Western Washington University

Bellingham, WA

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Western Washington University - Bellingham, WA

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World-class education with the distinct personality of the Pacific Northwest

Public Bike-Friendly Scenic Coastal Nature Outdoors Vikings Suburban

Ninety miles north of Seattle on the shore of Bellingham Bay, Western Washington University is widely recognized as one of the region’s top institutions. In addition to its more traditional academic resources, the university features some unusual facilities, including an electronic music studio and an acclaimed Vehicle Research Institute.

Downtown Bellingham is just a few blocks north of campus, giving you easy access to the charming community’s restaurants, coffeehouses, and specialty shopping. In many ways, Bellingham is a perfect college town: The scenery and access to nature are unbeatable, breweries and beer bars are everywhere, the nightlife is practically tailor-made for the campus crowd, and quirky local traditions (like the annual ski/kayak/bike/canoe/running “Ski to Sea” relay race from Mount Baker to the bay) make for a one-of-a-kind community and a truly unique collegiate experience.

The neighborhoods surrounding the campus are full of apartments, condos, and rental houses to suit any budget, making it easy to find the perfect living arrangements within a short walk of the university.

Rent Trends

As of January 2025, the average apartment rent in Bellingham, WA is $1,337 for a studio, $1,504 for one bedroom, $1,832 for two bedrooms, and $2,255 for three bedrooms. Apartment rent in Bellingham has increased by 0.7% in the past year.

  • Studio

  • 457 sq ft

    Average Sq Ft

  • $1,337/month

    Average Rent

  • 1 BR

  • 601 sq ft

    Average Sq Ft

  • $1,504/month

    Average Rent

  • 2 BR

  • 903 sq ft

    Average Sq Ft

  • $1,832/month

    Average Rent

  • 3 BR

  • 1,129 sq ft

    Average Sq Ft

  • $2,255/month

    Average Rent

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

  • WWU Planetarium
  • Sehome Hill Arboretum
  • Franklin Park
  • Fairhaven Village Green
  • MindPort

Airports

  • Bellingham International

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