Seventy-six years, and counting. That's how long the West Tennessee Strawberry Festival has been in Humboldt. This multi-day event not only showcases the strawberry market, but provides tons of fun and entertainment. The annual experience is pulled together primarily by eager volunteers. Apparently, the town that works together stays together.
Strawberry festival aside, peaceful living is how some describe the Humboldt scene. Nothing fancy, just a good place to live. The quiet countryside is the prize, and the 8,452 people who like it there will agree. But that doesn't mean you won't have anything to do. Activities just come on a lighter scale. The town is home to shops, eateries and plenty of green space to enjoy fun outdoor activities or to just sit and people watch. When you get tired of sitting, the Crown Winery and Vineyards is worth a visit. This is Humboldt's local juice joint that's gone green with solar power. Of course, there is wine tasting, plus a gift shop, outdoor amphitheater and pottery studio located within the heart of the vineyard. You get all this with the sweet taste of small town living.
Moving to Humboldt
North, south, east or west of Highways 45 and 79, Humboldt's housing market is not too different from many a small town. But in Humboldt, quality of life is what matters. Don't start to launch your apartment search expecting grand, upscale populated residential areas. This goes against the grain of small town living. Understand this and you'll find the home that's right for you in no time. Then you can go about the business of wine tasting and anticipating the next strawberry festival.
Housing Options
Choices are ample when it comes to housing. The town has a mix of housing options. About 79% of the housing market consists of single family homes. The balance is a combination of town homes, apartments and mobile homes. With these choices you might even score that studio apartment you've always wanted. But if space is what you need, most homes have room to spare as 63% of the structures have three or more bedrooms -- extra space for wine storage, perhaps.
No Rent Regrets
When checking out places to rent in Humboldt, be aware that many of the homes in the area (roughly 86%) were built in 1989 or earlier. Finding newer rental homes will be tough, so before making a deal on your older residence, consider the potential problems that come with aging structures. In many cases, older rental units are just fine. However, it is highly recommended that you inspect your character-filled pad for any issues. Even if you forego rental homes for apartment living, pre-lease inspections are still a good idea.
Hunting Season
Property owners, realtors and landlords are usually willing to showcase their properties pretty much any time. Just don't expect them to give up holidays or weekends. Beyond that, you can conduct a home or apartment search just about any day of the year. Once you find the ideal place, allow two to three weeks to get everything signed, sealed and delivered. You can always allow more time. No sense in stressing out about your living situation with a narrow hunting season. And, if you are searching for pet friendly apartments, be sure to mention this to potential landlords upfront.
Renting 101
Before combing through available rental homes in Humboldt, there are a few basic requirements needing attention. Prior to inking the rental deal, you should prepare one month's rent, a security deposit, proof you can pay the rent and a summary of your previous rental history. Sometimes you will have to undergo a background and credit check. Not all property owners or landlords will do this. Some will just be happy to get paid each and every month. It's a good idea to come prepared. That way, your dream pad won't slip through your anxious-to-sign-the-lease fingers.
Humboldt Neighborhoods
The town covers 9.71 loosely populated square miles. Within these boundaries are a decent amount of neighborhood choices. You can choose to live in the town center where much of the action is, or you can choose some of the more remote areas. One thing about Humboldt, though, is that it's pretty much landlocked. If you want water sports, you'll have to travel outside of any neighborhood you choose. Still, the different communities are worth checking out.
City Center: This community is located primarily west of Highway 45 and north of Highway 79. The neighborhood has a combination of single family homes and apartment buildings. Getting a rental here is doable, but expect competition for housing in the heart of the town.
Avondale: This neighborhood is east of the city center and has mostly single family homes and some mobile homes. You have a good chance of finding a rental property in this community. Just expect more options for house rentals versus apartments. The Crown Winery is within the boundaries of this neighborhood.
Living in Humboldt
Living in Humboldt means an understated way of life with enough entertainment options right under your nose. In addition to its own winery and vineyards, Humboldt is also home to Herbie Town. This place is a history buff's sanctuary as it takes you back to the Wild West with replicas of a saloon, a blacksmith's shop and even a stable.
Next, to better appreciate the history of the Humboldt and the strawberry market story, a visit to the Tom and O.E. Stigall Ethnic Library and History Museum is in order.
Venturing back to present time, you can check out the West Tennessee Regional Arts Center, which makes its home in the former City Hall building. Art enthusiasts will rave about the art collection on display, featuring local artists as well as distinctive, nationally known works.
Who says small town living is boring? There is plenty to see and do in Humboldt. But, to take it all in, you'll need your own set of wheels -- a small sacrifice for a great place to live.