$810,914Average Value$465Average Price per Sq Ft9Homes 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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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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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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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.
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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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.
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
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
James Heintz,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Galbraith-Birch St Park-N-Ride
Whatcom Falls Park
Fishing
Picnic Area
Trails
Transit
Airport
Bellingham International
14 min drive
Bus
Woburn St & Lakeway Dr
Bus
Lakeway Dr & Woburn St
Bus
Yew St & Princeton Ct
Bus
Electric Ave & Whatcom Falls Park
Bus
Lakeway Dr & Bayview Cemetery
Bus
Yew St & Old Lakeway Dr
Bus
Woburn St & Fraser St
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Whatcom Falls
US
Homicide
2
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
3
4
Robbery
2
4
Burglary
3
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
3
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
3
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Whatcom Falls Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Whatcom Falls, Bellingham sell after 29 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Whatcom Falls, Bellingham over the last 12 months is $927,925, up 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Tucked into Bellingham's outdoor playground this timeless 1,650 sq ft 3 bedroom/2 bath home offers single level comfort with unbeatable access to adventure. With 100s of world-class mtn biking & hiking trails just steps away on Galbraith Mtn you could ride a new trail every day! Inside, enjoy the comfort of AC, cool tile floors, cozy fireplace, vaulted ceilings, & skylights. A stunning sunroom
Location location LOCATION! Imagine living inside of Whatcom Falls Park on a sunny plateau with a creek gurgling along the property line surrounded by beautiful evergreens. This house has it all and is literally a stone's throw from Galbraith's Birch Street entry gate. Fully remodeled with a large primary suite, hardwood floors, chef's galley kitchen with tin ceilings and a spa quality full
Your Bellingham oasis awaits! This charming 3 bed, 2 bath home by Whatcom Falls offers comfort and convenience. Main floor features a primary bedroom with attached bath/walk-in closet and a 2nd bedroom and bathroom. The daylight basement includes a bedroom, flex space, and private entrance. Enjoy the upgraded electrical, double garage, ample driveway parking, & optional upgrades for RV parking.
Welcome to this almost new and beautifully built home by Skeers Construction in popular Hannah Creek! This 4-bedroom home features maple cabinets, French doors to a home office, a great room open to the kitchen, mudroom with walk-in pantry, and a spacious primary suite. The tandem 3rd garage bay is perfect for a workshop or gear storage. Enjoy peace of mind with a full fire suppression system,
One of Bellingham’s best kept secrets! Ideally situated on a quiet dead end to Galbraith & footsteps away from the Karma TH and Whatcom Falls Park, you will find two homes in one! You really can have it all! The 1552 sqft main house is upstairs & features a sun drenched open concept kitchen & living area with territorial views. 3 bedrooms, including primary w/ ensuite, hardwood floors, cherry
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
James Heintz,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
2,613
Median Age
43
Population Density
3 ppl/acre
Population under 18
21.4%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
23.6%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$131,343
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$147,470
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
96.6%
College Graduates
58%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
25.3%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
69.1%
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®
35/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
19/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
30/ 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.
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.
