Bellingham

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.

What to Love

  • Less than two hours away from downtown Seattle
  • Proximity to Vancouver and the San Juan Islands
  • A walker, runner, and cyclist’s paradise
  • Home to 17 craft breweries, many of them award winners
  • An ideal blend between suburban peace and urban sophistication
  • A variety of Bellingham houses for sale to choose from

Local Lifestyle - Living in Bellingham

As the home to the acclaimed Western Washington University, Bellingham has a youthful, academic vibe that’s wonderfully paired with an artistic and entrepreneurial spirit, as evidenced by the murals and sculptures found throughout the city. Its location between Seattle and Vancouver also renders it an optimal spot for remote workers, particularly those who work in technology, while its desirable blend of country and contemporary appeals to families, retirees, and everyone in between. This gives Bellingham a vibrant overall energy.

Dining, Shopping & Entertainment

Bellingham may have earned the distinction of “Brewingham” for the buzzy breweries that dot its streets, but it’s just as much of a haven for discerning foodies. Bellingham locals are known to frequent Carnal, an electrifying restaurant in the center of downtown famed for its live-fire cooking. Meals here are spellbinding not only for their explosive flavors but also for the artistry of its adventurous culinary team. Roasted halibut with caramelized fennel and dates, twice-cooked honey-nut squash with yuzu and leeks, and flank steak with steamed oysters and sea lettuce are just a few of their one-of-a-kind creations. 

Additionally, the always-hopping Aslan Brewing Company serves ice-cold artisan dry-hopped pilsners and French India farmhouse ales in their airy interior and, on warmer days, sun-splashed patio. The beloved tavern also takes bar bites to the next level with dishes ranging from Makhani curry bowls to classic poutine. With its blend of old-school fun, locally-crafted beers, and Bavarian pretzels, Flatstick Pub is equally delightful, while a slew of terrific restaurants lines Bellingham Harbor. A few other venues to explore in the city include Stemma Brewing Company and Accomplice. 

Shopping and entertainment are also offered in spades throughout Bellingham, whether you’re browsing the boutiques in the historic Fairhaven district or catching a concert at any of the city’s stand-out taverns. 

Things to Do in Bellingham

Between its parks and trails, bars and restaurants, museums and shops, Bellingham provides its visitors and residents with a nearly endless supply of activities. Riveting magic shows, symphonies, winter balls, and documentary films turn any night out at the historic Mount Baker Theatre into a memory to savor later. 

Nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts are also offered plenty to adore in Bellingham proper and its nearby environs. Whatcom Falls, for one, boasts over 240 acres of striking scenery, dramatic waterfalls, and pleasures ranging from fishing to hiking, while the Waypoint Park and Pumptrack on the glistening Bellingham waterfront is a Shangri La for serious and novice mountain bikers. And once a year, residents throughout the Pacific Northwest gather for the Northwest Tune Up Festival—a lively community fete that celebrates bikes, music, and beers. In short, Bellingham abounds with pleasures.

Schools in Bellingham

Bellingham students are served by the Bellingham Public School District. A few of the most notable schools in the city include:

Overview for Bellingham, WA

90,545 people live in Bellingham, where the median age is 33.5 and the average individual income is $36,147. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

90,545

Total Population

33.5 years

Median Age

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

$36,147

Average individual Income

Demographics and Employment Data for Bellingham, WA

Population Households Employment

Bellingham has 39,496 households, with an average household size of 2.18. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Bellingham do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 90,545 people call Bellingham home. The population density is 3,217.56 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

90,545

Total Population

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

33.5

Median Age

48.5 / 51.5%

Men vs Women

Population by Age Group

0-9:

0-9 Years

10-17:

10-17 Years

18-24:

18-24 Years

25-64:

25-64 Years

65-74:

65-74 Years

75+:

75+ Years

Education Level

  • Less Than 9th Grade
  • High School Degree
  • Associate Degree
  • Bachelor Degree
  • Graduate Degree
39,496

Total Households

2.18

Average Household Size

$36,147

Average individual Income

Households with Children

With Children:

Without Children:

Marital Status

Married
Single
Divorced
Separated

Blue vs White Collar Workers

Blue Collar:

White Collar:

Commute Time

0 to 14 Minutes
15 to 29 Minutes
30 to 59 Minutes
60+ Minutes

Around Bellingham, WA

There's plenty to do around Bellingham, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.

94
Walker's Paradise
Walking Score
87
Very Bikeable
Bike Score
54
Good Transit
Transit Score

Points of Interest

Explore popular things to do in the area, including Rain or Shine Riviera Club, Marie’s Bees, and Refresh Juice.

Name Category Distance Reviews
Ratings by Yelp
Rain or Shine Riviera Club Logo
Dining 0.79 miles 6 reviews 5/5 stars
Marie’s Bees Logo
Dining 0.39 miles 9 reviews 5/5 stars
Refresh Juice Logo
Dining 0.31 miles 9 reviews 5/5 stars
Welcome Road Winery Logo
Dining 0.44 miles 5 reviews 5/5 stars
Unknown Board Shop Logo
Shopping 0.44 miles 5 reviews 5/5 stars
Texture Clothing Logo
Shopping 0.3 miles 8 reviews 5/5 stars

Browse Properties in the Area

For Sale
MLS® 2158971

$3,485,000

1697 Chuckanut Crest Drive, Bellingham, WA 98229
3 Beds 2.75 Baths 3,724 Sq.Ft.
Pending
MLS® 2142576

$1,950,000

1207 40th Street , -4907, Bellingham, WA 98229
3 Beds 2.5 Baths 2,156 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
MLS® 2228536

$1,590,000

114 W Holly Street, Bellingham, WA 98225
For Sale
MLS® 2202307

$1,475,000

1509 8th Street, Bellingham, WA 98225
3 Beds 3 Baths 2,496 Sq.Ft.
Pending
MLS® 2215590

$895,000

1711 E Illinois, Bellingham, WA 98226
4 Beds 2.75 Baths 2,188 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
MLS® 2183606

$450,000

1610 Knox Avenue, Bellingham, WA 98225
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Work With Derek

Specializing in relocation, new construction properties, and vacant land, Derek sets himself apart by providing an exceptional real estate experience. He is the only agent in Whatcom County to achieve the Accredited Land Consultant designation from the LAND Institute.

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Contact Details

Derek Buse

Phone

(360) 599-0379

Email

[email protected]

Address

1318 12th Street Bellingham, WA 98225

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