Are you thinking about making the wise move to Bellingham, WA? Here is a quick and easy dive into 12 things to consider when thinking about making this move.
Est. 3 minute read
1. Location Matters
Bellingham has 25 neighborhoods! Each have their own unique value add; you are presented with ocean views, vistas on the horizon line, nestled in the heart of downtown, sprawled across acreage, you name it. When determining which neighborhood may best serve you, it's important to understand your lifestyle dreams and needs. As a born-and-bred Bellinghamster, Julian can expertly narrow it down for you!
2. Are Schools a Factor?
With 14 elementary schools, 4 middle schools, and 4 high schools, you are in a position to be selective. No kids? No problem! It's still a good idea to consider how your neighborhood school will impact the resale value of your home.
3. Walkability & Bikability
According to walkscore.com, Bellingham is awarded a 99 for walkability, and 96 for bikeability. This is no surprise! No matter where you decide you're going to thrive, you will be able to navigate to local attractions safely and with ease.
4. Connectivity
Situated between land and sea, Seattle and BC, Bellingham is a hop, skip and a jump from countless amenitites. You can ferry to the San Juans, explore Victoria BC, dip down to Seattle, ascend Mt. Baker or the North Cascades; while there is much to do in town, you'll find no shortage of urban and recreational areas to find yourself in.
5. Are you an artist? A creative hobbyist?
Bellingham proudly celebrates all of our local and nearby makers! Your craft can reach your neighbors, tourists, and passerbys at our many art markets. We have the Bellingham Farmer's Market, Whatcom Art Market, Pacific Arts Market, Holiday Festival of the Arts, Rebel Artist Market, and Bellingham Maker's Market.
6. Have a pup?
Bellingham is rated the 4th Dog Friendliest city in Washington according to many resources! You can enjoy most of our breweries, all of our off-leash dog areas, and even mini golf with your fluff! Places you can visit include Gruff Brewing, Menace Brewing, Stone's Throw Brewing, Schweinhaus, Wander, Kulshan, Goods Local Brews, and more! Offleash areas include Little Squalicum Park, Lake Padden Park, Whatcom Falls Park, Fairhaven Dog Park, Arroyo Park, Squalicum Creek Park and a whole lot more!
7. Clean Air!
Ok, this is no joke. People can feel a difference in our air. According to City Monitor, Bellingham is ranked #4 in the U.S. for cleanest air by ozone pollution and #6 for year round partical pollution. Whether you're shredding Baker or skiing in the bay, your lungs will thank you.
8. Recreational Hub
Bellingham is the epicenter of ocean, lakes, parks, and peaks. There is outstanding kayaking, sailing, and lake activities; you might even spot a whale! Bellingham boasts widely recognized mountains. We have world class Galbraith, Mt. Baker, Mt. Shuksan, the Chuckanuts... the list goes on! We have 26 lakes, 30 parks, and innumerable trails!
9. Hot Spot for Foodies
Whatcom County is fraught with restaurants that source fresh ingredients from local farms and waters. From salmon, dungeoness crab, lingcod, and more, you can indulge in fresh seafood. We love our Bellingham Dockside Market that supplies them to the community, or you can find them plated with care at our many local restaurants. If you stroll through our Farmer's Market, you can take home an impressive bounty of locally grown produce to make your own magic. PLUS: Whatcom County is the world's largest raspberry producer! It really is a foodie's paradise.
10. Coffee Central
Bellingham has previously been ranked #4 for most coffee shops per capita, in the whole United States! We have many shops that have been nationally recognized and you can taste it; Narrative Coffee, Camber Coffee, Makeworth Coffee Roasters, and a whole lot more!
11. Constant Flow of New Energy
With our high student population and our annual influx of tourism, locals experience a rhythmic ebb and flow of energy year round. No matter the time of year, Bellingham is buzzin' with activity and faces old and new.
12. Kind and Compassionate People
Overall, one thing you will notice is that the local community is made up of warm individuals. Bellingham is a proud home to artists, thinkers, teachers, doers, you name it; there are many events year round designed to celebrate our community and what makes it so special. Should you choose to be a part of it, you'll be welcomed with open arms.
