Bellingham Washington is a beautiful coastal town that is known for its mild summers, excellent dining options, and beautiful scenery. The city is located between two major cosmopolitan cities, Seattle and Vancouver.
Attractions To Live In Bellingham, WA
It is the northernmost city in Washington state and a great destination for vacationers looking for beautiful surroundings, a variety of dining choices, and the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of big city life.
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The city is also known for its vibrant culture and is a popular destination for tourists, particularly those traveling between the United States and Canada. Historically, Bellingham has been home to a number of different ethnic groups. It was originally populated by Native Americans and the first white settlers arrived in the early 19th century.
History of the Arts & Culture
The city is home to many art galleries and museums. Some are well known, like the Whatcom Art Market, which features a wide variety of work by local artists. Others are hidden gems that haven’t received the attention they deserve.
You can also check out the Mount Baker Theatre, which is one of the largest performing arts facilities in the North Puget Sound area. It is a beautiful building that dates back to 1927 and has been restored to its original beauty.
Restaurants & Food
The best place to find local cuisine is in the downtown district. The restaurants here serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner and are sure to have something for every taste and budget.
With easy access to downtown and excellent schools, it’s no wonder why so many families choose to live here. If you’re looking to settle down in a cozy neighborhood with beautiful oak trees and wide sidewalks, then this is the right place for you.
As a coastal city in the Pacific Northwest, Bellingham offers homes with unique character. From old craftsman style to modern ones, you can find everything here.
Columbia #1
Bellingham is known as the Northwest’s premier outdoor destination and is home to breathtaking mountain vistas, seaside access to the San Juan Islands and close proximity to North Cascades National Park.
With unrivalled outdoor recreation opportunities, a vibrant downtown and excellent amenities, Bellingham is the perfect place to call home. It is also one of the safest cities in the country. With a crime index of 112, it is the ideal place to live with your family.
You will never run out of things to do when living in Columbia! Explore the natural wonders of the Columbia River Gorge with a hike up Beacon Rock, or take in the stunning wildflower display at Dog Mountain.
The Columbia River also has a few great craft breweries to check out, like Everybody’s Brewing and Walking Man in White Salmon. You can even do your own beer tour of State Route 14 that goes through a few of the best on the Washington side of the river.
You will also find some of the city’s best restaurants and coffee shops in this area. Its historic vibe and quaint charm make it one of the most desirable neighbourhoods in the city!
Lettered Streets #2
A rejuvenated neighborhood close to downtown Bellingham and its waterfront, Lettered Streets is the perfect place to call home. The small streets remain lightly-traveled and filled with a charming, homey feel.
The area’s historic buildings date back more than a century, and are among the oldest in Bellingham. Many of the older homes were split up and built into apartments, offices and newer single family buildings.
While this neighborhood has gone through periods of neglect and decline, it was rescued and revitalized during the 1960’s. Neighbors worked with the City of Bellingham to create better neighborhoods by putting in new sidewalks, sewer and water lines, street trees and retrofitting hundreds of homes.
The neighborhood is organized in a system of wide north-south- and east-west-trending streets with broad diagonal avenues running through them, creating an orderly web of avenues that leads to powerful focal points and public spaces.
This system is reflected in the names of Washington’s streets: each street is numbered and lettered, with letters arranged according to the four quadrants surrounding the Capitol Building in the middle.
Samish #3
Located just south of Bellingham, Samish is home to many of the area’s top attractions. The Chuckanut Mountains converge with the waters of Samish Bay to create a landscape that’s coveted by tourists and locals alike.
Whether you’re a birder or a lover of the outdoors, there’s something here to suit everyone. Larrabee State Park, set on the seaward side of Chuckanut Mountain, has postcard views of Samish Bay and the San Juan Islands.
The park’s sprawling amenities include boating, paddling, fishing, shellfish harvesting, teeming tide pools, a hiking trail system and more. The scenic Chuckanut Drive Scenic Byway (WA-11) also traces the shoreline.
If you’re visiting in spring, make a point of stopping by the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival. This vibrant celebration, which takes place each April, is filled with rainbow tulips and a lively atmosphere. It’s a beautiful way to kick off or end your trip to Bellingham.
Cornwall Park #4
Cornwall Park is an upscale residential area located in the north end of Bellingham, and is considered one of its core neighborhoods. Its residents enjoy a quiet residential environment with access to nature and city amenities.
The neighborhood is primarily made up of single-family homes. Its pristine landscaping and open spaces create an excellent environment for family living. This family-friendly neighborhood is home to several parks and recreational centers.
