$646,788Average Value$508Average Price per Sq Ft11Homes For Sale
Residential community next to Western Washington University
Set next to Western Washington University, 3 miles south of downtown Bellingham on Interstate 5, Happy Valley is popular with college students and faculty, featuring a mix of apartments and condos on the north and single-family homes on the south. The north side tends to get more foot traffic, with fast-casual restaurants and national chains like Starbucks within walking distance of apartment buildings. In these areas with high foot traffic, there is a higher crime risk, including burglary. Happy Valley has a Cap Inex crime score of 5, compared to a national score of 4. However, locals report that the student population generally doesn’t cause much disturbance, partly thanks to the university’s lack of Greek life. “I’d say there are about equal amounts of students and primary residents,” says Ken Harrison, a Bellingham resident of 36 years and local broker with Madrona Residential Real Estate. “The freeway is noisier than the students.” The neighborhood’s south side offers Craftsman and midcentury homes separated by mature oak and fir trees, as well as some undeveloped wooded enclaves that can be explored through narrow gravel trails. Locals can also enjoy the natural landscape at the Sehome Arboretum, consisting of over 175 acres of native foliage just north of Happy Valley.
Grocery stores and local eateries on the north side
Commercial spaces are mostly found on the neighborhood’s north side, within walking distance of apartments and condos. Here, a small shopping plaza is anchored by a Haggen supermarket, as well as national chains like Starbucks, Petstop and Insomnia Cookies, a popular spot with college students that serves warm cookies until 3 a.m. on the weekend. Nearby locally owned restaurants include fast-casual and take-out establishments like Tandoori Bites, which serves Indian food, and Busara Thai Cuisine. JJ’s In and Out Food Market sits in the neighborhood’s northwest corner, close to the university, and serves as a small neighborhood convenience store and deli.
Tandoori Bites has delicious Indian food and a lively atmosphere located in Happy Valley.
For grocery needs and more, Happy Valley residents head to Haggen.
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Nature trails through the Sehome Hill Arboretum
The 175-acre Sehome Hill Arboretum sits just north of Happy Valley, a wooded oasis densely populated with redwood and oak trees dripping with moss. Visitors can explore the native landscape through winding, narrow gravel trails leading to a tall wooden observation tower. “The tower overlooks all of Bellingham and the bay—you can even see into Canada,” says Keith Ferris, a longtime Bellingham resident and local broker with Madrona Residential Real Estate. “Anyone who lives near there and goes to Western Washington University can cut through the arboretum to get there.” More gravel walking trails wind through the neighborhood, including the Connelly Creek Trail, which passes through patches of undeveloped land on Happy Valley’s east side. On the south side, Happy Valley Park provides space for locals to get together with an open play field, picnic tables organized under a green gazebo and a large playground.
Happy Valley residents visit Sehome Hill Arboretum for afternoon hikes surrounded by nature.
Connelly Creek Trail runs all throughout the neighborhood of Happy Valley.
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Craftsman bungalows and other single-family homes
On Happy Valley’s southern half, single-family homes are mixed with multiplexes, while condos and apartments are concentrated in the northern half. Home styles include Craftsman bungalows built between 1890 and 1910, which feature gable-front roofs and covered front porches, as well as split-level and ranch-style homes from the 1970s and 80s, which have minimally decorated vinyl exteriors. Local institutions feature similar midcentury architecture, including Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, which has stood in its current building since 1962. Across styles and time periods, three-bedroom properties needing repairs can sell for between $400,000 and $600,000, while renovated homes with updated kitchens and bathrooms can sell for $600,000 to $800,000. Condo complexes on the north side built in the early 2000s offer studio and one-bedroom units for between $250,000 and $300,000, as well as two-bedroom units for $300,000 to $350,000. Flat, well-maintained streets are lined with sidewalks and mature pine trees. Though some homes built before 1950 have since been updated with carports, many homes still lack garages. However, wide shoulders on both sides of the road provide ample space for street parking.
This craftsman home is reflection of Happy Valley's unique character and timeless elegance.
Find your oasis of calm and comfort in this meticulously crafted Happy Valley home.
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Bellingham public schools and nearby Montessori programs
Happy Valley Elementary School, rated B by Niche, sits at the center of the neighborhood, within walking distance of most homes. After attending Happy Valley Elementary, local kids can move on to the B-plus-rated Fairhaven Middle before graduating from the A-rated Sehome High. Sehome High students can take classes in sports medicine, broadcast journalism and engineering. In addition to public schools, there are a few Montessori programs for pre-kindergarten, elementary and middle school students within Happy Valley, including Samish Preschool and Cascades Montessori Middle. Montessori programs aim to cultivate socio-emotional intelligence by encouraging students to follow their curiosity and collaborate with their peers in a relatively unstructured environment.
