Columbia
Neighborhood in Bellingham, Washington
Whatcom County 98225
Early 20th-century Craftsmen Housing
Homes in Columbia were mostly built between 1910 and 1950, including Craftsman bungalows with covered front porches, colorful exteriors and gable trim. Multi-story homes often feature Tudor-inspired elements like steeply pitched cross-gabled roofs and large stone chimneys. Some midcentury ranches are peppered through the community, featuring vinyl or brick exteriors and shingle roofs. Set close together along narrow sidewalk-lined streets, some homes are adorned with native shrubbery and flower gardens, while others feature flat, grassy lots dotted with a mix of pine and maple trees. Home prices mainly depend on how recently the property was renovated, with two-bedroom bungalows selling for between $350,000 and $500,000 and recently refurbished three- to four-bedroom multi-story properties selling for $600,000 to $1 million.
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Getting together with neighbors at Elizabeth Park
Elizabeth Park, a wooded enclave of maple, oak, and elm trees, is the central gathering place for Columbia residents within walking distance of the neighborhood’s southeast corner. It features a large bandstand where local musicians play in the summer, along with tennis and pickleball courts. Small pocket parks featuring smaller playgrounds and open fields are dotted around the neighborhood, like Lorraine Ellis Park and Carl Lobe Playground. The 36-acre Squalicum Creek Park is set just west of Columbia and offers a large play area with climbing structures, swings and a zip line.
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Community involvement at Columbia Elementary
Columbia Elementary School, rated B by Niche, is found at the neighborhood’s center. Local families can get involved in their child’s education through the Columbia Parent Association, a very active team of volunteers that helps organize programs like the Science Fair and the End of the Year Family Dance. “It’s nice having a neighborhood school because when you pick up the kids, you can stay and let them play while you get to know the neighbors,” Lyon says. “It’s like a school barbeque every day because we’re all just hanging out.” The B-plus-rated Whatcom Middle offers many after-school activities, including Tunes Club, where kids learn to play traditional Irish music, and the Plastic Art Monster Club, where students make monster sculptures from repurposed plastic waste. Students at the A-rated Bellingham High can take classes in robotics, video production and personal finance.
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Fourth of July festivities at Elizabeth Park
The Columbia Neighborhood Association is the backbone of the community, organizing neighborhood garage sales and the annual Columbia Fourth of July Celebration. Drawing out residents from all over Columbia, the festivities include a baking contest and games like pie-eating and sack racing. “It’s like a scene from a Norman Rockwell painting,” Lyon says. The annual Chalk Festival, a tradition that began during COVID-19 lockdowns as a way for community members to come together and decorate sidewalks while maintaining safe distances, is now included in the Fourth of July Celebration as well.Taking the Whatcom County bus downtown
Columbia residents can access Interstate 5 about a mile away, which stretches 92 miles south to Seattle and 33 miles north to the Canadian border. Depending on their location, many residents can walk downtown, less than 2 miles away. Several Whatcom Transportation Authority bus routes pass through Columbia, including Route 15, which runs along Meridian Street, from Whatcom Community College on the north to downtown Bellingham on the south. PeaceHealth Saint Joseph Medical Center is about 2 miles north, while the Bellingham International Airport is about 4 miles northwest.Locally owned restaurants in the Fountain District
While Columbia is almost entirely residential, locally owned shops and businesses line Meridian Street on the neighborhood’s east border, known as the Fountain District. If not within walking distance, Fountain District stores like Earl’s Bike Shop and Cool Beans Coffee Shop are within biking distance for those who want to get around without a car. Established in 1998, Diamond Jim’s Grill serves breakfast and lunch with diner-style décor. At Goods Local Brews, locals can sample craft beer and cider from local breweries in Whatcom County on their outdoor patio. A few blocks west, Dumpling Girls is a local favorite for Chinese pork buns and donuts. For groceries, residents can visit the nearby Haggen.
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Connecting with the community through the Little Free Art Gallery
Columbia’s collaborative spirit is displayed in Little Free Art Gallery, a miniature art studio replica built by Katrina Lyon, a local artist and Columbia resident of 15 years. The interactive miniature studio has become wildly popular, allowing both kids and adults to take or leave a small art piece while passing by. “I was just saying to one of my neighbors that I haven’t been great about updating it this past week, and she offered to do errands for me to help. I told her, ‘Well, that’s really nice of you,’ and she said, ‘It’s not nice. It’s about community,’” says Lyon. “That really summarizes the whole area. Everyone is so engaged and generous with their creative talent and time.”
