As people return to this “new normal” post-Covid phase, there seems to be a shift in gear. I sense a different vibe in the air as I walk the local trails and run errands around the county. The out of state license plates are on the rise and I don’t think it can be written off as just the usual summer traffic. There are also lots of car campers in town which may all signal a change in lifestyle, a desire to seek new surroundings, and/or be related to job loss during Covid.

In the past few months a handful of high ticket ocean view homes sold from the city of Trinidad’s small housing stock. A local realtor told me that it’s a sellers market complete with bidding wars. When asked where these buyers reside, I was told they were both local and folks from outside the area. Trinidad now has a Jaguar and two Tesla’s in town. In an effort to provide full disclosure: my husband and I moved into our modest for Trinidad home, eight years ago when a dream job opportunity came our way. So we recognize that we too are part of the community’s changing tides.

Historically Trinidad was ancestral Yurok territory with the Tsurai Village long established on the slopes above Trinidad Bay. Spanish explorers renamed the community Trinidad after laying claim in 1775 as an acquisition for the King of Spain. The Gold Rush attracted Euro-Americans to the area. Rich natural resources led an incorporated City to capitalize on timber harvesting & fishing, and in the 1920’s Trinidad had a six year stint as a whaling town. Trinidad’s remaining fishing industry includes a fleet of 17 crab boats. The Trinidad Rancheria is the largest employer in the city with its Cher-Ae Heights Casino, Trinidad Harbor, Sea Scape Restaurant and vacation rental. Other working age residents either commute to nearby cities or work from home. The community includes a number of retired adults and a handful of young families.

A community oriented, family of four, rents the home across the street from ours. Sadly, they are relocating to Virginia because housing stock is more affordable there. This is not a unique example and begs the question, will Trinidad and other coastal communities be able to maintain a thriving residential population? My gut tells me we are just beginning to see the changes this “new normal” will bring. A probable mix of results. Enjoy my pics! #iluvtowalk #baxteronthego #trinidadcalifornia #humboldtcounty #humboldt

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