South Bellingham
Neighborhood in Bellingham, Washington
Whatcom County 98225, 98229
Ranch-style properties on wooded lots and new construction
Most homes are found on the neighborhood’s north side, including homes dating back to 2000 and plenty of new construction. Recently built New Traditional-style homes often feature white gable trim, stone detailing and large porches or balconies, with three-bedroom properties selling for $700,000 to $850,000. Two-bedroom condos built in the late ‘90s sell for between $400,000 and $450,000, while three-bedroom units with attached garages sell for between $600,000 and $650,000. Further south, more Minimal Traditional-style homes from the early 1900s sit on quarter, half or multi-acre wooded lots with more of a rural feel. Investment properties needing repairs can sell for $500,000 to $750,000, while renovated properties on multi-acre lots can sell for $800,000 to $1 million. Homes sit on secluded lots surrounded by pine and fir trees, organized along narrow, paved country roads. The South neighborhood’s sprawling layout and lack of sidewalks mean most residents won’t be able to walk to shops and restaurants the way they can in nearby areas like Edgemoor and Fairhaven.
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Expansive parks and trail networks leading into the Chuckanut Mountains
The natural landscape is among South Bellingham’s biggest draws, complimented by large, sprawling parks. The 136-acre Fairhaven Park encompasses grassy fields, redwood forests and the waterfalls of Padden Creek. Visitors can explore the park by traveling on paved trails between pickleball courts, playgrounds, and basketball courts. “The dynamic of Bellingham is very trail-oriented,” Ferris says. “It’s a super outdoorsy town in general, and that’s ingrained in every neighborhood.” The Interurban Trail is one of several walkways that wind through South Bellingham, leading to the Chuckanut Mountains. Hikers pass by, babbling creeks and tall pine and redwood trees as they travel the dirt pathway.
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Family events and recent renovations at nearby Bellingham schools
Like many Bellingham elementary schools, Happy Valley Elementary School, rated B by Niche, has a very active PTA organization. The association organizes events for families and students, including an annual Free Book Fair, where donated new and gently used books are available for kids to take home. Families can also attend the school’s Spring Fling festival for fair games, temporary tattoos and free food. After attending Happy Valley Elementary, students may move on to the B-plus-rated Fairhaven Middle before graduating from the A-rated Sehome High. In 2019, Sehome students were moved into a newly constructed building designed to include more windows, letting in lots of natural light. “We work with a lot of people looking for homes zoned for Sehome High School,” says Keith Ferris, a longtime Bellingham resident and local broker with Madrona Residential Real Estate. “It’s very highly sought after.”
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Community education events at the Chuckanut Center
Housed within Fairhaven Park, the Chuckanut Center is a volunteer-run facility that fosters community while helping locals develop new skills. Residents can take classes in beekeeping and cheesemaking through the center or attend the monthly Weed and Feed event, a social gathering where community members can mingle, learn gardening skills, and enjoy a free meal afterward. In addition to these events and classes, the center operates several community gardens where visitors can tend their own plot or help tend the Victory Garden, which donates its harvest to local organizations.Traveling through Washington on Interstate 5
South Bellingham is bordered on the east by Interstate 5, which leads about 90 miles south to Seattle or 45 miles north to the Canadian Border. The Whatcom Transportation Authority’s Route 105 bus stop along Old Fairhaven Parkway just north of the South neighborhood, taking residents 2 miles to Fairhaven and 5 miles to downtown Bellingham. Peace Health Saint Joseph Medical Center is about 7 miles away, and Bellingham International Airport is about 10 miles away.Locally owned eateries and cafes in Fairhaven
Locals in South Bellingham have to travel outside the neighborhood for shopping and dining needs. The nearest Haggen grocery store is located a little over 2 miles away in Fairhaven, one of the biggest commercial districts in Bellingham. In Fairhaven, locals can head to Skylark’s Hidden Cafe for classic American fare with live music in the restaurant’s festive beer garden every Friday and Saturday in the summer. Mambo Italiano Cafe offers fresh seafood and pasta dishes made from family recipes.
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Written By
Andi Sink
Photography Contributed By
Jake Chaplin
Video By
Mallory Nolte
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Agents Specializing in this Area
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James Heintz
James Heintz
ONE Realty
(360) 594-5583
69 Total Sales
3 in South Bellingham
$215K - $1M Price Range
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Sean Hackney
Sean Hackney
NextHome Northwest Living
(360) 685-7871
81 Total Sales
4 in South Bellingham
$195K - $980K Price Range
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Rachael Wilson
Rachael Wilson
Responds QuicklyRE/MAX Whatcom County, Inc.
