Welcome to Bellingham
Sandwiched between the marvelous Mount Baker and the stunning Salish Sea, Bellingham has garnered a reputation as one of the choicest places to eat, play, and live in the Pacific Northwest. Beautifully-restored historic homes, an abundance of lush parks, and a flourishing dining and brewery scene give the northernmost city in the contiguous U.S. a categorically distinct flair. Couple all of this with the PNW’s signature verdant beauty and a bevy of outdoor activities, and you can see why Bellingham has been ranked the 37th best place to live in the country.
This ranking partly comes down to how well the city has been planned. From a vibrant downtown district to award-winning bike infrastructure and exclusive neighborhoods flush with sprawling estates to city streets adorned with immense murals and sculpture gardens, Bellingham is the perfect marriage between smart urban design and ample natural beauty.
Bellingham, Washington Community Overview & Real Estate Guide
Nestled between the snowcapped North Cascades and the sparkling Salish Sea, Bellingham blends outdoor adventure, Pacific Northwest charm, and a thriving arts and university scene. Known as the gateway to the San Juan Islands and Mount Baker, this waterfront city offers a rare mix of mountain-to-bay recreation, historic districts, and a strong sense of community. Its location just 90 miles north of Seattle and 55 miles south of Vancouver makes it a strategic hub for residents, students, and investors alike.
Overview of Bellingham, WABellingham’s neighborhoods range from the historic Fairhaven district with its red-brick charm and waterfront trails, to the tree-lined streets of Columbia and the student-centered energy around Western Washington University. Residents enjoy a balanced lifestyle with access to boating, skiing, hiking, and biking trails right outside their doors, plus vibrant downtown markets, breweries, and local shops. The city’s mix of heritage homes, modern condos, and waterfront properties supports both long-term residents and those seeking second homes or investment opportunities.
| Area | Approx. 30.3 sq miles (land area) |
|---|---|
| County | Whatcom County |
| Established | 1903 (incorporation of Fairhaven, Sehome, Whatcom, and Bellingham) |
| Population (2023 est.) | ~93,000 (U.S. Census estimate) |
| Nearby Parks | Whatcom Falls Park; Larrabee State Park; Lake Padden Park; Boulevard Park; Chuckanut Mountain trails |
| Main Roads | I-5; State Route 11 (Chuckanut Drive); State Route 542 (Mount Baker Hwy) |
From kayaking on Bellingham Bay to skiing at Mount Baker, or simply strolling the historic streets of Fairhaven, Bellingham delivers a year-round Pacific Northwest lifestyle. Its university presence, strong job market, and proximity to major cities enhance long-term growth potential, making it a sought-after destination for homebuyers, investors, and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
LOCATION & CONNECTIVITY in Bellingham, WA
Bellingham lies along the northern Puget Sound, between Seattle and Vancouver, BC. Known as the gateway to the San Juan Islands and Mount Baker, the city combines a walkable downtown, historic Fairhaven, and quick access to I-5 for regional connectivity. Residents enjoy a balance of urban conveniences, cultural venues, and year-round outdoor adventure.
Transportation is car-centric with growing bike and pedestrian infrastructure. Public bus service is robust through the Whatcom Transportation Authority (WTA), with routes connecting neighborhoods, Western Washington University, and nearby towns. Bellingham International Airport (BLI) and Amtrak Cascades rail add further regional links.
| Location Map & Overview of Bellingham |
Coastal city on Bellingham Bay in Whatcom County, bordered by the Salish Sea and North Cascades. Primary access via I-5, connecting south to Seattle (~90 miles) and north to Vancouver, BC (~55 miles). |
|---|---|
| Nearby Areas & Communities around Bellingham |
|
| Attractions & Points of Interest in Bellingham |
|
| Public Transport in Bellingham |
|
| Road Access & Main Highways |
|
| Parking in Bellingham |
Downtown parking garages (Commercial Street, Parkade), surface lots, metered street parking, and free lots near parks and trailheads. Residential permits apply in some neighborhoods. |
| Walking & Cycling in Bellingham |
Extensive trails like the South Bay Trail, Interurban Trail, and Galbraith Mountain biking network. Walkable districts include Downtown and Fairhaven; bike lanes expanding citywide. |
| Taxi & Ride Apps |
Uber and Lyft operate throughout the city; local taxi services available. Car rentals, bike shares, and campus shuttles support mobility. |
| Airport Access in Bellingham |
|
Bellingham delivers rare connectivity: efficient I-5 access, a busy regional airport, cross-border rail and ferry services, and an integrated bus network. Combined with walkable neighborhoods and a thriving trail system, the city offers a balanced lifestyle for commuters, students, and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Bellingham Real Estate Market Trends (2025)
Set on Bellingham Bay with quick access to I-5 and Mount Baker, Bellingham blends historic districts, university energy, and year-round outdoor appeal. As of mid–late 2025, the city’s median sale price is about $683K with a median price per sq. ft. near $442. Inventory and days-on-market vary by neighborhood and property age, with sought-after areas like Fairhaven, South Hill, and Edgemoor commanding premiums. Bedroom-level rents center around the mid-$1,800s for 2BRs and the mid-$2,500s for 3BRs, supporting steady long-term demand.
