Located on Bellingham Bay, South Hill is a unique, pleasant neighborhood with several interrelated design characteristics that are appealing to its more than 3,000 residents. The neighborhood has a number of areas with distinguishing characteristics. The Ridgeway area, south of the university on the highest elevations of the hill, has been developed since World War II. In the area below 17th Street, many of the homes were built in the early 1900's. Homes vary widely in size, architectural detail, and finish materials, and nearly all are very well kept.

Excellent views of Bellingham Bay, the San Juan Islands, and the Canadian coastal range mountains are widely distributed and highly valued, making South Hill one of Bellingham's most popular neighborhoods. Views of Mt. Baker and the Olympic Mountains, while less widely distributed are equally highly valued.

Boulevard Park on Bellingham Bay is on of the most popular parks in the city. The newly constructed Taylor Street Dock, south of Boulevard Park, provides an opportunity for strolling and viewing harbor activity for the South Hill Neighborhood residents who have indicated high values for these activities. The highly valued Lowell Elementary School is also an attractive location for neighborhood activity.