Alabama Hill

Located on Bellingham’s east side, Alabama Hill is on a west-facing slope, providing excellent bay, city, and sunset views. Access to downtown is quick, by car, however, bike commuting to and from Alabama Hill may prove more challenging, depending on how far up the hill you live. Railroad Trail, a popular walking and biking trail, is a convenient way to get all the way downtown or out to Lake Whatcom, without using main roads. Homes in Alabama Hill are on the larger side, as most were built in the latter half of the 20th century, which sets it apart from more historic Bellingham ‘hoods, often with smaller square-footage. The area is rich with 1960’s and 70’s character homes, remodels, and some new construction. The proximity to parks is quite good. Homes on the south side of Alabama Street have direct access to Whatcom Falls Park, one of Bellingham’s biggest and most popular parks, with miles of forested trails. Just over the top of Alabama Hill, you’ll find the popular Bloedel-Donavan Park, which offers access to Lake Whatcom. St. Clair Park and Highland Heights Park are small parks, nestled into the neighborhoods of Alabama Hill.

Alabama Hill Neighborhood Association: http://alabamahillassociation.com/

Birchwood

Locals say Birchwood strikes the perfect Bellingham balance between close-in amenities and value for your money. Homes in Birchwood are often more affordable than those closer to downtown, but Birchwood is still a quick, mostly flat, fifteen-minute bike ride to downtown. The main route runs down Northwest Avenue, which offers a great bike lane. Large lots is Birchwood’s other stand-out feature. Those looking for big backyards for kids or gardening, needn’t look any further. Many lots are the better part of an acre. In addition, Birchwood is bordered by the fantastic Bay to Baker Trail. An easy walk along the trail can take residents to the brand new and much loved Squalicum Creek Park, which contains a beautiful playground, baseball fields, basketball court, and an off-leash dog park. Further down the trail is the recently redesigned Little Squalicum Park, which offers scenic, natural landscapes, access to Little Squalicum Beach, and even connects directly to Bellingham Technical College. Grocery stores and access to I-5 are also just a stone’s throw away.

Birchwood Neighborhood Association: http://birchwoodneighborhood.org/

Central Business District

Also known to locals simply as Downtown, this neighborhood is gaining popularity for those wanting a convenient lifestyle. Bellingham’s Downtown is unlike that of larger cities. Funky, independent businesses, cultural centers, such as the recently built Whatcom Museum and outstanding Mount Baker Theater, and unique dining options abound, but without the towering office buildings and bottleneck traffic of larger cities. The Central Business District offers a convenient lifestyle with a friendly, old-fashioned downtown feel. Many apartments and condominiums also offer stunning views of Bellingham Bay.

Downtown Bellingham Partnership: http://downtownbellingham.com/

Columbia

Well-known for its older, but many updated, Victorian and craftsman character-laden homes, good schools, and proximity to everything, families are flocking to Columbia. This neighborhood is reminiscent of a simpler time, with its flat topography, towering oak trees, wide sidewalks and strong community vibe. Home prices in this area are rising, but there are still deals to be found. There are three parks within the neighborhood, most notably, Elizabeth Park, which is Whatcom County’s oldest park, and host to one of Bellingham’s popular summer concert series. The extensive, new Little Squalicum Park sits to the northeast of the neighborhood.  Many other amenities are nearby, including several more parks, easy access to downtown, proximity to the waterfront, and nearby grocery stores, pubs, and coffee shops.

Columbia Neighborhood Association: http://www.columbianeighbors.com/

Cornwall Park

Columbia’s neighbor, the Cornwall Park neighborhood, carries over many of its charming qualities. Homes are mostly from the earlier part of the twentieth century and many have been lovingly restored. Access to parks, great schools, and downtown comes with the territory. Home prices are rising in this area. The neighborhood’s namesake, Cornwall Park, lies toward the north end of the ‘hood. The park boasts heavily forested trails, Squalicum Creek, multiple play areas, a disc-golf course, sports fields, and even a summertime spray-park. Another convenience is proximity to St. Joe’s Hospital, which lies on the Eastern edge of the neighborhood. Freeway access is close-by but without the annoyance of it being too close. Grocery stores, cafes, and other conveniences are easily walkable or bikeable from Cornwall Park.

Edgemoor

One of Bellingham’s high-end neighborhoods, Edgemoor is indisputably scenic, adjacent to amazing natural recreation, yet walking distance from great shopping and culture in Historic Fairhaven. Many homes in this neighborhood look out onto magazine-cover-worthy views of Bellingham or Chuckanut Bay, showcasing The San Juan Islands. Edgemoor generally contains very large homes. Many are older, remodeled homes and some are new construction. What the area lacks in sidewalks, it makes up for in views, proximity to nature, upper-tier real estate, and fantastic schools. Lying near the center of the neighborhood is Bayside Swimming Club, a beautiful, private outdoor pool offering public lessons in the summertime and functioning as a community gathering spot. The Chuckanut Mountains and the bay are practically at your doorstep, offering endless hiking and exploring opportunities.

