Ranked by many publications as one of the Best Places to Live in America for mid-sized cities, Bellingham is a lush and green rapidly growing city that is 25 miles south of the Canadian border and 60 miles north of Seattle.

The largest city in Whatcom County, Bellingham’s home prices are the most expensive in Whatcom County. Still relatively affordable compared to Seattle, Bellingham continues to be an increasingly popular relocation destination.

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What Makes Bellingham Stand Out

Bellingham is most popular for the nature that surrounds it. Bellingham Bay brings access to the ocean as well as the San Juan Islands. Several lakes, including Lake Whatcom, Lake Samish, and Lake Padden provide ample water activities. Galbraith Mountain is the premier mountain biking destination of the Pacific Northwest, and Mt Baker ski resort is less than 60 miles east of Bellingham.

Bellingham is also a beer lover’s paradise, with 15 craft breweries, and more popping up every day. With a downtown farmers market and food co-ops, this is a culture that also supports its local farm and agriculture.

From its core neighborhoods near downtown to the well-established south neighborhoods that surround the historic Fairhaven district, to the Silver Beach and Geneva neighborhoods that border Lake Whatcom, to the northern areas of town that continue to expand, Bellingham’s neighborhoods offer a setting to fit any lifestyle.

And that is part of what our company blog (Bellingham Real Estate Stories) looks to provide, those insights into each area of Bellingham.

Pros and Cons of Moving to Bellingham

Positives: Incredible outdoor recreation. Amazing natural beauty. Excellent cultural amenities (restaurants/craft beer/theatres/shopping) for a small city. Close to Seattle and Vancouver, B.C. Above-average schools. Relatively affordable compared to most of the larger cities along the West Coast.

Trade-offs: The most expensive housing in Whatcom & Skagit County (north of Snohomish county), and general lack of housing supply, so less housing options. Homeless issues in some areas in and around downtown.