Birchwood
Neighborhood in Bellingham, Washington
Whatcom County 98225, 98226
Ranch-style homes and bungalows on quarter- and half-acre lots
Homes in Birchwood mainly consist of ranch-style homes and bungalows built between 1920 and 1960 and split-level homes from the ‘70s, which tend to sit on flat, grassy quarter- and half-acre lots dotted with pine trees. Often featuring shingle-tile roofs, vinyl siding and covered front porches, homes tend to have minimal ornamentation. On the neighborhood’s south side, some New Traditional-style homes dating back to 2017 offer prominent two-car garages and blue or gray color palettes. Two-bedroom ranch-style homes from the 1920s sell for between $400,000 and $600,000, while 21st-century four-bedroom homes sell for $600,000 to $800,000. Recently renovated midcentury homes, including ranch-style properties and split levels, can sell for $700,000 to $1 million. In addition to single-family homes, Birchwood has lots of condo complexes from the 1990s, offering two- to three-bedroom units for $250,000 to $350,000, as well as many different apartment buildings.
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Dog park and playgrounds at Squalicum Creek Park
Once an industrial site, Squalicum Creek Park is now a 36-acre recreational space with baseball fields, a basketball court and a fenced-in mulch dog park. Local kids can enjoy the forest-themed play area near the park’s entrance, which includes swings, climbing structures, and a zip line, as well as a small and large playground. On the neighborhood’s north side, Golf enthusiasts can join the Bellingham Golf & Country Club, a private facility featuring an 18-hole course with a drainage system that keeps the greens dry despite often clammy weather.
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Nearby Bellingham Schools and technical college programs
Local students may attend Birchwood Elementary School, rated C-plus by Niche, where parents and families can get involved through the Friends of Birchwood Parent Teacher Organization. Supported by the Bellingham Public Schools Foundation, the organization runs fundraising events like the annual Birchwood Boogie fun run. Students at the C-plus-rated Shuksan Middle can participate in the BEATS before and after school program, which seeks to empower kids by helping them with schoolwork and playing games with their peers. The A-rated Bellingham High features more than 30 clubs and activities, including La Chispa Club, which celebrates Hispanic heritage and helps members participate in community service initiatives. On the neighborhood’s southern end, Bellingham Technical College offers programs in manufacturing, culinary arts and aquaculture sciences.
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Neighborhood socials and the Birchwood International Market
The Birchwood Neighborhood Association hosts community meetings periodically throughout the year, where locals can discuss neighborhood updates while mingling with neighbors. The association also holds Summer Celebrations, including an annual August Ice Cream Social. The Birchwood International Market, held a few times each summer, celebrates the community’s diversity with dancing, live performances and vendors selling food and art from all over the world.Taking Whatcom County buses around town
Interstate 5 lines Birchwood’s northern border, running 93 miles south to Seattle and 32 miles north to the Canadian border. “Bellingham is unique in that you don’t have to get on the highway to get across town,” says Dani Schemm, co-owner of Training Grounds Gym. The Whatcom Transportation Authority’s Route 3 bus stops along Bennett Drive, taking residents 2 miles to downtown Bellingham and 3 miles to Bellingham International Airport. Nearby hospitals include the PeaceHealth Saint Joseph Medical Center, 2 miles away.Locally owned Mexican and Filipino eateries
The Park Manor Shopping Center is anchored by Big Lots and locally owned spots like The Bean Stop 2, a secondary location of the Bean Stop coffee stand, which serves drinks made from locally roasted beans. Other neighborhood favorites include That’s What I Like Island Grill, a Filipino eatery and bar with live entertainment every Friday and Karaoke Nights every Wednesday. Netos Market & Bakery offers Mexican groceries with an attached restaurant serving burritos and huaraches. Other grocery options include Haggen, which is a little over a mile away.
