How to Pick a Neighborhood in Bellingham

Bellingham is home to many diverse neighborhoods, ranging from historic to modern, urban to wooded and so much more. It can be difficult to choose the neighborhood that’s right for you and your family, but with this article, we’ll help you find the best fit for your needs.

If you want views of the water…

The Sehome, South Hill and Edgemoor neighborhoods all have excellent views of Bellingham Bay and the San Juan Islands, and are within walking distance of numerous waterfronts, beaches and popular family-friendly amenities such as Marine Park, the Alaska Ferry, Taylor Dock and Boulevard Park . Further into Bellingham. All three of these neighborhoods are known for their historic houses and impressive architecture, many of the homes dating to the early 1900s.

Further up in Bellingham is the Alabama Hill Neighborhood, which overlooks the city and bay from a unique position in northeast Bellingham. Alabama Hill is home to many single-family residential homes built in the 1960’s and 70’s, and is home to the Railroad Trail, a popular multi-use greenway that connects to Whatcom Falls Park.

Also consider the Puget neighborhood, which overlooks Bellingham Bay from southeast Bellingham. Multi-family and single-family homes are nestled close to Lake Whatcom and the Whatcom Creek Trail, which connects to Whatcom Falls Park.

If you want to live rural…

You don’t have to leave the City of Bellingham to feel like you’re in the country! Many neighborhoods in Bellingham have the quiet, relaxed feeling and natural open spaces that you would find in a more rural area. These include the Samish neighborhood, close to Lake Padden Park, a popular Bellingham attraction that includes miles of scenic trails, fishing docks, a dog park, covered picnic areas and a playground.

The Whatcom Falls neighborhood also has many homes situated on spacious tracts, averaging four units per acre density. The neighborhood contains many tracts of undeveloped land that have been preserved for public use, including 60 acres at Lookout Mountain, as well as the spacious, scenic Whatcom Falls Park and the adjoining Bayview Cemetery. The atmosphere of the neighborhood is peaceful and quiet, shaded by tall evergreens and lush natural landscaping.

In addition, the Birchwood area known for it's expansive lots and mature landscaping, creating a quiet, rural atmosphere. While mostly consisting of narrow, tree-lined streets, there are ample commercial amenities nearby, as well as access to Cornwall Park.

If you want outdoor recreation…

Bellingham is known for its plethora of outdoor recreation opportunities, and many neighborhoods are within walking distance from parks, trails, and other amenities.

The Cornwall Park neighborhood gets its name from the 70-acre Cornwall Park, which includes tennis courts, walking trails, playgrounds and frisbee golf. The neighborhood is also bordered by the Bay to Baker Greenway, a 74-mile trail connecting Bellingham and the Mount Baker Ski Area. From Cornwall Park, the trail connects to Squalicum Creek Park and Squalicum Beach.

The Puget Neighborhood is home to Civic Athletic Complex, which includes the Arne Hanna Aquatic Center, Civic Stadium, baseball and softball fields, skate and bike parks, the Sportsplex indoor ice and soccer facilities, as well as acres of undeveloped wetlands and walking trails. You can also follow the Whatcom Creek Trail to Whatcom Falls Park, Scudder Pond, the Bellingham Bay Waterfront, or Bloedel Donovan Park on the shores of Lake Whatcom.

Down the street from Western Washington University is the Happy Valley Neighborhood, home to many apartments and single family complexes, as well as the Connelly Creek Nature Area, a gorgeous preserved wetland and wildlife habitat, perfect for birdwatching or taking a stroll on the trails. Close by is the Interurban Trail, an urban greenway popular with bikers, runners, equestrians and more, with many access points to the Chuckanut Mountains and Fragrance Lake.

If you want a historic home…

While many neighborhoods in Bellingham contain stunning historic homes, the Columbia neighborhood is renowned as one of the oldest neighborhoods, with well large, well-maintained historical homes dating from the late 1800s and early 1900s. Many of these houses lie within the Eldridge Historic District, a residential area overlooking Bellingham Bay and home to many unique architectural styles, from Queen Anne bays and turrets to gorgeous Victorian carpentry. Enjoy a walk through shady, tree lined streets and tour the gazebos and fountains at Elizabeth Park, Bellingham’s first park founded in 1883.

The York neighborhood consists primarily of smaller, single family homes built at the turn of the last century. The neighborhood has a quaint, friendly atmosphere with many opportunities for family friendly recreation. Franklin Park and Rock Hill Park provide playgrounds and basketball courts, while the York Community Farm grows sustainable local produce in its orchards and greenhouses.

If you want a starter home…

While small, single family homes are often snapped up quickly by buyers, Bellingham still has many locations where you can find the perfect first home. The Sunnyland neighborhood is close to many schools and features a variety of two-story, single family older homes.

 Likewise, most of southern side of the Happy Valley Neighborhood is zoned exclusively for single family residences. Happy Valley Elementary School and Sehome High School are located within the neighborhood, as well as he child-friendly Happy Valley Park.

The York neighborhood was developed as Bellingham’s first middle class neighborhood, and the majority of houses are small and older, and near to many amenities and recreation opportunities