(360) 594-5413
248 Total Sales
4 in South Bellingham
$170K - $275K Price Range
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Jennifer Glyzinski
Jennifer Glyzinski
Responds QuicklyKeller Williams Western Realty
(360) 515-4622
157 Total Sales
1 in South Bellingham
$500,000 Price
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Carol Cattle
Carol Cattle
Responds QuicklyWindermere Real Estate Whatcom
(425) 249-3557
70 Total Sales
1 in South Bellingham
$829,888 Price
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George Geer
George Geer
Responds QuicklyColdwell Banker Bain
(360) 685-7252
85 Total Sales
1 in South Bellingham
$197,500 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
Fairhaven Park
- Picnic Area
- Trails
- Playground
Fairhaven Village Green
- Picnic Area
- Trails
Ridgemont Park
Woodstock Farm
Lake Padden Park
Transit
Crime and Safety
| 1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime | South Bellingham | US |
|---|---|---|
| Homicide | 2 | 4 |
| Sexual Assault | 3 | 4 |
| Assault with Weapon | 2 | 4 |
| Robbery | 3 | 4 |
| Burglary | 3 | 4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 3 | 4 |
| Larceny | 4 | 4 |
| Crime Score | 3 | 4 |
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
South Bellingham Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in South Bellingham, Bellingham sell after 30 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in South Bellingham, Bellingham over the last 12 months is $647,500, up 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Housing Trends
Median List Price
$674,500
Median Sale Price
$647,500
Median Single Family Sale Price
$918,969
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$530,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Last 12 months Home Sales
16
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
1%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$487
Neighborhood Facts
Number of Homes in Neighborhood
391
Number of Homes for Sale
4
Median Year Built
1994
Months of Supply
3.00
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,676
Below the national average
1,933
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,275
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,320
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
15,245
Distribution of Home Values
Homes for Sale
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$245,000
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 1,555 Sq Ft
- 2015 24th St
- Unit 102
- New 4 days ago
Nestled in the highly desirable Parkway Village community in Fairhaven, this charming 3-bedroom, 1.75-bath home features an inviting open floor plan with vaulted ceilings, skylights, and abundant natural light thanks to its sunny southern exposure. Privately set back from the street, the home includes its own driveway, a two-car carport, spacious storage lockers, and convenient access to the
Jennie Nilsen ONE Realty
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$1,050,000
- 4 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 3,202 Sq Ft
- 3204 30th St
- New 10 days ago
Just minutes from Fairhaven, Arroyo Park & the Interurban Trail, this versatile home offers over 3,200 sq ft w/ main-level living & flexible lower-level potential. The upper floor features vaulted ceilings, 2 bdrms + an office, 2 updated bthrms, granite counters, oak cabinets, and expansive windows overlooking the nearly -acre setting—like living in a treehouse! The lower level includes 2 bdrms,
Rachael Wilson RE/MAX Whatcom County, Inc.
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$420,000
- 2 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 1,087 Sq Ft
- 2700 Old Fairhaven Pkwy
- Unit 2D
Fantastic southside location! This Turn key, 55+ condo offers incredible value with quick access to Fairhaven Plaza, Interurban trails, historic Fairhaven, the waterfront & a WTA transit stop. This desirable upper corner unit boasts extra windows, abundant natural light, & higher ceilings. Lovingly cared for by the same owner for nearly 29 years, it features a new hot water heater, fresh paint,
Stacy Osterkamp Windermere Real Estate Whatcom
Homes for Rent
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
1,681
Median Age
56
Population Density
3 ppl/acre
Population under 18
13.6%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
39.6%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$54,788
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$82,621
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
95.2%
College Graduates
45.3%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
14.4%
% Population in Labor Force
47.9%
Below the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
34''
Average Winter Low Temperature
34°F
Average Summer High Temperature
73°F
Annual Snowfall
2''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
36
/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
23
/ 100
Minimal Transit
Transit Score®
15
/ 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
South Hill
Scenic residential community sandwiched between Fairhaven and downtown Bellingham
Fairhaven
Highly sought-after Bellingham area with lots of shops and restaurants
Happy Valley
Densely packed residential community next to Western Washington University
Edgemoor
Highly sought-after community with high property values, just south of Fairhaven
Samish
Outdoorsy community on the edge of Bellingham, near trails and Lake Padden Park
Puget
Centrally located community close to athletic facilities and grocery stores.
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