Blaine — a coastal border town between the United States and Canada
Located on the northern boundary of the United States, Blaine’s identity as a border town is reinforced by the Peace Arch, a 67-foot white concrete structure dedicated to enduring peace between the U.S. and Canada. Peace is a recurring theme throughout Blaine, which offers serene views of Semiahmoo Bay and Drayton Harbor, with a resort community to the south. “Blaine is a getaway destination for people coming out of the hustle and bustle of the city,” says Don Enos, a Realtor with Compass and the Vice President of the Blaine Chamber of Commerce. “It’s a place to relax, retire and regenerate.”
From historic downtown homes to waterfront, custom builds in Semiahmoo
Prospective homebuyers will find a range of options in Blaine, from luxury builds in a golf course community to historic homes downtown. Craftsman bungalows built before 1925 — as well as a few older homes from the 1890s — sit on the neatly gridded streets near the center of Blaine. Ranch-style homes and split-levels became popular to build throughout the 1960s and 1970s, many coming on lots around a third of an acre in size. These homes range from $315,000 to $700,000.
New Traditional homes built after 2000 and new constructions with the kind of nostalgic Craftsman details found near downtown go for $500,000 to $780,000. New constructions are generally concentrated on the east side of town, and many come with monthly HOA fees of around $20. On the south side of Drayton Harbor, more New Traditional homes and unique, custom builds surround the Semiahmoo Resort golf course. Most sit on under an acre of land and fetch between $650,000 and $2.2 million, though HOA fees can add another $100 to $200 per month.
Restaurants with coastal views, fresh seafood and local character
Many of the eateries in downtown Blaine offer waterfront views and fresh seafood. Take Drayton Harbor Oyster Co. — whether they come grilled, fried or on the half shell, the eatery’s shellfish comes from its oyster farm less than a mile from its dining room. About a block away, The Black Forest Steak House has been crafting seafood, steak and specialty Bavarian dishes since 1968. Medieval decorations, along with wrought-steel and stained-glass ornamentations, transport diners to a time and place far away. Some of downtown’s chain businesses have as much unique flair as its local ones. “One of the most notable things is that Starbucks has a signature location here. It looks like a lighthouse,” Enos says. For groceries, an IGA Market is to the east.
A waterfront park, Douglas fir forests and the Semiahmoo Resort
Blaine Marine Park sits near the city’s commercial marina. Trails that trace the park’s shoreline offer views of Semiahmoo and Boundary bays, as well as the various coastal birds; picnic shelters and a nautical-themed playground overlook its rocky shore. Farther inland, Lincoln Park is a densely forested area with walking and cycling trails that weave under Western red cedars and Douglas firs. Disc golf baskets are mounted throughout the green space, and dogs are welcome to roam leash-free.
On the south side of Drayton Harbor, the Semiahmoo Resort boasts an 18-hole course designed by Arnold Palmer. Reserved for guests of the resort and paying members, other amenities at the Semiahmoo Resort include outdoor tennis courts, an outdoor pool, a hot tub, a lounge and a restaurant.
Dual credit and extracurricular activities at Blaine High School
Children may begin their education with prekindergarten through second grade at Blaine Primary School, which earns a B grade from Niche. They may then attend grades 3-5 at the C-rated Blaine Elementary School before moving forward to Blaine Middle School, which scores a C-plus. Finally, they may enroll at the B-rated Blaine High School, which empowers students to earn dual credit through partnerships with Everett Community College, Whatcom Community College and Bellingham Technical College. Outside of class, they may choose from more than 25 activities in which to participate, including Knowledge Bowl, Math Team and the Drama & Theater Arts Club.
Interstate 5 connects Blaine and Bellingham and crosses into Canada
Interstate 5 is Blaine’s main thoroughfare. It crosses the Canadian border, continuing as Highway 91 to Vancouver, British Columbia, which is about 30 miles away. “There are a lot of people who go up and have dinner in Canada,” Enos says. “The whole British Columbia experience is minutes away.” South of Blaine, the interstate passes Bellingham — which is about 25 miles away and has the nearest hospital — on its way to Seattle, roughly 110 miles away.
The Bellingham International Airport provides services to several cities across the West. The Abbotsford International Airport, which is about 20 miles away in Canada, maintains daily flights to Calgary, Edmonton and Kitchener.
