Geneva offers a secluded feel and relative affordability
Geneva is a community beside Lake Whatcom and just east of Bellingham. Tall evergreens provide privacy and a sense of seclusion, giving the area a more rural feel. “People enjoy it for its proximity to Lake Whatcom. Many homes have beautiful views of the lake,” says Julian Friedman, the broker and owner of Julian & Company Powered by Muljat Group who was born and raised in Bellingham. “It’s also a little more affordable than Bellingham.”
Some lakeside homes in Geneva have docks for easy access to the water.
Geneva sits on the edge of Lake Whatcom and provides beautiful views.
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Lake Whatcom access, plus nearby hiking and mountain biking trails
Geneva offers access to nature, with a blend of lake recreation and forest adventures. Private docks and boathouses line the shores of Lake Whatcom, and there is also a small public beach at Euclid Park. Residents come there to float in the calm waters, kayak or let their pups splash around. On the Fourth of July, the beach is also a popular spot for watching fireworks. The lesser-known Ted Edwards Park has a covered picnic shelter under a canopy of trees. For more active recreation, the nearby Lookout Mountain Forest Preserve and North Lookout Mountain — known locally as Galbraith Mountain — offer miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking through dense woodland. To the northwest of Geneva, a network of trails leads from Whatcom Falls Park to Bloedel Donovan Park, where there is a beach and a playground.
Mountain biking trails are accessible near Whatcom Falls in Geneva.
Bloedel Donovan Park offers kayaking on Lake Whatcom near Geneva.
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Wide range of housing options in Geneva
Most Geneva streets are gridded, with private driveways branching off either side, but there are a few smaller developments with curving streets and cul-de-sacs. The land at the edge of Lake Whatcom is relatively flat, and the elevation increases from there. Housing options and prices vary widely. In the $330,000 to $730,000 range, buyers might find manufactured homes, cottages and modest ranch-style houses from the late 1900s. More spacious homes, which often feature Craftsman-inspired architecture, tend to range from $730,000 and $1.25 million. “There are a lot of larger homes that aren’t insanely expensive for the Bellingham area,” Friedman says. Waterside residences and high-end custom homes with views of Squalicum Mountain or the lake generally sell between $1.25 million and $2 million. The community’s CAP Index Crime Score is 1 out of 10, well below the national average of 4.
Larger homes in Geneva often feature large wrapping front porches.
Homes in Geneva sit on compact lots along the rolling Washington hills.
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Public schools with A and B ratings, as well as two preschool programs
Depending on which part of the community a child lives in, they might attend Geneva Elementary School, which earns a B on Niche; Silver Beach Elementary School, rated an A-minus; or the B-rated Carl Cozier Elementary School. Kulshan Middle School earns an A-minus and Bellingham High School rates an A. Bellingham High offers a variety of after-school sports, including rugby, golf and sailing. Preschoolers can attend the Firs & Fiddleheads Forest School, which focuses on child-led nature exploration. The Whatcom Hills Waldorf School also has preschool programs, as well as kindergarten through eighth grade.
Geneva Elementary School has an 18:1 student-to-teacher ratio.
Kulshan Middle School teaches Geneva students from grades 6-8.
Bellingham High School building near Geneva has an 84% graduation rate.
Whatcom Hills Waldorf School near Geneva is a private K-8 school that offers preschool classes.
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Boutiques, markets and restaurants are a few miles away
Geneva is primarily residential, and the closest place to grab a meal is DaVinci’s Classic Subs, about 2 miles west. It’s a small deli located in a convenience store. In downtown Bellingham, less than 5 miles away, diners have their pick of cuisines. Friedman recommends Roe. “It’s not highbrow, but it has really good Northwest dishes,” he says. Downtown Bellingham is also home to several boutiques, including Fringe, a women’s clothing store, and Greenhouse, which specializes in home décor. “If you want to find work by local artists, you can go to the Bellingham Farmers Market,” Friedman says. Many people do their grocery shopping at Whole Foods or Fred Meyer, both around 3 miles from Geneva.
Da Vinci's Classic Subs bakes its own homemade bread and is open for breakfast.
Roe in Downtown Bellingham near Geneva serves American fare and cocktails.
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Bus access and car travel into Bellingham
The Whatcom Transportation Authority provides bus service from Geneva to destinations throughout Bellingham. A few roads have bike lanes or sidewalks, but many people travel by car. Lakeway Drive is the main thoroughfare. Bellingham International Airport is less than 10 miles away, and PeaceHealth Northwest Medical Center is about 5 miles northwest.
Environmental restrictions to protect the water quality
Lake Whatcom provides drinking water for most of the Bellingham area, and many local groups work to keep the water clean. Residents of Geneva may face building and landscaping restrictions that are designed to protect the lake and to lower the risk of potential landslides.
Written By
Ginny West
Photography Contributed By
Chris Freeman
Video By
Bill Jennings
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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Come home to a custom built, modern retreat on 2.09 private acres, with private trail access connecting to Galbraith Mtn! 2023 custom build by John Hindman. Located on a private dead-end road with southern exposure, vaulted ceilings, and expansive windows throughout to maximize natural light. The large deck looks out into green space. Inside, don't miss the artisan brushed oak engineered hardwood
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Bike Galbraith Mountain from your backyard! Gorgeous 4 bedroom 3 bath home backs to 3,000 acres of hiking, mountain biking, and trails. Located on a quiet dead-end street in the Geneva Neighborhood, this home has been completely remodeled, new kitchen, flooring, paint, bathrooms and more. Outside the backyard is a Northwest dream, landscaped with entertainment in mind, a huge deck, wood burning
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Ideally located in Bellingham near Geneva, just minutes from Whatcom Falls Park and Lake Whatcom. This home features 3 bedrooms and 1.5 baths, including a spacious primary bedroom. The finished basement offers a versatile family room/theater room with a gas fireplace, dedicated office space and a workshop. Enjoy outdoor living with a wraparound deck-perfect for entertaining. A rainwater catchment
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