Fairhaven Middle School provides excellent education preparing students for high school.
Sehome High School prepares students for graduation and beyond.
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Accessing Interstate 5
Interstate 5 runs along Happy Valley’s east border, stretching 87 miles south to Seattle and 42 miles north to the Canadian border. Locals can get to downtown Bellingham, 3 miles away, or Fairhaven, 2 miles away, on Whatcom Transportation Authority’s Route 14 bus. Peace Health Saint Joseph Medical Center, Bellingham’s only major hospital, is about 5 miles north. For wider travel, Bellingham International Airport is about 8 miles northwest.
Student life at Western Washington University
Western Washington University has about 14,000 undergraduate students, many of which are enrolled in business, education and computer science programs. The university is most known for its long-term commitment to sustainability and the overall laid-back vibe, without any kind of Greek life system. Many students are attracted to the natural landscape and outdoor lifestyle in Bellingham—the university’s recreation center even offers two 30-foot climbing walls and a 12-foot bouldering wall. In addition to student life, Western Washington is a major employer for Bellingham, many of which are drawn to Happy Valley so they can live close to work.
Western Washington University provides excellent education to Happy Valley students.
Happy Valley Students further their education at Western Washington University.
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.
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Happy Valley Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Happy Valley, Bellingham sell after 49 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Happy Valley, Bellingham over the last 12 months is $340,000, down 20% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Beautifully renovated from top to bottom, this Happy Valley gem features all new plumbing, electrical, and radiant cove heating with a new mini-split heat pump. Energy-efficient upgrades include new insulation throughout and modified double-wall construction. Enjoy a brand-new kitchen with HighCraft cabinets, oversized stainless farm sink, and new appliances. Home offers two new bathrooms – a 3⁄4
A wonderful character home with all the modern updates you've been looking for! Centrally located, this Happy Valley gem is just blocks from Fairhaven Village! Every inch shines w/ 2022 updates including NEW flooring, cabinets, fixtures, shiplap accents, & lighting. NEW sewer line, roof (2023), & water heater (2023) mean peace of mind for decades to come. Enjoy a huge kitchen w/built-in nook and
INVESTORS & those seeking comfortable & AFFORDABLE OWNERSHIP: 2 BD 1 Bath rentable condo blocks from WWU campus & Sehome Village! Ready to rent or move in & plan light cosmetic upgrades. Enjoy 2 large BR's, a spacious full bath, galley kitchen w/all appliances including a brand new dishwasher & the spacious living / dining room span nearly 1000 sq. ft. Central forced air heat, cozy wood-burning
Enjoy top-floor comfort and stunning views in the heart of Bellingham! This bright and welcoming Cypress Place condo offers sweeping southern views of Chuckanut Mountain from your private balcony. Inside, you’ll find updated lighting, warm maple cabinetry, and stainless steel appliances. Located in the main building, enjoy secure entry, elevator access, a fitness center, and covered bike storage.
Contemporary Gem in Happy Valley. Don't miss this great home on a 1/3 acre lot with easy access to WWU, Sehome Village, Fairhaven via all modes of transportation. Stylish, light-filled living space surrounded by trees and low-maintenance native plantings. Stove, Refrig, W/D & fireplace are new since 2021. Nifty features include bathroom vanities in every bedroom. solatube skylights, roomy bonus
FREE SEPTEMBER RENT! Updated 3 Bedroom/2 Bathroom apartments with easy access to WWU! Video tours, floor plans, and more photos available on our website. Call or inquire for a tour! Built in 2006, the pet-friendly Broadway Apartments offer spacious 3 bedroom/2 bathroom units for rent! Each unit features a washer/dryer, dishwasher, large windows, on-site parking, and ample sized bedrooms!
Welcome to this charming one bedroom, one bath home tucked in the heart of Happy Valley.Offering 784 square feet of light filled living space, this cozy single family home combines comfort, privacy, and a fantastic location. Features include a living room filled with natural light, a full kitchen with appliances, washer and dryer, and private off street parking. Enjoy walkability to Fairhaven
These two side-by-side communities feature ample laundry facilities, loads of parking and a bus line at the front door! Your choice of 2 interior floor plans conveniently located within walking distance of WWU and Sehome Village shopping center. 1 Bedroom and 1 Bathroom with separate custom vanity. Open style kitchen features a range, dishwasher and refrigerator. Custom cabinetry and counters
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