Ferndale, WA Homes for Rent

Ferndale, Washington, is a small, semi-rural community located 10 miles north of Bellingham along Interstate 5. Known for its vibrant parks and slightly lower housing costs compared to nearby Bellingham, Ferndale features a mix of early 20th-century cottages near the Historic Downtown District and newer subdivisions and townhouses on the outskirts. The city is supported by agriculture, industrial refineries, and an aluminum processing plant, with many residents commuting to Bellingham and other nearby cities. The Historic Downtown District, set along the Nooksack River, includes Pioneer Park, which hosts the annual Old Settlers Picnic and Grand Parade. Other notable parks include the Centennial Riverwalk and Hovander Homestead Park, which features an elevated boardwalk and a Fragrance Garden. Main Street in the Historic Downtown District offers local restaurants and bars, including the popular Fringe Brewing, while the north side of town has specialty shops and creameries. Ferndale School District, serving over 4,500 students, offers agriculture programs with classes in aquaculture, horticulture, and veterinary science. The community is prone to flooding along the Nooksack River, with ongoing efforts to improve the levee system and reconstruct parts of the downtown district. Interstate 5 provides easy access to Bellingham, Seattle, and Vancouver, with local bus routes operated by the Whatcom Transportation Authority.