| Property Type | Median Price (USD) | Price per Sq.Ft (USD) | Average Rent (USD/month) | Rental Yield |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR Condo | $442,000 (est.) | $442 | $1,895 | 5.1% (est.) |
| 2BR Townhome | $530,000 (est.) | $442 | $1,895 | 4.3% (est.) |
| 3BR Single-Family Home | $751,000 (est.) | $442 | $2,550 | 4.1% (est.) |
| 4BR Single-Family Home | $995,000 (est.) | $442 | $3,46 | 4.2% (est.) |
Methodology & notes: Citywide median sale price (~$683K) and $442/sq.ft. from Redfin (latest monthly read) were applied to typical size assumptions (2BR condo ~1,000 sq.ft.; 2BR townhome ~1,200; 3BR SFH ~1,700; 4BR SFH ~2,250) to estimate medians. Bedroom-level rents use Zumper’s Bellingham medians as of Aug/Sep 2025 (2BR ~$1,895; 3BR ~$2,550; 4BR ~$3,461). Yields = annual rent ÷ estimated price; actual results vary by neighborhood, condition, view, HOA, and STR policy.
Lifestyle in Bellingham
Framed by Bellingham Bay and the North Cascades, Bellingham blends a walkable downtown, the historic charm of Fairhaven, and quick access to trails, lakes, and ski terrain at Mount Baker. Western Washington University adds arts and energy, while I-5 and regional transit keep daily life connected.
On Bellingham Bay in Whatcom County, with quick links to I-5. Neighborhoods span waterfront South Hill and Edgemoor to historic Fairhaven, Columbia, and Sehome near WWU.
Laid-back, outdoorsy culture with strong local arts, breweries, and markets. Distinct districts offer everything from classic craftsman blocks to modern condos by the waterfront.
Independent cafés and chef-driven spots cluster in Downtown and Fairhaven, plus food halls, waterfront patios, and a renowned craft-beer scene.
Home to Western Washington University, with public and private K-12 options across the city and enrichment via museums, galleries, and campus programs.
Mix of single-family homes, townhomes, and condos. Premiums for bay views and heritage districts; newer builds appear in Barkley and Cordata areas.
Everyday travel via I-5 and arterials; citywide bus service through WTA; Amtrak Cascades in Fairhaven; BLI for regional flights; growing bike lanes and trail connectors.
Marine west-coast: mild summers, cool wet winters, and frequent shoulder-season sunshine breaks. Snow common in the mountains; occasional winter cold snaps in town.
Daily needs close at hand with grocers, healthcare, and services citywide. Recreation hubs include Boulevard Park, Lake Padden, and the waterfront trail network.
Blend of students, professionals, and long-time residents. University and healthcare anchor employment, alongside outdoor and tourism-related sectors.
Bay-to-mountain access, vibrant neighborhoods, university arts, and multi-modal connectivity (bus, rail, airport, ferry).
Competitive housing in view corridors and heritage areas; rainier winter months; parking constraints in popular districts at peak hours.
South Bay and Interurban Trails, Galbraith Mountain biking, Whatcom Falls & Lake Padden loops, paddling on the bay, and skiing/hiking on Mount Baker.
Amenities in Bellingham, WA
From healthcare and grocery staples to fitness hubs and pet care, Bellingham packs daily essentials into a compact, connected city—Downtown and Fairhaven to Barkley and Cordata.
Whatcom County • Citywide
Full-service hospital and a broad network of clinics/urgent care across the city.
- PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center (Hospital & ER) — 2901 Squalicum Pkwy :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
- Whatcom Family Medicine & clinics — multiple city locations
- Urgent care — various providers across Meridian, Lakeway, & Barkley areas
Hospital & ER within ~10–20 minutes for most neighborhoods.
Downtown • Cordata/Meridian • Barkley
Local co-ops and regional chains plus mall and urban-village retail.
- Haggen — multiple stores (Meridian, Woburn/Barkley, Fairhaven, Sehome) :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
- Community Food Co-op — Downtown & Cordata locations :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
- Trader Joe’s — Bellingham store (plus new North Meridian site) :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
- Costco Wholesale — Arctic Ave / Meridian area :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
- Bellis Fair — regional mall at 1 Bellis Fair Pkwy :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
- Barkley Village — mixed-use shopping & dining district (Woburn/Rimland) :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
Most daily needs within 5–15 minutes citywide.
Gyms • Pools • Trails
City pools, YMCA, and trail networks link neighborhoods to parks and the waterfront.
- Whatcom Family YMCA (Downtown) — 1256 N State St :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
- Arne Hanna Aquatic Center — 1114 Potter St (city pool) :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
- Trails & parks — Boulevard Park waterfront, Lake Padden, Whatcom Falls, Interurban & South Bay Trails
Year-round options from lap swim to mountain biking.
Veterinary • Grooming • Off-Leash Areas
24/7 emergency care plus parks and off-leash areas across the city.
- Animal Emergency Care (24/7) — 4176 Meridian St :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
- Off-leash options — Lake Padden (designated areas), Sunset Pond, Sehome Arboretum (secondary trails), time-limited access at Bloedel Donovan :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
- Local vets & grooming — multiple providers citywide
Dog parks & emergency care within ~10–20 minutes.
Schools & Preschools in Bellingham
Families in Bellingham are served by Bellingham Public Schools (District No. 501), with neighborhood elementary schools feeding into four middle schools and three comprehensive high schools. The city also offers respected private and Montessori options.
Highlights include the IB Primary Years Programme at Wade King Elementary and a broad range of academics, arts, and athletics at Bellingham, Sehome, and Squalicum high schools.
| School / Preschool | Type | Area | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wade King Elementary School | Public (K–5) | Samish/SE Bellingham | Authorized IB Primary Years Programme; inquiry-based learning with strong arts and community focus. |
| Lowell Elementary School | Public (K–5) | South Hill / Sehome | Neighborhood school serving South Hill and surrounding areas; close to WWU and waterfront parks. |
| Parkview Elementary School | Public (K–5) | Columbia / Cornwall Park | Walkable location near Cornwall Park with active family engagement. |
| Fairhaven Middle School | Public (6–8) | Fairhaven / South Bellingham | Strong arts and extracurriculars; feeds into Sehome and Bellingham HS zones. |
| Kulshan Middle School | Public (6–8) | NW / Cordata–Meridian | STEM and outdoor-learning access with proximity to park and trail networks. |
| Whatcom Middle School | Public (6–8) | Downtown / Lettered Streets | Historic campus serving central neighborhoods; robust clubs and activities. |
| Bellingham High School | Public (9–12) | Downtown / Cornwall Ave | Comprehensive academics, arts, and athletics in a central location. |
| Sehome High School | Public (9–12) | Sehome / WWU area | Modern facilities; AP and CTE pathways; close partnership with WWU programs. |
| Squalicum High School | Public (9–12) | Bakerview / Cordata | Diverse course offerings and athletics; easy access from north-side neighborhoods. |
| Assumption Catholic School | Private (PK–8) | Cornwall Ave (Near Downtown) | Longstanding parochial school with PK–8 programs and extended-day options. |
| Whatcom Hills Waldorf School | Private (PreK–8) | Above Lake Whatcom | Arts-infused Waldorf curriculum on a wooded campus. |
| Montessori at Samish Woods | Private (PreK–6) | Samish / SE Bellingham | Montessori program emphasizing outdoor exploration and multi-age classrooms. |
| Cedar Tree Montessori | Private (Preschool–Elementary) | Broadway / Columbia area | Children’s House (preschool–K) and elementary programs; community-centered approach. |
- District: Bellingham Public Schools (No. 501). Use the district’s tool to verify current attendance boundaries and feeder patterns.
- Notables: IB Primary Years Programme at Wade King Elementary; robust activities and AP/CTE options at the city’s three high schools.
