The Fairhaven Historic District is best known for its beautiful 19th-century architecture, with nice restaurants and many artsy shops. It’s a very popular place for tourism, but also home to many, with multiple condominiums HOA’s in the downtown area. The district leads down to Marine Park and the Ferry Terminal, as well as close proximity to Boulevard Park and Fairhaven Park. This is also a vibrant community. Several events take place every summer including movie nights at the outdoor cinema, the Fairhaven Festival, Fairhaven Winterfest, and the famous Ski to Sea Race finishes every year with a huge event in Fairhaven as well.
In the Real Estate world as you search Bellingham, Fairhaven is generally considered an area more so than just a neighborhood. The Fairhaven area is connected and borders the surrounding neighborhoods South Hill (directly north moving towards downtown), the Happy Valley neighborhood (east towards I-5), and the Edgemoor neighborhood directly to the South. The Edgemoor neighborhood being the most coveted with large residential lots with mature landscaping, bay views, and literally the safest streets in all of Bellingham. But whether it is South Hill, Happy Valley, Edgemoor, or Fairhaven proper, being near Fairhaven and on the south side of town is always considered a prime location.
If you are considering a condominium in Fairhaven, there is many HOA’s to choose from, just be prepared to pay a little more than other areas of town. Fairhaven condos are typically about 10-20% higher dollar per square foot average compared to downtown Bellingham, and 20-25% more than condos located on the north end of town (Cordata). So here you can find beautiful condos (many with bay views) but just recognize that you are paying for the lifestyle of being in arguably the most upscale location in Bellingham. It’s all about location, location!
So from condominiums in downtown Fairhaven, to single-family homes on South Hill or in Edgemoor, living in the Fairhaven area is definitely a lifestyle investment. Starting of course with the close proximity to the amenities with the Fairhaven downtown district… But additionally trail systems in several directions, access and views of the bay, and established quality neighborhoods. Fairhaven also has highly rated schools including Fairhaven Elementary, Lowell Elementary, and Fairhaven Middle School.
Best Features:
-High-end downtown district with ample shops & restaurants.
-Regular community events.
-Access to the waterfront, Fairhaven Park & Marine Park & trail system.
-Bay views from many locations.
-Highly rated schools.
Negatives or possible trade-offs:
-High dollar per square foot for single-family and condominiums compared to most other areas of Bellingham.
-For condo owners in Fairhaven, parking can sometimes be an issue if your unit only includes 1 assigned space.
Broker Favorite Restaurants: Keenan’s at the Pier, The Black Cat, Mambo Italiano.
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