10 Things You Should Know About Ukiah Before You Move

10 Things You Should Know About Ukiah Before You Move

Moving to a new city is always exciting, but it comes with questions about what life will really be like. Ukiah, California is full of charm, natural beauty, and a close-knit community. But like any town, it has its unique features and quirks. Here are 10 things you should know before moving to Ukiah straight from a local perspective.

In this vlog, I’m not talking about silly things like, “Oh, the weather is too nice here,” or “It’s beautiful here.” No, I’m talking about the important things you should really know before moving here in Ukiah. Ukiah is a unique place with its own rhythm, opportunities, and quirks.

We Don’t Have Trader Joe’s

If you’re used to big grocery chains like Trader Joe’s, Ukiah doesn’t have one. We do have Costco, Walmart, Grocery Outlet, and a Hobby Lobby, which covers most shopping needs. It might mean getting a little creative with where you buy ingredients or specialty items, but for many residents, the options are more than enough.

We Don’t Have Traffic

One of the biggest perks of living here? We don’t have traffic. You can enjoy driving without stress, spend more time with your family, and get to work without feeling trapped on the road. It’s one of the simple joys of life in Ukiah.

We Don’t Have Target

Ukiah doesn’t have a Target, and honestly, that’s not a bad thing. With local stores, Walmart, and Hobby Lobby nearby, creativity thrives. Residents find unique ways to shop and explore without relying on mass-market chains.

We Have Fun Festivals

Ukiah and Mendocino County are packed with festivals and events. From PumpkinFest and Rock Fest to seafood fests, zipline events, and Mushroom Festival, there’s always something happening for the community to enjoy.

We Have a Lot of Recurring Events

Some people say there’s “nothing to do” in Ukiah, but that’s far from the truth. From Sundays in the Park to movie nights, Farmer’s Markets, Kids’ Farmer’s Markets, and local concerts, there’s a recurring event almost every week. The key is showing up and participating.

We Don’t Have a Bowling Alley or Skating Rink

It’s true — Ukiah doesn’t have a bowling alley or roller skating rink. But we make up for it with our festivals, parks, and community spaces that bring people together in other fun ways.

No Smog

Our air quality is generally excellent. Unless there’s a nearby wildfire, Ukiah offers clean, fresh air, perfect for outdoor activities and healthy living.

We Don’t Have an Urgent Care

If you need urgent care, you’ll have to plan ahead. There isn’t a walk-in urgent care clinic in town, so appointments with doctors, including pediatricians, require a bit of scheduling.

We Have a Very Diverse Community

Ukiah is a mix of people from all walks of life — politically, culturally, and socially. Locals are welcoming and adaptable, which makes it easy to feel included no matter your background.

We Do Have a Lot of Negative Nancies

And I don’t mean that any shade to the nancies. There are people who have lived here their entire lives, never left, and choose to make it what they make it. Sometimes that mindset can lean toward pessimism or focusing on problems instead of solutions, and it can have a negative effect. But this also highlights the importance of bringing a positive, proactive approach when you move here — and there’s plenty of opportunity to make a real impact in the community.

Ukiah isn’t perfect, but that’s part of its charm. From festivals and a clean environment to diverse residents and affordable housing, this city has something unique to offer. Understanding these realities will help you make the most of your move. Whether you’re relocating for work, family, or a quieter pace of life, Ukiah provides a lifestyle that balances community, nature, and opportunity.