$1,144,273Average Value$575Average Price per Sq Ft24Homes For Sale
Scenic community built into the hills by Bellingham Bay
Built into the hillside about 2 miles south of downtown Bellingham, the aptly named residential South Hill slopes downhill into Bellingham Bay, offering panoramic views of the San Juan Islands in the distance. In addition to the views, South Hill is sandwiched between Fairhaven, a historic shopping and dining village full of small cafes and boutiques, and downtown, which is more densely packed with office spaces and brewpubs. Most residents are within walking distance of one or both districts. “It’s more community-oriented here,” says Ken Harrison, South Hill resident and local broker with Madrona Residential Real Estate. “Everyone is always walking around, and the homes are closer together, so it’s more neighborly.” South Hill is adjacent to Western Washington University, but the neighborhood's high price point means there isn't much student housing here; most homes date to the late 19th- or early 20th-century, built into the hillside beside historic institutions like the Saint James Presbyterian Church, here since the 1890s. Locals can enjoy the bayside at Boulevard Park, which hosts a small concert series in the summer.
Well-maintained homes from the late 19th and early 20th century
Homes in South Hill are generally built into the steep hillside, with views of Bellingham Bay and the San Juan Islands. In 2010, South Hill was listed on the National Register of Historic Places to protect its character from extensive remodeling. Houses facing uphill are set close to the street and have large back decks overlooking the water; those facing downhill toward the bay are set farther back, with wide stone staircases leading to their main entrances. The neighborhood's oldest homes date from 1890 to 1950, a mix of meticulously cared-for examples of Queen Anne, Craftsman, American Foursquare and Tudor Revival; peppered among them are ranch-style homes built between 1950 and 1980 with attached garages. Smaller bungalows and ranch-style homes in need of some updates can sell for $700,000 to $1 million, while larger, recently renovated properties go for $1 to $1.5 million, depending on lot size. Closer to the waterfront, condo complexes from the 1970s offer two-bedroom units for between $500,000 and $800,000, while three- and four-bedroom units sell for $850,000 to $1 million.
Given the age of most properties in this area, house inspections can become a sticking point in the buying process. "It's important to get the sewer lines checked," says Julian Friedman, owner and real estate agent with Julian & Company, powered by the Muljat Group. "A lot of homes are old, and the lines are old. If something happens, it can become a pretty big expense, so it's better to check."
Many Craftsman style homes can be found throughout the Bellingham neighborhood of South Hill.
Tudor Revival style homes are sprinkled throughout the South Hill neighborhood in Bellingham.
South Hill has condos among the many homes throughout the Bellingham neighborhood.
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Walking distance to Fairhaven and downtown Bellingham
South Hill's located between two large shopping and dining corridors, Fairhaven Village and Downtown Bellingham. “South Hill is very quaint, but it’s sandwiched between these two growing areas,” Harrison says. Fairhaven offers cafes and locally owned bookstores housed in 19th-century brick buildings; residents can head to Haggen for groceries or fuel up at the Filling Station, a burger joint decorated with vintage license plates and gas station signs. Downtown Bellingham is densely packed with boutiques, coffee shops and eateries amid office buildings and colorful murals. Horseshoe Café has been serving classic American fare, all-day brunch and specialty cocktails here since 1886, and down the street, the Bellingham Farmers Market is open every Saturday from April through December.
The Fairhaven shopping district is just south of the South Hill neighborhood in Bellingham.
South Hill residents can enjoy many shopping and dining options in Fairhaven.
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Summer concert series next to the water at Boulevard Park
Every fourth Friday in June, July and August, the city hosts a free concert at the stage in Boulevard Park. Locals can bring a picnic blanket or dance around with their neighbors while enjoying tunes by local and area musicians.
Boulevard Park hosts live music and other events throughout the year.
Boulevard Park is a popular spot for locals to enjoy the views of Bellingham Bay.
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Extracurriculars at nearby Bellingham schools
Niche gives the local Lowell Elementary School a B-plus and ranks it the second-best public elementary school in Whatcom County; the active Lowell PTA organizes events throughout the year, including a used book fair and talent show. Fairhaven Middle School is also rated a B-plus and offers over a dozen after-school athletic programs, including wrestling, track & field, and basketball. The A-rated Sehome High, which moved to a newly constructed building in 2019, includes a 400-seat theatre, two gyms and a library.
Lowell Elementary School entrance
Fairhaven Middle School entrance.
Sehome High School entrance.
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Scenic views from the boardwalk at Boulevard Park
Set right on the waterfront, Boulevard Park is a popular spot to watch the sunset over the San Juan Islands, with a narrow stretch of rocky beach, and a wooden boardwalk that extends over the bay for a 1/4-mile. Adjacent to Western Washington University, Sehome Hill Arboretum offers miles of unpaved trails and a tall watchtower set among pine and redwood forests.
South Hill residents can take in the views along the shore at the Taylor Dock Boardwalk.
South Hill residents are treated to beautiful views of the San Juan Island across the water.
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Bike lanes on State Street
Interstate 5 is found a few miles east and runs north-south through Bellingham, traveling 91 miles south to Seattle and 41 miles north to the Canadian border. Fairhaven is 1 mile south, and downtown Bellingham is 2 miles north; most South Hill residents live within walking distance of one or the other. Locals can bike to either location via the bike lanes on State Street, and the Whatcom Transportation Authority’s Route 1 bus makes stops in Fairhaven, on State Street and in downtown. Train tracks run along the bayfront and lead to the Fairhaven Amtrak Train Station about a mile away; passing trains can be heard throughout the day. In addition to noise pollution from the train, locals have recently been complaining about excessive noise from a nearby shipping terminal on the water, especially late at night. To help mitigate this, the city passed an ordinance that stops industrial work at midnight, though the issue is ongoing as of summer 2024. Peace Health Saint Joseph Medical Center is 4 miles away, while Bellingham International Airport is 7 miles away.
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On average, homes in South Hill, Bellingham sell after 34 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in South Hill, Bellingham over the last 12 months is $995,000, up 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This stunning 1890 Victorian, "Alfred Riedel Home," is nestled in the South Hill Historic District and offers breathtaking views of Bellingham Bay and the San Juan Islands. With over 4,000 sq. ft. of living space, this 4-bedroom, 3.25-bath home features 10-ft ceilings, hardwood floors, and ample room to space. The spacious walk-out basement offers great potential as an office or rental space.
Step into history with this grand South Hill estate, where timeless craftsmanship meets modern convenience. Original architectural details shine throughout, complemented by an updated kitchen, enhanced heating system, and a renovated and improved basement drainage system. The spacious lowest level boasts a fully equipped ADU with 2nd kitchen, bath, and bedroom—ideal for extended living or rental
The gracious and inviting South Hill home that you’ve been waiting for blends historic charm with modern elegance. From its welcoming covered front porch with sweeping views of the bay and San Juan Islands to its spacious kitchen with dining area that has water views-- perfect for lingering dinners or morning coffee. The sunlit rooms with high ceilings, crown moldings, French doors, and charming
A mid-century modern gem nestled on Bellingham Bay and moments from Boulevard Park, trails, bus line, restaurants, shops, and WWU! Enjoy stunning water views from the comfort of your own home and take advantage of the nearby neighborhood filled with shopping, dining, and entertainment options. This building overlooks Boulevard Park. Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to make this
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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
