Firstly why Eureka, California?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Eureka
• State: California
• Population: 27,454 people
• Eureka’s quick summary would be recognized for its Victorian architecture and vibrant arts scene this city is a treasure trove for history buffs and creatives alike.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 700 annually
• While this many move-out: 215 annually
• Net Migration: 485 more people in (net) annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 900
• Number of Homeless people: 600

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it features a historic downtown and is near coastal nature attracting tourists and residents

Perk #1: Eureka Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 29%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 51%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is White
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly Mexican
• The median income is (and growing)  $57,005
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Eureka is $85,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $27995 in positive cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Eureka’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 127 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $1,200
• Property Tax %: 1.1%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,750
• Rent for an average house: $2,400
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Eureka
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Eureka, Downtown, Cutten, Myrtletown, and probably could include Fields Landing
• Avg. Age of Homes in Eureka: 118 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 1.2%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Eureka’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Eureka are  Tourism, Healthcare, and Maritime
• Eureka Job Scene: modest job market focused on tourism and healthcare
• The General Tech Scene: limited tech activity, focused mostly on tourism and local services ,
• Eureka Resident’s pay $2,400 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Eureka: 8%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 300 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 6

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Eureka

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $120 on average per person
• Freeway Access: U.S. Route 101 connects Eureka to other northern counties
• Commute Time: 25 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: slowdowns on Broadway Street
• Transportation Score: 29 out of 100 described as Some Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Eureka: 27,000
• Cars registered per Person: 1
• No. of Car Washes: 2 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Eureka: dmv.ca.gov
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 61 of 100
• Local Airport: Murray Field

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Eureka’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Flood
• General Weather in Eureka is best described as experiences cool wet winters with temperatures around 50°F and mild summers with occasional fog
• Winter Weather in Eureka i’d describe as cool with frequent rain
• Spring Weather in Eureka can be described as cool and rainy
• Summer’s in Eureka are mostly cool and foggy
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Eureka is usually cool and wet
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 3 days in summer
• Days in a row in Eureka below Freezing: 20
• Average Annual Rainfall: 31 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually good air quality maintained by spacious surroundings
• Eureka Winter Air generally good air quality with limited urban activity

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Eureka Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Eureka 3
• While the number of trade schools inside Eurekas’s city limits are 2
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Eureka Public Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Eureka Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 14 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Eureka only Doctors is about 80
• Local Hospitals here is  1
• Full-time Eureka only Police Officers is about 45
• Crime Rate Index: 82/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Eureka’s Monthly utility bill average is $230
• Eureka’s Monthly Gym Membership: $48
• Eureka’s Water Quality Score: 72

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Eureka

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 6 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: quaint town with Victorian architecture and coastal access
• You might enjoy live shows at the Eureka Theater
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Eureka  features local bars and restaurants with a focus on community gathering and artistic events

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Eureka

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Includes a focus on seafood and local cuisine
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 80 scattered around Eureka
• The Popular Sports Team is Eureka High School
• Top Level Political Climate in Eureka can be described as liberal town with a focus on environmental and social issues
• Eureka’s Longer standing religious establishment is Eureka Seventh-day Adventist Church

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Eureka Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Eureka has 7 Parks?
• Sequoia Park is Eureka’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Eureka Farmers Market normally open Saturday 9am-2pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Beach activities, hiking, and cultural tours

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Eureka Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Eureka can be described as slow-paced small city with historic architecture and natural beauty
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Eureka exploring coastal trails visit museums attending fairs
• The Cities people commute to from Eureka are Fortuna 12 miles away Arcata 6 miles away Trinidad 22 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Eureka or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: slowdowns on Broadway Street. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Eureka’s Flood risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Eureka is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Eureka are Fortuna 12 miles away Arcata 6 miles away Trinidad 22 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 82 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Eureka has 20 days in a row below freezing and 3 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Eureka people have an average (positive or negative) $27995 in positive cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   600 homeless people living in Eureka. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general liberal town with a focus on environmental and social issues could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Eureka.

Retiree & Senior Life in Eureka

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can may be eligible for local property tax relief enhancing affordability
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is Eureka Gardens
• Eureka Senior Center features various programs including arts and recreation for seniors

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Eureka, California?

If Eureka, California ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Eureka, California, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!