$824,127Average Value$459Average Price per Sq Ft4Homes For Sale
Residential community anchored by Whatcom Falls Park
About 3 miles east of downtown Bellingham, Whatcom Falls is one of only a few city neighborhoods with space for new construction, making it highly sought-after in light of the city-wide housing shortage. Whatcom Falls was originally part of the town of Whatcom, one of the area's first permanent settlements before it combined with the towns of Sehome, Fairhaven and Bellingham in 1903; Whatcom County, Whatcom Creek and the neighborhood’s namesake, Whatcom Falls Park, were all named for the original settlement. The neighborhood today is bisected east-west by Lakeway Drive, separating Whatcom Falls Park and Bayside Cemetery in the north side from residential areas in the south. Less than 2 miles from Interstate 5 and removed from more densely packed commercial areas, Whatcom Falls offers serene, wooded landscapes and lots of outdoor recreation, including mountain biking paths leading up Galbraith Mountain.
Whatcom Falls Park is an anchor of the neighborhood.
Kids love the Whatcom Falls Park playground.
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One of few neighborhoods with space for new construction
Single-family homes are found south of Lakeway Drive, set along branching streets lined with well-maintained sidewalks; most homes are set close together on flat square lawns. The oldest homes are found closest to Lakeway Drive, mostly minimal traditional ranch-style houses built between 1920 and 1975 that range from $500,000 to $750,000, Further south are some 1990s new traditional-style homes with steeply gabled roofs and prominent two-car garages that sell for between $650,000 and $900,000.
Around the neighborhood’s edges, there are a handful of 21st-century Craftsman-style model homes and custom builds. “There’s not a lot of new construction in Bellingham. We’re out of developable land, and the city regulations make it difficult,” says Kirk Ghio, Whatcom Falls resident and real estate broker with the Muljat Group. “I work with a builder on a development called Hannah Creek in Whatcom Falls, which is one of the last areas that can be developed.” Newer Craftsman-style homes here often feature partial stone or half-timbered exteriors and wide front porches, and are often set on wooded lots landscaped with low-water plantings and rock gardens; prices range from $850,000 to $1.2 million, depending on customization.
Whatcom Falls combines some of the best of what the Pacific Northwest has to offer.
This Whatcom Falls development features modern craftsman homes.
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Highly rated Bellingham schools
Wade King Elementary School, rated B by Niche, offers the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program, which allows kids to explore global cultures while learning a second language. The B-rated Kulshan Middle is located at the center of Whatcom Falls, within walking distance for many residents; after-school activities here include clubs for Improv and Dungeons and Dragons, as well as seasonal sports like basketball and volleyball. The A-rated Sehome High has an active Parent Teacher Student Association, which holds fundraisers throughout the year for school field trips, speech and debate tournaments, and other student activities. A desirable school for Bellingham teens, Sehome High was fully renovated in 2019.
Bellingham High School building
Whatcom Hills Waldorf School signage.
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Bus stops and bike lanes along Lakeway Drive
Lakeway Drive is Whatcom Falls' main east-west thoroughfare, lined on both sides with bike lanes and traveling less than 2 miles east to Interstate 5, Bellingham's main highway. Seattle is 86 miles south on I-5, while the Canadian Border is 41 miles north. Several Whatcom Transportation Authority buses stop along Lakeway Drive, connecting residents to downtown Bellingham, about 3 miles west. PeaceHealth Saint Joseph Medical Center is 4 miles away, while Bellingham International Airport is 8 miles away.
Whatcom Falls residents can take the bus nearly anywhere they need to go.
Whatcom Falls is bordered on one side by Lakeway Drive.
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Whatcom Falls Park set along the babbling creek
Whatcom Falls Park, the neighborhood’s namesake, features cedar and maple tree-lined walking paths with mossy stone bridges that cross over small waterfalls and creeks. In addition to trails, the park features tennis and basketball courts, as well as one of four fish hatcheries in Whatcom County. “The city’s Greenway Program provides tons of trails and parks, and Whatcom Falls Park is kind of a nexus for a trails system that goes all over the city,” Ghio says. “Bellingham is very outdoorsy, so it’s also a huge draw to be this close to Galbraith Mountain.” The north entrance for Galbraith Mountain Bike Park is found within the Whatcom Falls Neighborhood on Birch Street; from there, bikers can head up the mountain on dirt paths with scenic views of the city below. Next to Whatcom Falls Park, Bayview Cemetery is home to several supposedly haunted monuments, including the "Death Bed." Legend says those who lie on the monument bring their death closer.
Whatcom Falls lies on a waist of land between Lake Whatcom and Bellingham Bay.
Whatcom Falls is known for quiet, residential streets.
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Restaurants and grocery stores a few miles west
Lafeens Family Pride Donuts and Ice Cream is just across the street from Whatcom Falls Park’s east entrance, and popular for a sweet treat after a day at the park. Nearby grocery stores include Fred Meyer and Whole Foods, both less than 2 miles east. Next to Fred Meyer, B-Town Kitchen and Raw Bar is known for its oyster bar, tapas selection and happy hour specials.
Whatcom Falls has nearby shopping centers.
El Agave in Whatcom Falls serves some of the best Mexican food in town.
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Competing in the annual Lake Whatcom Triathlon
About a mile west, Lake Whatcom is home to the annual Lake Whatcom Triathlon. Held each July on the lakefront at Bloedel Donavan Park, the event offers several different course options tailored for athletes of different ages and skill levels, including an Olympic course.
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On average, homes in Whatcom Falls, Bellingham sell after 33 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Whatcom Falls, Bellingham over the last 12 months is $887,500, down 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to a quiet cul-de-sac in the Whatcom Falls neighborhood, featuring large lots, tall old trees, and mature landscaping. Plenty of privacy on this large corner lot surrounded by longterm, friendly neighbors. The deck and backyard offer lots of room to relax around the firepit, listen to the birds, or watch the sunset through the trees of this beautifully cared-for yard. Huge RV pad for boat
Nestled in a sought-after Bellingham neighborhood, this 1974 split-level home boasts 1,936 sq ft on a sprawling 0.56-acre lot. With solid bones, it’s a canvas for your dream home. The upper level features a bright living room with soaring ceilings, large windows, and a cozy fireplace. The dining area, off the kitchen, opens to a new rooftop deck. Three spacious bedrooms include a primary with 3/4
This mostly cleared 1.26 acres is located in a great neighborhood and is currently listed as 2 lots. A gentle slope off the street and mostly cleared land make this an ideal spot for your dream home. Develop 1 and sell the other, or get creative and divide further for an amazing development opportunity! Zoning is RS10.0 so possibilities abound. Minutes to Galbraith trail, Whatcom Falls park,
This lovely home near Whatcom Falls Park and Galbraith Mtn is an entertainers dream! The beautiful, updated kitchen features a 2024 gas stove, soft close cabinets, granite counters, SS appliances and open floorplan to living and dining rooms. European style windows on lower floors and engineered flooring on the main floor. Large 2nd living area has a wood stove for those chilly nights. Fully
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