These include Whatcom Falls Park, a 240-acre public space that features modern amenities and hiking trails. Another popular attraction in this area is Big Rock Garden, a large outdoor sculpture park with a rotating palette of color that changes seasonally. Visitors can also stroll along the shores of Lake Padden.
Aside from being a top destination for outdoor recreation, Bellingham has many restaurants and shops that are sure to appeal to every taste. Its arts and entertainment scene are also thriving, making it a great place to live.
Sehome #5
Sehome is a neighborhood that offers the perfect blend of nature, urban life, and culture. Nestled between downtown, WWU, and the Sehome Hill Arboretum, this super central location provides a unique mix of quiet streets and bustling activity.
You can go hiking at the Sehome Hill Arboretum, attend a show at Western, and take a boat cruise all within a mile. You’ll never run out of things to do in this charming and vibrant neighborhood. Another popular tourist attraction is Whatcom Falls Park, which is home to four waterfalls and vast woodlands.
You can also explore the Oyster Dome Trail for breathtaking views of Samish Bay and San Juan Islands. The park is also a great place to visit for a relaxing retreat. The lush vegetation, gently running streams, ponds, and flowers make the environment feel like a scene from heaven or paradise.
If you’re looking for a place to meditate, Sehome Hill is an ideal location. It’s a popular spot for people of all ages and backgrounds who enjoy the natural beauty and peace that this area has to offer.
Alabama Hill #6
If you want a classic suburban feel with plenty of outdoor opportunities, Alabama Hill is the place to be. This area is located east of downtown Bellingham and offers residents breathtaking views of the city and lake.
It is also home to Bloedel-Donavan Park, which is popular for family fun and is a great place to catch the sunset on the bay. Additionally, you can enjoy a picnic at the nearby Whatcom Falls Park.
Those looking for a place to hike can also explore the Alabama Hills, which have been featured in many Western films. These stunning mountain vistas are perfect for exploring on foot or with your dog!
This neighborhood is well-known for its quiet streets that are ideal for families. The area is also popular with people who are active because of its access to the interurban trail system. This gives you the opportunity to hike or bike within literally a block of your home.
Central Business District #7
There are a lot of reasons to love living in the Central Business District neighborhood. It’s a coastal, walkable, densely populated and historic area that has plenty of amenities and recreational activities on the water.
The real estate here is also unique in that it is dominated by apartment complexes and high-rise apartments. While most neighborhoods have a mix of home and apartment sizes, this neighborhood has an especially high proportion of studios and one-bedroom apartments.
Moreover, more people here choose to walk to work every day than nearly any other American neighborhood. This is a big deal if you’re looking for an easy and convenient commute, particularly with gas prices on the rise.
Another unique quality of this neighborhood is that it has a higher percentage of residents who have Czechoslovakian and Native American ancestry than most neighborhoods in America. This can mean a variety of things, from a more ethnically diverse community to a sense of togetherness that comes from being part of an overall neighborhood culture.
South Hill #8
South Hill is a fast-growing city that offers an impressive selection of attractions. It’s a popular choice for families and couples looking to get out of the hustle and bustle of the big city. Its close proximity to Seattle, Tacoma and other major cities makes it easy for residents to commute to work or attend events in these areas.
Additionally, the city’s weather is a bonus for those who prefer to spend time outdoors. When it comes to outdoor entertainment, Daffodil Bowl and Mike N Terry’s Outdoor Fun Park are two of the best options in the area.
Both places have plenty of fun activities for all ages, as well as great food and drinks. Alternatively, the Regal Longston Place is a top-rated movie theater that shows both first-run and independent movies. It’s also a great place for date night with its discount matinees and other promotions.
If you’re looking for a place to stay in South Hill, you can find a variety of vacation rentals on HomeAway. Some of these rentals have a kitchen, making it easier to cook for guests and entertain them during your getaway.
FAQs about Live In Bellingham WA
What it’s like living in Bellingham WA?
Living in Bellingham, WA means being surrounded by the beauty of the Pacific Northwest, with access to outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and kayaking. The city offers a vibrant community with a diverse population, numerous cultural events, and a thriving local economy.
What do I need to know about moving to Bellingham WA?
Before moving to Bellingham, WA, you should be aware of its relatively high cost of living, especially housing. The job market can be competitive, so securing employment before moving is recommended. Winters can be rainy and gray, but summers are beautiful. The city has a strong environmental ethos and a laid-back Pacific Northwest lifestyle.
