Bordering Bellingham to the northwest is the city of Ferndale. Ferndale is the fastest growing city in Whatcom County, and for good reason. The area is only a 15-20 minute drive from Bellingham, 20 minutes from the Canadian border, and has its own small-town charm and distinct personality. The historic downtown borders the Nooksack River and features a boardwalk along the riverfront. Ferndale is generally more open in its landscape than Bellingham. The elevation of many of the neighborhoods offers many homes a beautiful view looking back east towards Mount Baker.
There are a wide variety of housing options, with values just below home prices in Bellingham. You can also find relatively affordable condominiums and older-character homes near the downtown area. This gives you walkability to restaurants, the Haggen grocery store, the river, and the nearby 350-acre Hovander Homestead Park.
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The Hovander Homestead Park is an incredible park that pays homage to Ferndale’s farming roots; farm animals, old barns and original homestead homes are all still onsite. There is a playground, open areas, waterfront access to the river, and a boat launch. It is truly one of the best parks in Whatcom County.
In literally every direction of Ferndale, you can find multiple newer developments and new construction home developments. In fact, no city in Whatcom County offers more new construction options.
Moving further out, Ferndale becomes more rural, and you can find many homes available on acreage. Commercial and hobby farms dot the hilly landscape. You can find everything from 5-acre properties to 50+ acres. This is a great area for those who want a rural lifestyle, but still desire closeness to amenities, I-5, and Bellingham access.
The 4-acre Pioneer Park is a very unique park for both locals and tourists.
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Positives
- Close to Bellingham with notably lower home prices.
- Many homes offer Mt. Baker views.
- Many new construction developments with a wide variety of housing options.
- The downtown area gives you great restaurant/grocery store amenities within a very short commute.
- The 350-Acre Hovander Homestead Park
Things to consider
The Main Street bridge has relatively heavy traffic during commute hours, so what appears to be a short distance from Bellingham can sometimes turn into a longer commute from certain locations in Ferndale.
Very few trails and recreational amenities compared to Bellingham.
Relocating to Ferndale, WA
Are you moving to Ferndale, WA? Our relocation guide will help you familiarize yourself with the fastest-growing city in Whatcom County.
Before planning your move to Ferndale, it’s helpful to understand the city’s location, population, and features. Here is a breakdown of quick stats you need to know.
Did You Know? You can explore Ferndale’s farming roots at 350-acre Hovander Homestead Park. The park features farm animals, barns, and original homestead houses.
Ferndale, WA Demographics
Location and Population
Size: 7 square miles
- Distance to Canadian Border: 20 minutes
- Distance to Seattle, WA: 1 hr, 45 minutes
- Population: 14,043 (2019)
- Median Age: 36.9
Work and Income
- Median Income (Household): $73,074
- Per-Capita Income: $29,602
- Mean travel time to work: 22.3 minutes
Education
- Bachelor’s degree or higher: 40.2%
- High school or higher: 92.9%
Housing
- Median Home Price: $469,000
- Total Housing Units: 5,294
- % of Homes Occupied: 97%
- Average Dollar Per Square Foot (Residential): $248
- 12 Month Appreciation: 12.7%
Did You Know? Some properties in Ferndale span 50+ acres in size.
JLS Realtor Insights: Ferndale is the fastest-growing community in Whatcom County. That starts with the fact that there is more new construction here than anywhere else. With new construction developments, smaller/more affordable older homes, and homes on acreage and hobby farms, Ferndale offers a wide variety of housing at 15-20% lower prices than Bellingham. Yet, most of Ferndale is a 15-minute drive from Bellingham’s amenities and is within 5 minutes of freeway access.
Is Ferndale, WA Safe?
With a little more than 22 crimes per 1,000 residents (only one of which was violent), Ferndale is the 23rd safest city in Washington State.
Ferndale, WA Local Events
Ferndale Street Festival: Featuring food, crafts, a car show, and a beer garden, the Ferndale Street Festival brings thousands of visitors to Ferndale annually each August.
Olde Fashioned Christmas: Every December, Pioneer Park is lit up in holiday lights by the Family Heritage Society volunteers. Complete with Christmas music, costumes, and even Santa Claus.
Old Settlers Weekend: Each July, the Old Settlers Association opens Pioneer Park’s historic cabins for public viewing.
Resources
Colleges and Universities
516 High Street, Bellingham, WA 98225
237 W. Kellogg Road, Bellingham, WA 98226
3028 Lindbergh Avenue, Bellingham, WA 98225
Hospital Nearby
PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center
2901 Squalicum Pkwy, Bellingham, WA 98225
Emergency Room Open 24 Hours
Veterinarians
2069 Main St, Ferndale, WA 98248
5610 Barrett Rd, Ferndale, WA 98248
6220 Portal Way, Ferndale, WA 98248
1874 E Main St, Ferndale, WA 98248
School District
6041 Vista Drive, Ferndale, WA 98248
Private Schools
Providence Christian School Northwest
5942 Portal Way, Ferndale, WA 98248
2377 Douglas Rd, Ferndale, WA 98248
Parks in Ferndale
Hovander Homestead Park
5299 Nielsen Ave, Ferndale, WA 98248
VanderYacht Park
1945 Washington St, Ferndale, WA 98248
Centennial Riverwalk Park
5667 Front Ave, Ferndale, WA 98248
Ferndale neighborhood resources
https://www.bellingham.org/communities/ferndale/
- Nextdoor Ferndale, WA https://nextdoor.com/city/ferndale–wa/
Want more information about buying a home in Ferndale, WA?
Download the Ferndale Guide
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