Why Live in City Center
City Center, often referred to as downtown Bellingham, is the cultural hub of Bellingham, WA, located at the confluence of Whatcom Creek and Bellingham Bay. This neighborhood is bustling with museums, bars, eateries, and historic theaters, making it a popular destination for both locals and visitors. Residents can enjoy a variety of things to do, such as attending events and festivals, exploring the Pickford Film Center, or visiting the Whatcom Museum. The area is known for its walkability and bike lanes, though this has led to some controversy over reduced traffic lanes and street parking. Homes in City Center range from mid-rise condo complexes built in the early 2000s to historic Craftsman houses and bungalows from the early 20th century. The neighborhood is undergoing redevelopment, particularly in the Waterfront District and Old Town, with plans for new parks and high-density housing. Dining options are plentiful, with establishments like Old Town Café and Schweinhaus Biergarten offering a variety of local and international cuisines. For groceries, residents can visit Trader Joe’s or the Bellingham Farmers Market. City Center is also home to several parks, including Maritime Heritage Park and Waypoint Park, which offer natural landscapes and recreational activities. Local schools, such as Whatcom Middle and Bellingham High, are highly rated, providing quality education for families. The neighborhood is conveniently located near Interstate 5, the central Whatcom Transportation Authority bus station, PeaceHealth Saint Joseph Medical Center, and Bellingham International Airport.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is City Center a good place to live?
City Center is a good place to live. City Center is considered very car-dependent and bikeable with some transit options. City Center has 6 parks for recreational activities. It is sparse in population with 2.4 people per acre and a median age of 33. The average household income is $43,468 which is below the national average. College graduates make up 37.4% of residents. A majority of residents in City Center are renters, with 92.4% of residents renting and 7.6% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving City Center can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
City Center neighborhood guide.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in City Center?
The median home price in City Center is $619,999. If you put a 20% down payment of $124,000 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.56%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $3,150 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $135K a year to afford the median home price in City Center. The average household income in City Center is $43K.
What are the best public schools in City Center?
The best public schools that serve City Center are:
- Bellingham High School has an A Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 22:1 and an average review score of 3.9.
- Sehome High School has an A Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 23:1 and an average review score of 3.6.
- Fairhaven Middle School has an A- Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 18:1 and an average review score of 1.5.
What are the best private schools in City Center?
The best private schools that serve City Center are:
What are the most popular zip codes in City Center, Bellingham, WA?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near City Center, Bellingham, WA?
Home Trends in City Center, WA
On average, homes in City Center, Bellingham sell after 138 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in City Center, Bellingham over the last 12 months is $675,000, up 55% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$675,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$762,500
Median 1 Bedroom Sale Price
$380,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$570
Number of Homes for Sale
15
Last 12 months Home Sales
27
Median List Price
$619,999
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
55%
