest homes in the Southern Humboldt area! 4 Bedrooms, 3 baths, office...wonderful kitchen, vaulted ceilings, custom lighting...marble features. Formal dining room. Attached garage. Nice parcel. 7 minutes to town.
Prime location on the east side of the freeway! Two adjoining vacant lots .23 (just under a quarter acre) Also available across the street is a .38 acre vacant lot featuring a large metal building, perfect for storage. All properties are zoned Commercial/Residential, ideal for business ventures. The property has been used for a longstanding commercial towing and salvage operation, offering an
Interested in learning more about homes in this neighborhood?
Reach out to
Sarah Corliss,
an experienced agent in this area.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
838
Median Age
46
Population under 18
17.1%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
24.2%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$31,992
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$45,046
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
83.1%
College Graduates
16.4%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
4.1%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
59.1%
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
25/ 100
Somewhat Walkable
Walk Score®
53/ 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.
