Why Live in Sunnyland
Sunnyland, a neighborhood adjacent to downtown Bellingham, is known for its historic homes, breweries, and strong community spirit. The area hosts vibrant events like the Sunnyland Stomp, where local artisans and musicians open their home studios for a public walking tour. The neighborhood's southern half features converted industrial spaces housing popular breweries such as Twin Sisters Brewing Company, while the northern half is characterized by Craftsman bungalows on compact lots. James Street, on the east side, is lined with cafes, casual eateries, and the neighborhood's largest greenspace, Memorial Park. Residents can walk or bike to local businesses and schools, including the highly rated Bellingham High.
Sunnyland’s residential streets are laid out on a grid, with single-family homes built between 1900 and 1930, most of which are Craftsman bungalows with overhanging roofs and gable trim. Parking is typically on gravel driveways or the street, as garages are rare. The area is shaded by mature maple and fir trees, with some residents maintaining vegetable gardens. Local dining options include Avenue Bread’s flagship café and Coconut Kenny’s, while grocery needs are met by Trader Joe’s and Youngstock’s Nursery & Produce.
The neighborhood is safer than the national average, and its community events, such as the Sunnyland Fest and an annual community-wide yard sale, foster a close-knit atmosphere. Memorial Park honors fallen veterans and features large grass fields, while Sunnyland Park offers a playground. The neighborhood is well-connected, with bike lanes and bus routes facilitating easy travel. PeaceHealth Saint Joseph Medical Center is 2 miles north, and Bellingham International Airport is 5 miles northwest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sunnyland a good place to live?
Sunnyland is a good place to live. Sunnyland is considered very walkable and very bikeable with some transit options. Sunnyland has 5 parks for recreational activities. It is fairly sparse in population with 5.5 people per acre and a median age of 39. The average household income is $94,831 which is below the national average. College graduates make up 53.8% of residents. A majority of residents in Sunnyland are home owners, with 40.5% of residents renting and 59.5% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving Sunnyland can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
Sunnyland neighborhood guide.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in Sunnyland?
The median home price in Sunnyland is $319,000. If you put a 20% down payment of $63,800 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.72%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $1,650 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $71K a year to afford the median home price in Sunnyland. The average household income in Sunnyland is $95K.
What are the best public schools in Sunnyland?
The best public schools that serve Sunnyland are:
- Bellingham High School has an A Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 21:1 and an average review score of 4.0.
- Sehome High School has an A Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 21:1 and an average review score of 3.6.
- Fairhaven Middle School has an A- Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 17:1 and an average review score of 1.5.
What are the best private schools in Sunnyland?
The best private schools that serve Sunnyland are:
What are the most popular zip codes in Sunnyland, Bellingham, WA?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near Sunnyland, Bellingham, WA?
Home Trends in Sunnyland, WA
On average, homes in Sunnyland, Bellingham sell after 43 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Sunnyland, Bellingham over the last 12 months is $319,245, up 63% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$319,245
Median Single Family Sale Price
$319,500
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$374,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$251
Number of Homes for Sale
6
Last 12 months Home Sales
40
Median List Price
$319,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
1%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
63%
