At Bellingham Real Estate Stories, we are featuring not just the neighborhoods of Bellingham, but the communities that surround Bellingham. Part of what makes Bellingham so attractive is access to surrounding amenities, one of those being Mt. Baker. And the nearest community to Mt. Baker is Glacier.
Glacier was founded gold mine and logging town, but being 20 miles from the summit of Mt Baker ski resort, it has now developed into a town that is primarily 2nd homes (ski cabins) and vacation rentals. Mt. Baker sees record levels of snow every year, and also offers the best value on ski tickets and season passes in the Pacific Northwest. It is known for world-class backcountry skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing. And Mt Baker (and Glacier) are popular for hikers and bikers in the summertime with incredible trail systems.
The town itself has a few great restaurants and ski shops. The most popular restaurant being Chair 9. For more amenities for a local full-time residence, the town of Maple Falls is just a 10-minute drive west as well.
While there are many homes on acreage, the 3 primary neighborhoods most popular for 2nd homes and vacation rentals are Glacier Springs, Snowline, and Glacier Rim. And each neighborhood has its benefits.
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Glacier Springs has no gate or amenities. But that means, low dues and less restrictions. Glacier Springs also has the benefit in their covenants of allowing you to vacation rental home right away. Whereas Snowline and Mt. Baker Rim has a 1-year restriction before you are allowed to rent your home out as a VRBO. Glacier Springs also on average is a little lower per square foot for a home, so more bang for the buck on the home. This community also has award-winning water! Dues in Glacier Springs are $180 per year.
Snowline is a gated community loaded with amenities. This includes the gate and security, a swimming pool, a clubhouse, playground, tennis courts a fishing pond and more. This is a very family-friendly community with multiple summer events. Snowline is also within walking distance to Chair 9 restaurant, and a few miles closer to the summit as well (compared to Glacier Springs). HOA dues to cover costs of amenities are currently in 2020 $780 per year.
Mt. Baker Rim is another gated community with amenities that include a swimming pool, clubhouse, trails, and tennis courts. One standout feature of Mt. Baker Rim is access to river frontage as well. Mt. Baker Rim does have a 1-year restriction on using your home as a VRBO after purchase. Annual dues in Glacier Rim are $700 per year.
Both Mt. Baker Rim and Snowline offer similar dollars per square foot costs and demand. Home prices can vary also because of different construction methods used. Many homes are standard stick-built, but then you also find many chalet style homes and log homes with varying degrees of quality and craftsmanship. Many, if not most homes also sell furnished in Glacier.
There is also two condominium complexes: Snowline Inn and SnoWater condos
Snowline Inn is next to Chair Nine. This a converted condo complex that is fairly standard with no note-able amenities, but affordable price points and lower dues.
SnoWater is the more popular and larger condo complex. This condo HOA offers two clubhouses, two pools, workout rooms, an adult building, kids outside play area and trails. They also offer full-time management and are gated. The amenities, improvements happening, and full-time management all adds up to dues in the $500- $600 range.
Here is a note from one of our Glacier experts, Marty Kutchbach.
“Glacier In the 16+ years now that I have worked in Glacier the change is unreal. About 2004 Glacier was “discovered”. It went from a mostly Canadian owned weekend resort to new owners from all over the world with many full-time residents. It has now been almost all built up. At this time demand is outpacing the properties for sale. Although it was mostly weekenders more and more full-time people are owning there. This started to change when cable internet became available. I am sure the old-time loggers and miners are wondering what it is all about :-).”
First, before planning your move to Glacier, it’s helpful to review the city’s location, population, and features.
Did You Know? Glacier is home to Mt. Baker, a popular destination for hikers, snowboarders, and skiers.
Glacier, WA Demographics
Glacier features a number of vacation homes, restaurants, and trails, in addition to the adjacent Mt. Baker Ski Area.
Because much of the population tends to be seasonal, the usual stats are hard to come by. Here is a breakdown of what we know:
Location and Population
- Size: 2.9 square miles
- Distance to Canadian Border: 1 hr
- Distance to Seattle, WA: 2 hrs
- Population: 154 (counted in the census)
- Median Age: 44.8
Work and Income
- Per-Capita Income: $31,421
- Worked from Home: 30%
Education
- Bachelor’s degree or higher: 42.9%
- High school or higher: 100%
JLS Realtor Insights: Glacier is primarily 2nd homes, with many used full time or part time as VRBO’s. Although Glacier has some homes on acreage, the primary developments include Glacier Springs, Mt Baker Rim and Snowline. Glacier Springs has the lowest dues and least amount of restrictions. Mt Baker Rim and Snowline are gated with more amenities. The 2 condo complexes include SnoWater (higher dues and more amenities) and Snowline inn.
Mt Baker Lodging is the biggest vacation rental management company serving Glacier. To touch base with them about rates and services to help you VRBO:
800-709-7669
Did You Know? Glacier, WA was originally a gold-mining and logging town. When Mount Baker Highway was built in 1923, the area became accessible to the public.
Glacier, WA Local Events
Legendary Banked Slalom: This decades-old event attracts snowboarders to Mt. Baker to ride the slalom course, competing for a duct-tape trophy.
Golden Egg Hunt – More than 6,000 eggs are hidden on the slopes of Mt. Baker. One golden egg contains a season pass to Mt. Baker.
Ski to Sea Race – The largest single-day event in Whatcom County, Ski to Sea is a 93-mile multisport relay race that starts at Mt. Baker Ski Area and ends at Bellingham Bay.
Mt. Baker Car Show – The Mt. Baker Lions Club holds a car show along Mt. Baker Highway on Saturday of Labor Day weekend.
Mt. Baker Hill Climb – The Mount Baker Hill Climb is a 4,098-foot ascension from Glacier to Artist Point.
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
Glacierview Animal Hospital
1874 E Main St, Ferndale, WA 98248
Animal Health International Inc
944 Cherry St, Sumas, WA 98295
School District
4956 Deming Rd, Deming, WA 98244
Parks in Glacier
Mt. Baker National Recreation Area
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