Marietta-Alderwood provides a rural lifestyle on Bellingham Bay
Marietta-Alderwood gives residents a countryside lifestyle on the Bellingham Bay with proximity to Bellingham’s vibrant city center. “It’s more rural living but within 10 minutes of downtown," says Realtor Jennifer Durgin, who works with Keller Williams Western Realty and has about a decade of experience in the area. Marietta-Alderwood's location on the Nooksack River and the bay provides an array of waterfront recreation, including some beaches with overlooks of islands and distant mountains.
Marietta Veteran's Park, beaches on the bay and a riverfront trail
On the west side of Marietta-Alderwood, Marietta Veteran's Park offers a playground, a basketball hoop and access to the Nooksack River. The Tennant Lake to Marine Drive Trail, also on the community’s west side, has a path for walking and biking with views of the waterway. The 4-mile path goes north to the popular Hovander Homestead Park, which features a flower garden, a farm with animals and a 50-foot observation tower with views of Mount Baker on clear days. On the east side of the community, Little Squalicum Park has a beach on Bellingham Bay, with an off-leash area for dogs. The park features Little Squalicum Pier, the longest public pier in the state of Washington. Locust Beach and Marine Drive Park are two more beaches in the area, offering picturesque sunset strolls.
Craftsman bungalows to contemporary homes in Marietta-Alderwood
Rural Avenue runs through much of the community, where the scenery includes barns, gardens and grazing horses. “You can certainly get larger pieces of land, but it’s still close to Bellingham,” Durgin says. The area has some lots that cover multiple acres and have a more pastoral look, while others have tall evergreens shielding the houses for extra privacy. Marietta-Alderwood primarily has single-family homes, with a significant rental presence, about 56% of the population. The architecture varies throughout the area. Ranch-style homes range from $510,000 to $940,000. Contemporary four-bedroom houses range from $1.1 million to $2.4 million, the higher end reserved for those with views of Bellingham Bay. Craftsman bungalows on spacious lots range from $760,000 to $1.1 million. Marine Drive, on the south side of Marietta-Alderwood, borders the river and the bay, making it a flood zone, so buyers in this area should get flood insurance.
Schools from Alderwood Elementary to Squalicum High
Alderwood Elementary School has a B-minus rating on Niche. Shuksan Middle School also has a B-minus rating, while Squalicum High School earns an A-minus. The high school has a wide variety of academic courses including video game design, interior design and watercolors.
Fort Bellingham Market & Deli, plus more nearby retail
Marietta-Alderwood has minimal retail, the most prominent business being Fort Bellingham Market & Deli. This family-owned convenience store has snacks and hot food. The closest shopping center is only about 3 miles east of the community. The restaurants include the Black Pearl Asian Fusion Restaurant, a casual spot known for its authentic pho. The plaza also has fast-food options like Subway and Five Guys. For groceries, Fred Meyer and Costco Wholesale are both in the retail center. For a wider selection, downtown Bellingham is about 5 miles away. It features a walkable historic district home to diverse cuisines, boutiques and attractions like the concert venue Mount Baker Theatre.
Local events like the Old Settlers Picnic and Flicks in the Park
The community is about 5 miles south of Ferndale, a city that hosts regular community events. At the annual Old Settlers Picnic, visitors can enjoy food vendors, a parade and live music in July. Flicks in the Park offers family-friendly movies and free popcorn in Pioneer Park throughout the summer.
A 5-mile drive to downtown Bellingham and more travel
Marietta-Alderwood is just 5 miles away from downtown Bellingham, and Interstate 5 can take residents down to Seattle in about 95 miles. The area is next to Bellingham International Airport for convenience to commercial flights, but it can create some noise. "It’s generally quieter except for the airport. It’s not as busy as it used to be, so it’s not a huge deal, but planes do come and go,” Durgin says.
