Humboldt County Flies High
Along the rugged, forested coast of Northern California, some 200 miles above San Francisco, a new market for elevated properties is taking root.
Tucked between the towering redwoods and the crashing waves of the Pacific, Humboldt County is a treasured place for Californians to slow down — and more recently, to level up.
This bucolic stretch of the North Coast, long known for its wild beauty and fiercely independent spirit, is quietly becoming one of the state’s most intriguing destinations for luxury second-home buyers. In the past few months, Humboldt has seen an upward trend in deals over $1 million, a big deal for a market where home sales rarely exceeded six figures. It’s no surprise that Humboldt’s star is rising, particularly for Bay Area buyers seeking space, soul, and a different pace of living in a place that’s easily reached. From the Golden Gate Bridge, getting here is a straight (and scenic) shot up Highway 101. Humboldt also has its very own airport in McKinleyville, offering regular commercial flights to San Francisco, Denver, and Los Angeles.
The county’s median sale price has soared 32.7% over the past five years, according to a recent market report by Corcoran Icon Properties, which serves the region with 30+ agents at offices in Eureka and Arcata. Furthermore, sales in June 2025 surged 47.7% YOY, reflecting both increased demand and long-term value. Two recent deals by Icon, 44 Phelan Road in Loleta ($1.15M) and 3402 Buttermilk Lane in Arcata ($1.16M), set new records in their communities.
“2025 has been a transformative year for Humboldt County’s luxury real estate market,” says Joshua Cook, who oversees sales at Corcoran Icon’s two Humboldt branches. “We’re seeing strong demand for properties priced over $1 million, despite a slight price decline in the market overall.”
From the Victorian charm of Eureka to the college town energy of Arcata and the windswept serenity of the Eel River wilderness, Humboldt offers a lifestyle that feels both grounded and elevated — equal parts nature, culture, and calm. Here’s a look at a few exceptional Humboldt County homes currently on the market:
“2025 has been a transformative year for Humboldt County’s luxury real estate market. We’re seeing strong demand for properties priced over $1 million, despite a slight price decline in the market overall.”
– JOSHUA COOK, CORCORAN ICON PROPERTIES
1560 Patterson Road, Willow Creek
The House: There’s plenty of room for the whole gang in this spacious three-bedroom, three-bathroom mountain lodge, boasting 5,700 square feet of living space (and major vibes) across two levels. Just minutes from downtown Willow Creek, it’s perfectly sited on 11 flat acres along the Trinity River, replete with riparian rights. Entertain with aplomb in the formal dining room and the double-height great room, with its vaulted ceiling and fireplace. Gather with your nearest and dearest in the cozy media room for movie night. And there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the great outdoors without ever leaving the house, thanks to multiple wraparound decks and balconies. For days when the call of the wild rings louder, wander 400 feet to the riverbank, where you’ll find a private sandy beach, or hike the many nearby forest trails.
The Place: Willow Creek’s endless charms might be what lured Bigfoot to visit the area — the community is nicknamed the “Bigfoot Capital of the World,” owed to numerous nearby sightings over the years. It’s situated about an hour’s drive from the coast, a few miles below the Hoopa Valley Reservation and its Lucky Bear Casino, with a just right-sized downtown that makes it easy to grab groceries or a meal out without having to wander far. Natural wine fans may also know it as home to Miles Garrett Wines, which offers intimate tours and tastings by appointment.
Listed By: Janna Walsh of Corcoran Icon Properties.
The House: Tucked among the redwoods at the end of a private drive, this four-bedroom, five-bathroom house, originally built in 1952, blends mid-century style with modern upgrades, including new floors, owned solar panels, and integrated smart home tech. The lot spans just over an acre, with a detached studio/guest house on the grounds adding a combined living space and bedroom, kitchenette, bathroom, and a laundry room. The main house has an unusually flexible floor plan, with different areas divided by pocket doors that allow residents to section off private zones with ease, and transform public spaces into home offices, creative spaces, or media rooms.
The Place: Settled as a logging and provisioning hub during California’s gold rush, historic Arcata is today a laid-back college town, home to Cal Poly Humboldt (formerly Humboldt State) and brightly painted old buildings you can’t help but fall in love with. The Plaza forms the heart of Arcata’s downtown, with a mix of funky shops, cute cafes, indie book and record stores, and plenty of sports outfitters to set you up with the perfect kayak or mountain bike for outdoor adventures (and there are plenty to be had, with the Arcata Marsh & Wildlife Sanctuary and the Arcata Community Forest and Redwood Park both located within the city limits).
Represented by: Tom Hunt and Zach Levich of Corcoran Icon Properties.
The House: Claim your lofty mountaintop perch with this gorgeous four-bedroom, three-bathroom retreat, set on 11 acres of redwood forest complete with spectacular views of Kneeland, South Fork, and the Mad River Buttes. There’s seamless indoor-outdoor flow, with French doors that open to reveal the patio and the deck. Beyond these attached outdoor spaces, the property takes full advantage of its high-hilltop location and Humboldt County’s tame weather, with a tiered garden, a greenhouse, a fire pit ringed with built-in stone seating, a swing, a chicken coop, and an elevated seating area for prime views.
