Located just to the east of Bellingham and on the south end of Lake Whatcom, the community of Sudden Valley is the 2nd largest HOA in Washington state. Sudden Valley living is a very unique option for homebuyers, just a 15-20 minute drive to Bellingham and within the Bellingham school district, yet home prices between 15-20% below in city limits.

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Sudden Valley offers a distinctly treed feel. And the trees are a part of the make-up of what homeowners have come to know and love about the community. You can live on a smaller city-sized lot, but feel like you are in the woods still with the surrounding trees. Dues are currently $144 a month, but there is an array of amenities. This includes 11 parks, miles of hiking trails, beaches, two pools, sports fields, tennis courts, a basketball court, a rec center with a full gym, a marina (with dry and wet slips) an 18-hole golf course, a clubhouse, a library and more. The HOA extra services include snow removal from the main roads (during the week or two on average of snow that Sudden Valley sees per winter) and 24/7 security.

There is a small Sudden Valley plaza that includes a grocery/mini-mart, a gas station & an Italian restaurant. The golf course is also home to Jalapeno’s Mexican restaurant.

Housing variety ranges from small cabins, built originally by Canadians for summer get-aways, to high-end modern northwest homes. Sudden Valley is also home to multiple condo complexes, mainly in Gate 2 -many with golf course or Lake Whatcom views.

Search homes for sale in Sudden Valley here: www.bellinghamoffice.johnlscott.com

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Summary of positives:

Home prices lower compared to Bellingham city limits. Trail, lake & beach access, plus many other community amenities. Treed environment. Bellingham schools.

Trade-offs:

Some lots have steeper driveways and/or lack sunlight. HOA dues of $144 a month. HOA rules require approval for fencing, tree removal & other restrictions.

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