Amenities
An abundance of amenities, including restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores and fitness facilities, are conveniently situated within walking distance of the area.
Health & Safety
A high score in the health and safety category is a result of good air quality and the accessibility to health facilities such as hospitals, clinics, doctors, pharmacies and fire stations.
Schools
High test scores, elevated graduation rates as well as the conveniently located elementary and high schools in this area have all contributed to the high score in the schools category.
Commute
Public transportation is not readily available in this area and the average commute time to work could also be longer than the national average.
Cost Of Living
Based on the most recent cost of living data, this area is more expensive to live in. You can expect to pay more for everyday goods and services, housing, groceries and utilities.
Crime
This area is reporting high crime rates per 100,000 people and could signify that it is a dangerous place to live. Crime rates include both violent and property crimes.
Employment
A low score in the employment category could indicate that this area struggles with high unemployment rates and low household income and income per capita levels.
Arcata is a mid-sized city located in the state of California. The city has a population of 18,266 residents. The majority of Arcata residents report their race to be White; this is followed by Asian and American Indian and Alaskan. Arcata tends to attract a younger crowd, as the median age of 28 is far below the national average. Arcata is not known to have a high population (over 15 years old) of married people. At only 25% married, this city falls well below the national average. If you're not a fan of traffic congestion and long commute times to work, Arcata is the place to be. Commutes to work here are shorter, with an average one-way commute time taking only 17 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
If you’re considering moving to any new city, it could be a very discouraging task. However, it could also be a good experience if you are willing to get to know the town before actually living in Arcata, California. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. The best areas in Arcata and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from crime, commute, health & safety, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the California and national averages.
With a livability score of 69 out of 100, Arcata is ranked #7,372 in the United States and #277 in California. If we dig a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Arcata has higher than average rankings for the following: amenities (A+) and education (A+). The bad news for Arcata, there are some categories for which it does not rank well, this includes: crime (D-), cost of living (F), employment (F) and housing (D-).
If you're living in Arcata, you can expect to enjoy a multitude of local amenities, mostly thanks to the strategic placement of essential services such as grocery stores, restaurants, coffee shops, parks and various shops. If you're contemplating a move to this locale with the intent of establishing it as your permanent residence, you'll be pleased to find an extensive array of amenities and recreational opportunities within easy reach, either on foot or via a brief commute. This wealth of accessible amenities not only enhances the livability of the area but also ensures that you can enjoy a rich and fulfilling lifestyle, making Arcata an attractive destination for those seeking a vibrant and well-served community to call home.
Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Arcata is real estate affordability. The median home price for Arcata homes is $356,800, which is 12.8% lower than the California average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Arcata, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 9.2, which is 43.8% higher than the California average.
| Statistic | Arcata | California | National |
| Average one way commute | 17min | 28min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 57.4% | 73.5% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 11.2% | 10.6% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 3.3% | 5.2% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 3.7% | 1.1% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 15.0% | 2.7% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 7.4% | 5.4% | 4.6% |
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