The Place: Many consider Eureka to be a hidden jewel, even though it’s the largest coastal city between San Francisco and Portland. Centered on the east side of Humboldt Bay between the redwoods and the sea, it’s a place that’s worthy of sharing it’s name with California’s state motto — Eurekans know they’ve struck gold by calling this place home, with its picturesque Victorian downtown, still-working seaport, and thriving arts scene. Other cultural draws include the Morris Graves Museum of Art, the much-photographed Carson Mansion, and Fort Humboldt State Historic Park, the latter showcasing unique interpretive displays like a fully operable steam donkey engine.
Represented by: Alex Kelly of Corcoran Icon Properties.
2765/2767 Fickle Hill Road, Fickle Hill
The House: Double your pleasure, double your fun: This property has two neighboring parcels of land, each covering two-and-a-half acres with a main house and ADU on each. That’s four houses in total, spread across more than five acres. One lot has a three-bedroom, three-bath primary and a second-level bedroom ADU. The other has a one-bedroom, two-bath primary with a flex space, with the ADU configured with a sleeping loft that feel straight out of Heidi. Whichever property you choose, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and Humboldt Bay, not to mention enough space for horses, livestock, or your dream garden. There’s a circular road that loops through the entire property, complemented by a series of trails for walking or riding. It’s a true compound, with an ideal mix of private and shared spaces, well suited for multi-generational living and modern family arrangements.
The Place: Ironically, given its name, Fickle Hill actually has some very loyal residents, no doubt drawn by its swoon-worthy vistas. Locals have even nicknamed a spot on a local hiking trail “the end of the world,” thanks to the sweeping views available at this elevation. It’s a quick drive down to Arcata — parts of lower Fickle Hill are actually considered to be a part of its larger neighbor — where you’ll find plenty of great hiking and biking trails, plus some excellent eateries serving staples of California cuisine.
Listed By: Jessika Chapman of Corcoran Icon Properties.
The House: Completely surrounded by nature, this 7.75-acre property embodies the dream of the American West, situated under an endless sky and surrounded by miles of forest — though technically still within the city limits of Rio Dell. The four-bedroom, three-bathroom house has plenty of shared public spaces that can be adapted as desired. There’s a formal dining room, a family room, a play room, and a mudroom, offering convenience for both everyday life and elevated entertaining. There’s also a large garage with enough extra space for extra storage needs.
The Place: Rio Dell is a small town that sprang up in the Eel River Valley in the early 1900s, thanks to the lumber industry which boomed in this land of abundant trees. The lumber business has long since departed, but in its place is a quaint town that’s perfect for its residents who love its secluded nature, an often surprisingly strong selection of small restaurants, and its proximity to the Lost Coast — it’s one of the state’s least developed coastal area and offers the views, hikes, and sights that make California famous, but with dramatically fewer visitors than the more popular stretches.
Represented by: Joshua Cook and Wendy Granberg of Corcoran Icon Properties.
The House: A pair of classic red barn-styled farmhouses sit on a peaceful ridge overlooking the Eel River Valley, on a 12.5-acre lot. The larger 2,500-square-foot primary house has three bedrooms and three bathrooms, with an open-concept main floor that flows between the living area and the elevated dining area and kitchen. Exposed beams and a fireplace add to the rustic charm of the space. The second farmhouse has a garage on the ground floor and a studio guest suite on the second floor, with a kitchenette and a bathroom, perfect for visiting friends and family. There’s a rustic hot tub outside for relaxing under the stars, a spider-web-style swing, and space for an outdoor grill and dining.
The Place: Fortune favors those who live in Fortuna, with its ideal weather — warm enough for comfort, yet cool enough to avoid becoming a sweaty mess — and a walkable small-town vibe coupled with plenty of stores and businesses necessary for daily life. There’s a summer rodeo (complete with a chili cook-off) and a great farmers market downtown every week from May through October. Its nickname is “The Friendly City” and residents are proud of its inclusive and welcoming nature.
Represented by: Carra Young of Corcoran Icon Properties.
The House: Soaring ceilings, arched doorways, and other architectural details all contribute to a feeling of grandeur inside this beautiful three-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bathroom house set on just over half an acre. There’s a home office (or library) complete with a fireplace and built-in bookshelves, while the living room also boasts a fireplace, as well as a wet bar and a built-in entertainment center. Outside, enjoy a covered porch with space for outdoor dining and a television hookup so you can watch the game while enjoying drinks al fresco, plus an outdoor hot tub for moonlit soaking. Over the garage, there’s a flexible space that can be used as guest quarters, a game room, an art studio, or a home gym, brightly lit with natural light thanks to skylights and a fireplace for cooler winter days.
The Place: If the pitch above didn’t convince you, Fortuna is a great base to explore all that Humboldt County has to offer, with a quick drive from the city to nearby beaches and the Pacific Ocean, river adventures, cycling routes, abundant fishing and hunting opportunities, and of course, the many spectacular hikes available through the redwood forests. Fortuna has numerous grocery stores, from specialty versions to a general Safeway, as well as that weekly farmers market, making it a central location for many nearby Humboldt County denizens to stock up on the weekly shop.
Represented by: Gillian Levy of Corcoran Icon Properties.