Edgemoor Neighborhood Association: http://edgemoorneighborhood.com/

Fairhaven

It’s impossible to hear about Bellingham without somebody mentioning Historic Fairhaven. Most of the buildings in the Fairhaven Historical District date from the nineteen hundreds and much of it has been preserved and revitalized. Fairhaven is home to one of the most successful independent bookstores in the country, Village Books, which is housed in a historic four-floor building with views of Bellingham Bay. The district is chock-full of thriving restaurants, galleries, and novelty stores. In the heart of Fairhaven is The Village Green, a large grassy public courtyard with a stage, where a weekly farmers market, outdoor movie, and various other community events are held. The residential side of Fairhaven is relatively small, consisting of just a handful of streets surrounding the historic fairhaven district. Down the westernmost slope of Fairhaven can be found the Bellingham Ferry Terminal which is Alaska’s state-run ferry, and the Amtrak and Greyhound stations, though the traffic is far enough removed from most residential and commercial buildings to be a non-issue. Fairhaven is bordered by Bellingham Bay and the picturesque Marine Park, which is well known for its finish-line role in the famous Ski to Sea race.

About Fairhaven: https://www.fairhaven.com/

Fairhaven Neighborhood Association: http://www.fairhavenneighbors.org/FNI/Welcome.html

Geneva

Nestled against the beauty of Lake Whatcom, and just a little secluded from the daily grind, is the Geneva neighborhood. Geneva is a mix of older character homes and some remodels. The large trees and lakeside ambiance give it a classic Northwest feel. The commute into downtown is just a bit longer than some other Bellingham neighborhoods, but Geneva’s proximity to nature is a huge plus. Aside from the activities on the lake itself, there’s great hiking and parks nearby. Stimpson Family Nature Reserve, just a mile down the road, is an incredible place filled with old growth trees, wetlands, and over four miles of trails. Euclid and Ted Edwards Parks are small neighborhood parks, and the beloved Whatcom Falls Park is close by as well.

Geneva Neighborhood Association: https://www.facebook.com/Geneva-Neighborhood-Association-488549591212451/

Meridian

The Meridian neighborhood is one of the largest shopping districts in Bellingham. This neighborhood features Bellis Fair Mall, restaurants and other large nationwide stores such as Home Depot, Costco and Target. Meridian is home to two of the city’s main traffic arteries: Guide Meridian Street and Bakerview, which make freeway access easy.

Happy Valley

Just to the east of Historic Fairhaven lies Happy Valley. This popular neighborhood is extremely walkable and bikeable. Residents are close to Bellingham Bay and all the amenities of Fairhaven. Happy Valley is also close to Western Washington University. The demographic in Happy Valley is quite diverse; made of up of families, college students, and retirees. Many homes near Fairhaven are older, high-end character homes. Access to nature and fabulous schools make this area very desirable. Sehome Hill Arboretum is a large nature preserve just to the north of Happy Valley, and the Chuckanut Mountains are close by as well.
Happy Valley Neighborhood Association: http://happyvalleyna.org/

Lettered Streets

This up and coming neighborhood is located just north of Downtown. Filled with classic, old, charmers, the homes in the Lettered Streets are currently some of the most desirable in Bellingham. The friendly vibe, character homes, and wide sidewalks evoke a time gone by. Being on the edge of downtown and the soon-to-be renovated waterfront, can’t be beat as far as commuting and amenities go. Home prices are definitely rising in the Lettered Streets, and people are getting in while the market is hot. There are a couple small neighborhood parks, and many delicious restaurants, pubs, and coffee shops scattered through the Lettered Streets. Lettered Streets Coffeehouse and Elizabeth Station are among the local favorites.

Lettered Streets Neighborhood Association: http://letteredstreets.org/

Mount Baker

This is one of Bellingham’s fastest growing neighborhoods and is diverse with commercial, residential and light industrial properties. Most local residents refer to the area as Barkley Village. There are single family and multi-family residences that have been built over the last 20 years. Many of these homes are built on the hill and offer beautiful sweeping views of Bellingham and the bay. Barkley Village has a newer shopping center and offers quite a few shopping and dining options.

Barkley Village Neighborhood Association: http://www.barkleyneighborhood.org/

Northern Heights

The Northern Heights neighborhood is located along McLeod Road, just outside the eastern city limits of Bellingham. Most of the homes in this quiet, residential area were built in the 1990s. Many of the homes are located on cul-de-sacs and have sidewalks. There is a central green space for area residents to use. Many homes in this neighborhood have full or partial views of the Canadian Cascades to the north.

Norther Heights Community Association: http://northernheights.org/index.html

Puget

Puget is a great neighborhood centered on Lakeway Drive and features residential, commercial and industrial areas. Puget is definitely a neighborhood with something for everyone. Homes range from the well-maintained mobile home park off Lakeway Drive to large homes on the hill with bay views. There is a mix of older and newer homes, most of which are single-family, although there are a few multi-family units.

