York
Neighborhood in Bellingham, Washington
Whatcom County 98225
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.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.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.
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Written By
Andi Sink
Photography Contributed By
Jake Chaplin
Video By
Kristen Wilson
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Agents Specializing in this Area
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Ashleigh Abhold
Ashleigh Abhold
Hansen Group Real Estate Inc
(360) 685-8093
133 Total Sales
1 in York
$653,500 Price
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Ramona Green
Ramona Green
Responds QuicklyWindermere Real Estate Whatcom
(360) 255-0987
71 Total Sales
1 in York
$540,000 Price
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William Elmer
William Elmer
Responds QuicklyJohn L. Scott Bellingham
(360) 325-4258
50 Total Sales
2 in York
$523K - $650K Price Range
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Tiffany Braun
Tiffany Braun
Responds QuicklyWindermere Real Estate Whatcom
(360) 594-5448
106 Total Sales
1 in York
$760,000 Price
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Jessa Loudon
JL
Jessa Loudon
Responds QuicklyJohn L. Scott Bellingham
(360) 594-5432
8 Total Sales
1 in York
$615,000 Price
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Shelley Camacho
Shelley Camacho
Responds QuicklyeXp Realty
(360) 399-2730
82 Total Sales
1 in York
$409,000 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
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Parks in this Area
Zuanich Point Park
Harriet Spanel Park
- Picnic Area
- Trails
- Playground
Rock Hill Park
Transit
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
York Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in York, Bellingham sell after 21 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in York, Bellingham over the last 12 months is $575,000, down 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Housing Trends
Median List Price
$572,500
Median Sale Price
$575,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$572,500
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Last 12 months Home Sales
25
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-4%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$496
Neighborhood Facts
Number of Homes in Neighborhood
640
Number of Homes for Sale
1
Median Year Built
1915
Months of Supply
0.50
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,336
Significantly below the national average
1,933
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
4,356
Distribution of Home Values
Homes for Sale
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$450,000
- 1 Bed
- 1 Bath
- 648 Sq Ft
- 1205 E Maple St
- New 30 days ago
Commercially zoned property with a very livable home.One bedroom and one bath. Great 1st time home with commercial potential! College rental, business, tear down and build!potential. Great commercial lot on nicely developing Samish Way. Hold now for near future development. Rental home on property allows for steady income while waiting. High traffic count allows for several options.Close to
Ann Shen RSVP Brokers ERA
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Average Home Value
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.
Nearby Neighborhoods
Puget
Centrally located community close to athletic facilities and grocery stores.
Sehome
Densely populated neighborhood within walking distance of downtown Bellingham
City Center
Bellingham's downtown district packed with dining and entertainment options
South Hill
Scenic residential community sandwiched between Fairhaven and downtown Bellingham
Happy Valley
Densely packed residential community next to Western Washington University
Lettered Streets
Densely packed residential and historic area near downtown Bellingham
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