Close-knit neighborhood with a mix of college students and families
Set next to Bellingham's downtown core, York is an entirely residential neighborhood that attracts families and college students wanting to live within walking distance of the bars and restaurants downtown. Less than 2 miles north of Western Washington University, many of the neighborhood’s historic Craftsman properties are rented out to college students. “Western Washington has no Greek system, but some sections of York function as kind of a Greek district; the southwest is the liveliest,” says Jeff Braimes, Bellingham local and Realtor with eXp Realty. “The north and east stretches encounter fewer students, but they can be great neighbors.” As demographics shift, more and more families are coming to York for its sought-after schools like Sehome High, renovated in 2019. Despite the mix of renter and owner-occupied homes, York is a unified, community-driven neighborhood; residents of all ages rally around the locally owned Nelson’s Market and the annual York Yard Crawl event. Though there aren’t many greenspaces, pocket parks like Rock Hill and the York Community Garden are well-maintained by local volunteers. Bordered by Interstate 5 on the east, homes less than a few blocks from the freeway have noticeable noise pollution.
Historic Craftsman homes with sandstone foundations
Like many of Bellingham’s oldest neighborhoods, York is mainly made up of Craftsman homes and bungalows. Mostly built between 1890 and 1920, many houses feature elevated sandstone foundations, made using materials mined nearby during the earliest years of settlement in Bellingham Bay. Victorian design elements, including steeply gabled roofs and bay windows, are also common. Two-bedroom investment opportunities often sell for between $300,000 and $600,000, while recently renovated homes with more than three bedrooms go for $600,000 to $850,000. On the east side, market value may be negatively impacted by noise pollution due to the freeway.
Though single-family homes dominate York, many properties towards the south side are used as student rental housing for those who want to live close to Western Washington University and the downtown bars. “As we’ve seen demand for single-family homes has increased, we’ve seen more owner-occupied housing that’s been taken better care of,” says Jennifer Sandoval, local real estate agent with John L. Scott, Inc. “Lots of people are taking on projects, redoing and investing in the properties.” Homes are organized along grid-planned streets featuring flat grass lawns shaded by mature cypress and pine trees; these are offset with narrow paved alleyways leading to backyards with gravel parking spots and detached garages.
Your dream home awaits in the sought-after enclave of York.
A charming abode nestled in the picturesque York neighborhood.
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Local markets and downtown breweries
Nelson’s Market has served the York neighborhood since 1895. “It feels more like an old market, with a cooler in the back and someone you know behind the counter,” Braimes says. “If every neighborhood had something like Nelson’s Market, we wouldn’t all need to drive out to chain grocery stores and find a place to park.” Locals can walk or bike one neighborhood over to downtown Bellingham for other shopping and dining options. Café Rumba is a locally owned casual café serving Peruvian sandwiches and pastries. Aslan Brewing Company serves organic craft beers like the Dawn Patrol Pale Ale and standard pub fare.
Aslan’s Brewery is a York neighborhood favorite to meet friends for drinks.
York residents head to Community Food Co-op for their grocery needs and more.
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The annual July York Yard Crawl
The York Yard Crawl takes place every July, with residents each setting up outdoor parties and booths across the neighborhood with art, music, yard sales and other activities. The event is shaped by the community, featuring impromptu jam sessions and eclectic vendor stands that show off the local artistic spirit.
Parent-volunteer involvement at local schools
Local kids can attend Lowell Elementary, which receives a B-plus from Niche. Lowell’s PTA organizes small events to foster community involvement, including movie nights and an End-of-Year Party in June. The B-plus-rated Fairhaven Middle also has a very active Parent Teacher Student Association that puts together the annual eighth-grade celebration and other staff appreciation initiatives. The A-rated Sehome High was fully renovated in 2019, with a new theatre and other facilities for the school’s extensive drama program.
Sehome High School prepares students for graduation and beyond.
Find peace knowing your children are getting a great education at Fairhaven Middle School.
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Pocket parks and the York Community Garden
Greenspaces in York are few and far between, with only a couple of small pocket parts on the neighborhood’s south side. Harriet Spanel Park was recently renovated with a new playground, basketball court and a small concrete skating area. Rock Hill Park is primarily an open space with mature maple trees and a small playground. Set next to the freeway, concrete barrier walls decorated with tree motifs dampen any noise pollution. The York Community Farm, operated by the Western Washington University Center for Community Learning, grows fruits, vegetables and herbs to share.
Take the family for a day of adventure at Harriet Spanel Park in York.
There's nature, beauty, and sunflowers around every corner at York Community Garden.
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Walking or biking to downtown Bellingham
With plenty of bike lanes and sidewalks, York locals can easily get to neighboring areas like downtown Bellingham or Western Washington University without a car. Interstate 5 forms the neighborhood’s east border, with a large concrete barrier wall decorated with nature-themed designs to limit road noise. Seattle is 89 miles south on I-5, while the Canadian border is about 39 miles north. Whatcom Transportation Authority buses connect residents with the rest of the city. The PeaceHealth Saint Joseph Medical Center is about 3 miles away, and Bellingham International Airport is about 6 miles away.
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
Ashleigh Abhold,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Zuanich Point Park
Harriet Spanel Park
Picnic Area
Trails
Playground
Rock Hill Park
Transit
Airport
Bellingham International
11 min drive
Bus
Lakeway Dr & Humboldt St
Bus
Magnolia St & High St
Bus
Lakeway Dr & Grant St
Bus
York St & Franklin St
Bus
Ellis St & Potter St
Bus
Holly St & Billy Frank Jr St
Bus
Forest St & Ellis St
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
York
US
Homicide
5
4
Sexual Assault
8
4
Assault with Weapon
6
4
Robbery
7
4
Burglary
10
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
10
4
Larceny
10
4
Crime Score
9
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in York, Bellingham sell after 26 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in York, Bellingham over the last 12 months is $569,335, down 7% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Home Trends
Median Price (12 Mo)
$563,500
Median Single Family Price
$563,500
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$468
Last 12 months Home Sales
20
Median List Price
$572,500
Median Discount From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-12%
Home Facts
Number of Homes in Neighborhood
640
Median Year Built
1915
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,337
Significantly below the national average
1,936
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
4,356
Distribution of Home Values
Source: Public Records
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Ashleigh Abhold,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
3,083
Median Age
30
Population Density
15 ppl/acre
Population under 18
17.4%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
10%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$44,270
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$67,808
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
92.7%
College Graduates
47.3%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
15.1%
% Population in Labor Force
70.9%
Above 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
Bikeable
Bike Score®
67/ 100
Walker's Paradise
Walk Score®
90/ 100
Good Transit
Transit Score®
55/ 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.