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Written By
Andi Sink
Photography Contributed By
Jake Chaplin
Video By
Khalil Chisholm
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Agents Specializing in this Area
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Lisa Parslow
Lisa Parslow
eXp Realty
(206) 895-6594
51 Total Sales
1 in Birchwood
$585,000 Price
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Brad Burdick
Brad Burdick
Coldwell Banker Bain
(360) 594-0321
22 Total Sales
1 in Birchwood
$565,000 Price
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Julian Solovyov
Julian Solovyov
Coldwell Banker Bain
(360) 325-7015
33 Total Sales
2 in Birchwood
$280K - $340K Price Range
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Kelly Nicolaysen
Kelly Nicolaysen
Coldwell Banker Bain
(360) 525-1340
20 Total Sales
1 in Birchwood
$275,000 Price
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James Heintz
James Heintz
ONE Realty
(360) 594-5583
69 Total Sales
2 in Birchwood
$500K - $510K Price Range
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Chris Erdmann
Chris Erdmann
eXp Commercial, LLC
(360) 685-1413
77 Total Sales
1 in Birchwood
$650,000 Price
Schools
Source:
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
- 9th to 12th
- Public
- 6th to 8th
- Public
- Pre-K to 5th
- Public
Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to , an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Zuanich Point Park
Squalicum Creek Park
Shuksan Meadows Park
Transit
Crime and Safety
| 1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime | Birchwood | US |
|---|---|---|
| Homicide | 3 | 4 |
| Sexual Assault | 4 | 4 |
| Assault with Weapon | 4 | 4 |
| Robbery | 4 | 4 |
| Burglary | 5 | 4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 5 | 4 |
| Larceny | 5 | 4 |
| Crime Score | 4 | 4 |
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Birchwood Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Birchwood, Bellingham sell after 29 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Birchwood, Bellingham over the last 12 months is $566,750, up 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Housing Trends
Median List Price
$622,000
Median Sale Price
$566,750
Median Single Family Sale Price
$689,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$1,350,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$282,499
Median Change From 1st List Price
2%
Last 12 months Home Sales
32
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
1%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$446
Neighborhood Facts
Number of Homes in Neighborhood
1,230
Number of Homes for Sale
11
Median Year Built
1952
Months of Supply
4.10
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,455
Significantly below the national average
1,933
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,672
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
766
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
643
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
13,939
Open Houses
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Sunday, Jun 151 - 4pm
$689,000
- 4 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2,342 Sq Ft
- 3616 W Rusley Dr
- New 16 days ago
Sunny & bright home in desirable area with vaulted ceilings, large windows, kitchen w/eating area, living & dining room, pellet stove & fireplace upstairs. Primary w/ensuite, hardwood flooring. Second pellet stove downstairs in generous family room, extra finished room and 4th bedroom downstairs. Deck off main living area/kitchen, oversized 2 car garage, recent mini-split heat/cooling throughout,
Scott Talbot Muljat Group
Distribution of Home Values
Homes for Sale
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$1,150,000
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 1,104 Sq Ft
- 2911 Alderwood Ave
Two potential lots. Prime Development Opportunity. Commercially zoned with multi-family designation and located within a parking moratorium area, this property offers strong development potential. Preliminary concepts suggest the opportunity to build 24± multi-family units at the rear of the site. The front (proposed Lot 1) is ideal for a mixed-use building with commercial space on the ground
Chris ErdmanneXp Commercial, LLC(360) 997-0132 -
$1,350,000
- 3 Beds
- 2.5 Baths
- 2,580 Sq Ft
- 3045 Eldridge Ave
- Unit A
- New 4 days ago
Luxury townhouse w/amazing southern bay/sound, island & mountain views through walls of windows up to soaring vaulted ceilings & high-end finishes throughout. This 2580 sqft unit lives like a similarly sized house w/3 bedrooms, office, 2-car garage w/the lock & go convenience of a condo. Fabulous primary suite features a spa bath & separate dual-shower enclosure, radiant heat, walk-in closet, and
Chris Thorndike-Kent Windermere Real Estate Whatcom
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$699,000
- 4 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2,164 Sq Ft
- 3125 Mcleod Rd
- New 9 days ago
Discover the potential of this spacious mid-entry home nestled in the desirable Birchwood Neighborhood. Offering 4 bedrooms and 2 baths, the layout is ideal for creating a separate living space on the lower level—perfect for extended living, guests, or rental income. The open-concept main floor is filled with natural light, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. With a few simple updates,
Sean Ryan NextHome Northwest Living
Homes for Rent
-
$1,425 - $1,675 per month
- Village on the Green Apartments
- 1-2 Beds
- 1 Bath
- 570+ Sq Ft
- 2600 Alderwood Ave
- Bellingham, WA
-
$1,800 - $1,925 per month
- Forest Park
- 2 Beds
- 1-2 Baths
- 873+ Sq Ft
- 2605 W Maplewood Ave
- Bellingham, WA
Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to , an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
5,444
Median Age
37
Population Density
5 ppl/acre
Population under 18
19.2%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
16.5%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$58,821
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$78,616
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
93.2%
On par with the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
27.1%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
11.3%
% Population in Labor Force
64.8%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
34''
Average Winter Low Temperature
34°F
Average Summer High Temperature
73°F
Annual Snowfall
2''
Area Factors
Very Bikeable
Bike Score®
77
/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
40
/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
34
/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Nearby Neighborhoods
Columbia
Neighborly community with lots of events and opportunities to get involved
Cordata
Suburban enclave on Bellingham's northern edge
Cornwall Park
Home to PeaceHealth Saint Joseph Medical Center, Bellingham's only hospital
Lettered Streets
Densely packed residential and historic area near downtown Bellingham
Meridian
Shopping district on Bellingham's north side, home to Bellis Fair Mall
City Center
Bellingham's downtown district packed with dining and entertainment options
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