Why Live in Columbia
Columbia, a historic neighborhood in Bellingham, is situated a few miles north of downtown and is known for its early 20th-century homes and close-knit community atmosphere. The neighborhood features a mix of Craftsman bungalows, Tudor-inspired multi-story homes, and midcentury ranches, many adorned with native shrubbery and flower gardens. Columbia Elementary School, centrally located, is a focal point for local families, supported by an active parent association. The neighborhood's main gathering spot, Elizabeth Park, hosts events like the annual Fourth of July Celebration and summer concerts, while smaller parks such as Lorraine Ellis Park and Carl Lobe Playground offer additional recreational spaces. The nearby Fountain District on Meridian Street provides a variety of locally owned shops and dining options, including Earl’s Bike Shop, Cool Beans Coffee Shop, and Diamond Jim’s Grill. Goods Local Brews and Dumpling Girls are popular spots for craft beer and Chinese pork buns, respectively. Columbia residents have convenient access to Interstate 5, downtown Bellingham, and public transportation routes. The neighborhood's collaborative spirit is exemplified by initiatives like the Little Free Art Gallery, fostering a strong sense of community engagement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Columbia a good place to live?
Columbia is a good place to live. Columbia is considered somewhat walkable and very bikeable with some transit options. Columbia has 2 parks for recreational activities. It is somewhat dense in population with 8.7 people per acre and a median age of 43. The average household income is $101,918 which is above the national average. College graduates make up 56.3% of residents. A majority of residents in Columbia are home owners, with 28.7% of residents renting and 71.3% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving Columbia can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
Columbia neighborhood guide.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in Columbia?
The median home price in Columbia is $765,000. If you put a 20% down payment of $153,000 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.35%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $3,810 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $163K a year to afford the median home price in Columbia. The average household income in Columbia is $102K.
What are the best public schools in Columbia?
The best public schools that serve Columbia are:
What are the best private schools in Columbia?
The best private schools that serve Columbia are:
What are the most popular zip codes in Columbia, Bellingham, WA?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near Columbia, Bellingham, WA?
Home Trends in Columbia, WA
On average, homes in Columbia, Bellingham sell after 18 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Columbia, Bellingham over the last 12 months is $784,500, up 15% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$784,500
Median Single Family Sale Price
$789,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$569
Number of Homes for Sale
3
Last 12 months Home Sales
40
Median List Price
$765,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
15%