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.
