California beach cove on cusp of America’s finest forest where you can bag a house for $235K

More like steal estate.

With Golden State home costs up $330,00 from 10 years ago, cash-strapped Californians are struggling to find an affordable domicile. Thankfully, there is at least one holdout where homebuyers can land a place to live without breaking the bank — the quaint, wooded cove of Eureka.

At this seaside escape of around 26,000 people, known for its historic coastline and primeval-looking redwoods, houses sell for an average of $415,534 — over $350,000 less than the median home price in the state.

For just $235,000, buyers can land a 1,478 square foot 3-bedroom 2-bathroom Victorian home in the woods, which breaks down to just $159 per square foot.

Craving more water than woods? Not to fear. A 860 square-foot two-bedroom, two bathroom property on the waterfront runs buyers $279,000.

This makes Eureka relatively affordable by California coastal standards.

Meanwhile, residents find that the coastal escape sits at the intersection of forest and sea, featuring both the towering forest trails of the Redwood National and State Parks as well as scenic marine preserves located just a ferry’s ride away.

“Still in my mind probably the most beautiful places I’ve seen,” gushed one lifelong resident on Reddit. “I always take for granted the absolute majesty of the Redwoods, which are stunning and IMPOSSIBLY huge. The beaches are so beautiful and not swarming with people, just the nature in general is incredible.”

Others noted the isolation and poor job prospects in Eureka, where unemployment sits at 5.4% — higher than the national average of 4.54% — and the median household income is $64,980 compared to the national average of $83,181.

“Job opportunities are limited, unless you are in blue collar trades (I am) then you have plenty of opportunities,” said the same Redditor. “Traveling in and out of the area is tough due to the terrain and lack of an international airport. It’s at least 3 hours from a big city and an interstate highway.”

“Eureka has a severe homeless and drug problem,” said another. “The stuff people deal with in Eureka isn’t normal.”

Eureka isn’t the only place where home buyers can land a domicile for a steal.

In Crescent City, a small town of about 7,000 people, property hunters can snag an affordable beach house for just over $300,000.

In fact, the average price for homes that are within walking distance or a short drive from the beach in Crescent City is $353,000 — far lower than any of other costal town, according to an analysis by the Chronicle. 

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