FAQ for Bellingham, WA

I’ve lived in Bellingham since 2013 and visited for many years prior and I love the reoccurring questions that pop up for people regarding Bellingham, so I am writing this blog to help answer those common questions about Bellingham, WA as a town, location, and just generally cover what people ask about Bellingham.

Bellingham, WA: The Location

What is Bellingham most known for?

Bellingham is a trifecta of land, air, and sea. The city is outdoorsy in its nature because of its geographical location and proximity to North Cascades and Mount Baker, the Bellingham Bay, and several state and national parks.

Is Bellingham Close to Seattle?

I think it’s a quick trip all things considered, and Bellingham is close enough to Seattle that when you’re traveling abroad you’re likely to say, “Oh, I’m from Seattle.” It’s 90 miles north of Seattle and 21 miles south of Canada.

Is Bellingham Expensive to Live in?

Depends on where you’re coming from, but I can anecdotally share that yes, compared to previous years, housing is more expensive from renting to buying, but working in real estate like I do, I have seen multiple offers, escalations, and the like slow down a great bit.

Buyers just aren’t that interested in driving prices. Same with rentals, those have slowed their creep up each year of going up $50-$100 and some rentals have sat long enough that the rent has come down.

Is Bellingham sunnier than Seattle?

According to 2013 weather study, Bellingham had the lowest average sunshine amount of any city in the US. But has fewer overcast days on average than Seattle. From my experince, Bellingham doesn’t leave me wanting or craving sunshine, I find it has the right amount.

Does Bellingham get a lot of Snow?

The average is about 9 inches per year. December is the snowiest month. I’d say it does not get a lot of snow. There will be a week here or there where it gets icy and places will close down.

Does it rain a lot in Bellingham?

No! It does not always rain in Bellingham. We only get 36 inches of measurable rain per year, and according to our Tourism folks, we get less rain than Miami, New York, and Boston.

Is Bellingham, WA on the Ocean?

Yes! We are on the coastline of the Salish Sea which is connected to the Pacific Ocean.

Does Bellingham have a waterfront?

Sure does! There are neighborhoods along the waterfront like Fairhaven, tons with views of the water from Edgemoor, South Hill, all the way to Barkley area! There are many developments happening too thanks to the Port of Bellingham and the City of Bellingham.

Bellingham, WA: Lifestyle

Is Bellingham a walkable City?

Yes! Bellingham has a 99 score for walkability according to the Walkscore website. I’ve found it’s easy to bus as well. Bellingham is regularly making improvements to its safety with sidewalks and crossings by installing lights to help pedestrians.

What food is Bellingham known for?

Being a town in the Pacific Northwest it’s all about the seafood. Pacific Salmon, shellfish, and produce. We also have great farmers local to here that produce artisan cheeses, meat, wines, craft beers and much more.

What do you call someone from Bellingham?

A nickname that appeared somewhere in the 1980s was “Bellinghamster” we’ve also more recently adopted a pseudo-mascot of a Sloth, since the slogan for Bellingham is: “The City of Subdued Excitement.”

What is the main work industry in Bellingham?

Our largest employers are in the medical services and higher education according to the Port of Bellingham

Bellingham, WA: Arts & Culture

Outdoor Recreation

Due to the diverse landscapes in Bellingham there are readily accessible adventures including hiking, biking, kayaking, running, skiing, snowboarding, and more.

Theatre & Music

I am endlessly astounded by the theatre community in Bellingham from the schools, to community theatre, to the Mount Baker Theatre. There is talent in every production and theatre venues and event venues to accommodate any thespian and virtuosos enjoyer. We have the Bellingham Symphony Orchestra along with all the talented musicians at Western Washington University which regularly invites professionals to perform on its campus.

Local Events

The biggest event has to be Ski to Sea which takes place Memorial Weekend annually. But the Downtown Bellingham Partnership has done an incredible job uplifting tourism through reoccurring events like Downtown Sounds and other festivals and concerts. We have a robust farmers, maker, and seaside markets.

Arts

The newer nonprofit Paper Whale is one to keep an eye on. They put on impressively though out events like Noise Waters Mural Festivals and have been integral to creating artwork on buildings and structures across town.

Bellingham, WA: The Bad Parts

Finding Your Community

The social scene in Bellingham can be hard to feel included it. So finding your community in Bellingham can feel very tricky. There are a lot of opportunities for specific niches but often times to really find your groove and fellow humans who you would do a multitude of activities with can be difficult. Through consistent attendance of an activity or try volunteering you might find people who you can call your new friends.

Limited Job Opportunities

Compared to other cities and counties it can feel very droll to search for jobs in Bellingham. There are so many great local spots but pay can be below what you’re after.

Homelessness

According to the City of Bellingham at least 742 people in Whatcom County are unhoused on a given night. Voters approved the Bellingham Home Fund and the City is working to find solutions but it is an active reality for many people.

Limited Nightlife

It’s a smaller town compared to Seattle and some people find it lacking. Fairhaven does close up shop pretty early but a few places have opened up to invite the nightlife into that historic area.

In Summary - Bellingham is a town with it's pros and cons.

At the end of the day you need to ask yourself what you’re looking for. What is Bellingham, WA going up against? Seattle? Another State? What boxes does it check for you and what is it lacking? Wants versus needs? really define your non-neogitables.

When I think about why I live here, my answer is wrapped in that I like the area and the community. I’m not an active outdoor person, but I love being able to walk around to get to stores, having the waterfront only a short drive away, I love the theatre and film community here. I do feel the isolated-ness of this town, when you don’t have room to house friends over night who are coming from south of Seattle it can be a fine balance of loving where you live and the fear you’re missing something. After living here since 2013, I can see it growing and changing and I’m excited to live here and see how everything shapes up.