Written By
Andi Sink
Photography Contributed By
Jake Chaplin
Video By
Jessica Johnson
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Agents Specializing in this Area
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Jim Skerjanc
Jim Skerjanc
Responds QuicklyHomeSmart One Realty
(360) 383-5923
66 Total Sales
1 in Columbia
$200,000 Price
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Ashleigh Abhold
Ashleigh Abhold
Hansen Group Real Estate Inc
(360) 685-8093
133 Total Sales
3 in Columbia
$586K - $795K Price Range
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Sean Hackney
Sean Hackney
NextHome Northwest Living
(360) 685-7871
81 Total Sales
1 in Columbia
$825,000 Price
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Melene Thompson
Melene Thompson
Responds QuicklyCOMPASS
(206) 693-4906
107 Total Sales
1 in Columbia
$801,000 Price
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Mikala Murphy
Mikala Murphy
Hansen Group Real Estate Inc
(360) 282-0960
141 Total Sales
1 in Columbia
$670,000 Price
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Deanna Woodin
Deanna Woodin
Coldwell Banker Danforth
(206) 693-4218
28 Total Sales
1 in Columbia
$475,000 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
Elizabeth Park
Zuanich Point Park
Transit
Crime and Safety
| 1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime | Columbia | US |
|---|---|---|
| Homicide | 3 | 4 |
| Sexual Assault | 4 | 4 |
| Assault with Weapon | 3 | 4 |
| Robbery | 4 | 4 |
| Burglary | 5 | 4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 5 | 4 |
| Larceny | 5 | 4 |
| Crime Score | 4 | 4 |
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Columbia Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Columbia, Bellingham sell after 18 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Columbia, Bellingham over the last 12 months is $758,500, up 12% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Housing Trends
Median List Price
$699,000
Median Sale Price
$758,500
Median Single Family Sale Price
$750,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Last 12 months Home Sales
40
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
12%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$554
Neighborhood Facts
Number of Homes in Neighborhood
1,568
Number of Homes for Sale
3
Median Year Built
1926
Months of Supply
0.90
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,407
Significantly below the national average
1,933
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
760
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
669
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
4,791
Distribution of Home Values
Homes for Sale
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$490,000
- 2 Beds
- 1 Bath
- 816 Sq Ft
- 3032 Tulip Rd
- New 3 days ago
Columbia neighborhood cottage! On a peaceful street w/alley access, this 2-bdrm home makes the most of its footprint w/updates and timeless appeal. A front yard, perfect for gardening or play, greets you w/ room to grow. Inside, an open living area w/original hardwood floors, fresh carpeting, and newly updated flooring. Interior brick accents the classic kitchen layout, spacious & functional. A
Rachael Wilson RE/MAX Whatcom County, Inc.
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$819,000
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 1,804 Sq Ft
- 2321 Elm St
- New 10 days ago
Historic Victorian duplex in the coveted Columbia neighborhood! Fully renovated and well-maintained. Upper unit has 2 bedrooms, 1 bath. Lower unit has 1 bedroom 1 bath. Parking for 4 in the alley, plus an electric car charger. Walkable to coffee shops, tap rooms, restaurants. Zoned Urban Village; live in one unit and Airbnb the other, and/or enjoy the reliability of a long-term tenant
Krista Kenner COMPASS
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$725,000
- 3 Beds
- 1 Bath
- 1,394 Sq Ft
- 2708 Lynn St
- New 15 days ago
Welcome to this delightful 3-bedroom, 1-bath residence. Step inside to a bright cheerful kitchen surly to inspire culinary creativity and effortless entertaining. The inviting living room features a cozy fireplace, creating a warm calming ambiance ideal for relaxing. Beautiful hardwood flooring flows throughout the home, blending durability with timeless elegance. A convenient single-car garage
Jane Agard BHHS Bayside Realty
Homes for Rent
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$2,700 per month
- 2 Beds
- 1,100 Sq Ft
- 2208 Lynn St
- Unit 2208
- Bellingham, WA
Located in the historic Columbia neighborhood, this 1100 square-foot, two-story duplex has historic charm with modern touches. First floor contains the living room, dining room, half bath, laundry room with washer & dryer, and kitchen with gas stove, fridge, & dishwasher. Second floor consists of a full bathroom, bedroom/office bonus room, and primary bedroom with private balcony with water
Max Kwiatkowski Coldwell Banker Bain
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 Owners
Demographics
Total Population
3,962
Median Age
43
Population Density
9 ppl/acre
Population under 18
21%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
19.3%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$95,271
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$101,918
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
95.7%
College Graduates
56.3%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
23.2%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
66.7%
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®
82
/ 100
Somewhat Walkable
Walk Score®
63
/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
36
/ 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
Birchwood
Residential community next to Squalicum Creek Park and Bellingham Country Club
Lettered Streets
Densely packed residential and historic area near downtown Bellingham
City Center
Bellingham's downtown district packed with dining and entertainment options
Cornwall Park
Home to PeaceHealth Saint Joseph Medical Center, Bellingham's only hospital
Sunnyland
Adjacent to downtown Bellingham, Craftsman homes, breweries and community spirit
York
Residential enclave next to downtown Bellingham popular families and students
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