Bellingham

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Bellingham, WA

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The prime location to experience the magic atmosphere of the Pacific Northwest

College Schools Outdoors Coastal Affordable Scenic Bike-Friendly Bikeable

A former mayor once dubbed Bellingham the “City of Subdued Excitement,” an oddly perfect nickname for this delightful and unique community. Ninety minutes north of Seattle on Interstate 5, Bellingham is a charming small city positioned about twenty miles from the Canadian border. Western Washington University enrolls around 16,000 students, many of whom chose to live in the coastal Sehome area near campus.

Locals are quite enthusiastic about beer, books, and bicycles, and you’ll spot many businesses around town specializing in any and all of those Pacific Northwest staples. Bellingham hosts numerous community events throughout the year, covering everything from music to athletics; perhaps the most unique is the annual Ski to Sea race, a seven-leg relay in which teams compete to get from Mount Baker Ski Area to Bellingham Bay via skis, bikes, boats, and by foot.

Sandwiched between Puget Sound and the Cascade Mountains, folks in Bellingham enjoy stunning views of Washington’s natural beauty, as well as direct access to thousands of acres of unspoiled landscape to explore (several large public parks make it even easier to enjoy the great outdoors on your own time). Apartments, condos, and rental houses here tend to be quite affordable, putting one of Washington’s hidden gems within reach for any budget.

Explore the City

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The historic Old City Hall, built in 1892, serves as the Whatcom Museum

The Bellingham Cider Company, a craft cider producer and restaurant, is located in the Waterfront District

Rent Trends

As of December 2024, the average apartment rent in Bellingham, WA is $1,330 for a studio, $1,491 for one bedroom, $1,815 for two bedrooms, and $2,243 for three bedrooms. Apartment rent in Bellingham has increased by 0.9% in the past year.

Property Type
Average Rent
Average Sq Ft
Apartment
$1,491/month
601 Sq Ft
House
$2,984/month
1,831 Sq Ft
Condo
$1,904/month
1,008 Sq Ft
See Rental Market Trends in Bellingham, WA

Transportation

60

Somewhat Walkable

out of 100 WalkScore® Rating

You might be able to get out and walk when living in this area. Some errands can be accomplished on foot, but for others you’ll need a car.

36

Some Transit

out of 100 TransitScore® Rating

You'll likely want a car when living in this area since it has few transit options.

64

Bikeable

out of 100 BikeScore® Rating

While there’s some bike infrastructure in this area, you’ll still need a car for many errands.

Schools

Geneva Elementary School

Public

Grades PK-5

432 Students

7
out of 10

Parkview Elementary School

Public

Grades PK-5

399 Students

6
out of 10

Wade King Elementary School

Public

Grades PK-5

346 Students

6
out of 10

Lowell Elementary School

Public

Grades PK-5

303 Students

6
out of 10

Columbia Elementary School

Public

Grades PK-5

231 Students

6
out of 10

Kulshan Middle School

Public

Grades 6-8

623 Students

9
out of 10

Fairhaven Middle School

Public

Grades 6-8

597 Students

8
out of 10

Whatcom Middle School

Public

Grades 6-8

600 Students

6
out of 10

Shuksan Middle School

Public

Grades 6-8

579 Students

5
out of 10

Lummi Elementary School

Public

Grades K-8

277 Students

Rating Unavailable

Sehome High School

Public

Grades 9-12

1,163 Students

7
out of 10

Bellingham High School

Public

Grades 9-12

1,218 Students

6
out of 10

Meridian High School

Public

Grades 9-12

487 Students

6
out of 10

Squalicum High School

Public

Grades 9-12

1,280 Students

5
out of 10

Bellingham Re-Engagement Program

Public

Grades 9-12

97 Students

1
out of 10

Points of Interest

Parks and Recreation

  • Franklin Park
  • MindPort
  • Maritime Heritage Park
  • Broadway Park
  • Roeder Home

Airports

  • Bellingham International

Top Apartments in Bellingham

Houses for Rent in Bellingham

Property Management Companies in Bellingham, WA

Living in Bellingham

Highlights

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Western Washington University campus, Bellingham Farmers Market, Whatcom Museum of History and Art, Homeskillet, Boulevard Park, Whatcom Falls, Mallard Ice Cream

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