A view of The Arcata Plaza in Arcata, California.

UPDATE: Check out our new 2023 Best Cities to Live in the U.S. list.

#14. Arcata

Located near Humboldt Bay, Arcata is largely a college town with Humboldt State University’s student base making up about half of the city’s total population. The Plaza, considered the heart of the community, features a green lawn area surrounded by coffee shops, restaurants, stores, bars and live music clubs. Arcata residents have access to great health care at a 78-bed Mad River Community Hospital.

Newsletter Sign Up

Keep up to date with our latest rankings and articles!
Enter your email to be added to our mailing list.