- Tip: Program availability and zoning can change—always confirm directly with the district and individual schools.
Investment Potential in Bellingham, WA
-
Student Rentals
High demand WWU proximity
-
Long-Term Rentals
Solid demand Families & workforce
-
Luxury SFR Resale
Steady depth Waterfront & Fairhaven
-
Capital Growth
Moderate Stable fundamentals
Framed by Bellingham Bay and the North Cascades, Bellingham combines university energy, outdoor appeal, and cross-border connectivity. Investors see opportunities across long-term rentals, student housing, and targeted value-add renovations. Limited land supply, waterfront boundaries, and desirable heritage districts help support pricing through cycles.
Why Bellingham? Proximity to Seattle and Vancouver, access to Western Washington University, and a reputation for outdoor lifestyle all underpin buyer and renter demand. Employers in healthcare, education, and tech-adjacent industries add stability, while BLI airport, Amtrak, and I-5 boost accessibility.
- Buy & Hold: 3–4BR single-family homes in Fairhaven, Columbia, and Cordata attract both families and professionals.
- Student Rentals: High occupancy potential near Western Washington University and Sehome Hill; consistent year-round demand.
- Value-Add/Flip: 1960s–1980s homes needing updates (kitchens, energy-efficient systems) are b candidates.
- Risk & Underwriting: Review zoning, rental ordinances, HOA/condo reserves; balance returns against insurance and property-tax costs.
2BR Apartment: ~$1,800–$2,000 • 3BR SFR: ~$2,400–$2,700 • 4BR SFR: ~$3,200–$3,500+
- Updated interiors with modern kitchens & energy-efficient systems.
- Walkable or bike-accessible locations (Fairhaven, Downtown, Sehome).
- Basements, ADUs, and off-street parking add rental flexibility.
Check city rental licensing and inspection requirements.
Verify zoning for student housing or multifamily use.
Confirm HOA/condo budgets, reserves, and rules where applicable.
Whether you’re holding a family home for steady cash flow, catering to WWU students, or upgrading a classic craftsman, Bellingham offers resilient demand and balanced long-term fundamentals.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT CHUCKANUT, WA
-
How much does it cost to live in Bellingham?
- Condos (1–2BR): ~$350K–$500K (downtown and near WWU run higher)
- Single-family homes: ~$600K–$850K depending on neighborhood, age, and size
- Waterfront & Fairhaven estates: $1M+
Typical late-2025 ranges; values vary by location, view, and amenities.
-
Is Bellingham a good place for investment properties?
Yes—steady population growth, strong student rental demand, and proximity to Seattle and Vancouver support values. Investors find opportunities in long-term rentals, student housing, and value-add remodels. Always review city rental licensing and zoning requirements before purchasing.
-
What is the rental market like?
- Long-term rentals: ~\$1,800–\$2,000 (2BR apartment), ~\$2,400–\$2,700 (3BR SFR), ~\$3,200–\$3,500+ (4BR SFR)
- Student rentals: High demand near WWU; consistent occupancy with stable year-round demand.
Bellingham requires rental registration and inspection for most properties.
-
What types of properties are common?
A mix of craftsman homes, post-war single-family houses, condos near downtown and Barkley, and newer townhomes in Cordata and Meridian. Fairhaven offers historic charm; newer subdivisions are found in north Bellingham.
-
What makes Bellingham unique?
The blend of Bellingham Bay, mountain views, WWU’s college-town energy, and direct access to outdoor recreation (Galbraith biking, Mount Baker skiing, Chuckanut trails). Distinct neighborhoods like Fairhaven, Columbia, and Barkley add variety.
-
How do people get around, and which airports serve the area?
Daily travel via I-5 and city arterials; WTA buses connect neighborhoods and WWU. Nearest airports: BLI (Bellingham International), with connections to Seattle and beyond; SEA (Seattle–Tacoma) ~90 minutes; plus Amtrak and Canadian border crossings within 25 miles.
-
Which schools serve Bellingham?
Public options include Wade King Elementary, Fairhaven Middle, and high schools like Sehome, Bellingham, and Squalicum. Private/Montessori choices include Assumption Catholic, Whatcom Hills Waldorf, and Samish Woods Montessori. Western Washington University anchors higher education.
Bellingham combines bay views, college-town vitality, and mountain access—appealing to families, students, and investors alike.
Bellingham combines bay views, college-town vitality, and mountain access—appealing to families, students, and investors alike.