Puget Neighborhood Association: http://pugetneighborhood.org/

Roosevelt

Alabama Street runs through the middle of this smaller Bellingham neighborhood. Roosevelt features a mix of older and newer single-family and multi-family units. The majority of the growth in this neighborhood is from condominium and apartment buildings. The lots tend to be smaller, but in general the area is well maintained. Many amenities are nearby with Barkley Village to the east, Sunset Square to the north and easy access to the freeway.

Roosevelt Neighborhood Association: http://www.neighborhoodlink.com/Roosevelt_NA

Samish

Samish neighborhood is the best of both worlds, larger lots offer a country feel but with a close proximity to city amenities. Rolling hill lined streets wind through Samish and the neighborhood is mostly quiet and secluded. Many homes in the southern part of the neighborhood have beautiful views Lake Padden as well. Nearby is Sehome Village with a Haggens Grocery store, Starbucks, and REI. This neighborhood is also close Western Washington University. Historic Fairhaven is a short drive easily accessed from Old Fairhaven Parkway.

Samish Neighborhood Association: http://samishneighborhood.org/

Sehome

Sehome is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Bellingham and features many historic homes. This well maintained neighborhood is filled with mostly medium sized lots, many look out over Bellingham, the Canadian Mountains or Mount Baker. Narrow streets wind through the hilly neighborhood. Sehome Arboretum is a close walk and is owned jointly by Western Washington University and the City of Bellingham. Easy trails wind through the forest and offer breathtaking views of the bay. Residents are an eclectic mix of families, retirees and college students.

Sehome Neighborhood Blog: http://sehomeneighborhood.blogspot.com/

Silver Beach

Wrapping around the gorgeous north end of Lake Whatcom, the Silver Beach neighborhood has so much going for it. Luxury homes line the lake, and more moderately high-end homes comprise the rest of the Silver Beach area. Incredible Lake Whatcom views and sunsets are everywhere. Recreation is at your fingertips in Silver Beach. Lake Whatcom offers boating, paddle boarding, swimming and more, while the beautiful and rustic North Lake Whatcom Trail is just a few miles away. Silver Beach is known for it’s fantastic elementary school, and there’s a small town feel to the area with a neighborhood grocery store, walkable elementary school, and private neighborhood access areas to Lake Whatcom. Commuting into downtown is a bit longer than other Bellingham neighborhoods, but it is possible to bike into town without using main roads, via The Railroad Trail.

South Hill

The most historic and picturesque of all the neighborhoods, is South Hill, with large homes perched majestically above Bellingham Bay, looking out to the San Juan Islands. Residents of South Hill have the luxury of being close to everything. The Fairhaven Historic District is a short walk down from South Hill, Western Washington University is next door to the east, and Bellingham’s beloved Boulevard Park is mere steps away. Known simply as Boulevard to locals, the park includes a postcard-perfect marine boardwalk called Taylor Dock, a coffee shop right on the edge of the bay, several beaches, picnicking, concerts in the summer, and it connects to the South Bay Trail which runs all the way to downtown. South Hill homes are highly sought after due to excellent location, great schools, and their proximity to natural beauty. 

South Hill Neighborhood Association: http://www.southhillneighborhood.org/SHNA_Site/SHNA.html

Sunnyland

Sunnyland is an eclectic neighborhood ranging from quaint single-family homes to commercial developments. Residential areas are situated on the north and west ends of Sunnyland. The north side features lower density housing, while the west side is higher density. The southern end of the neighborhood contains many area restaurants and businesses. Sunnyland is a tight knit neighborhood but boasts Bellingham’s only Trader Joe’s and a local favorite, Kulshan Brewing.

Sunnyland Neighborhood Association: http://www.sunnyland.org/

Whatcom Falls

This neighborhood is home to Whatcom Falls Park, a breathtaking green space within Bellingham. The park occupies the northern portion of the neighborhood and is home to miles of walking and biking trails, two playgrounds, tennis courts, and a fish hatchery. Whatcom Creek runs through the park and in the Summer is a swimming hole for locals. The residential portion of the neighborhood are modest to moderate-sized homes with sidewalk lined streets. There is also a small shopping center that offers a gas station, market, and Lafeen’s Donuts.

Whatcom Falls Neighborhood Association: http://www.whatcomfallsneighborhood.org/

York

The York neighborhood is located in central Bellingham and close to community parks, downtown shopping and easy access to the  I-5. This densely populated neighborhood is small yet full of character. On Ellis Street you will find a charming mix of craftsman style single-family homes. As you get closer to downtown you will find more businesses and apartments. York has your typical 19th century-style corner market and eatery, Nelson’s Market.

York Neighborhood Association: http://www.yorkneighborhood.org/