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Bellingham, WA

Frequently asked questions

Bellingham, WA

Bellingham is the most populous city in, and county seat of Whatcom County in the U.S. state of Washington. It lies 21 miles (34 km) south of the U.S.–Canada border and in between Vancouver, British Columbia (located 52 miles (84 km) to the northwest) and Seattle (90 miles (140 km) to the south).

The population was 91,482 at the 2020 census and is estimated to be 94,720 in 2023. It is the site of Western Washington University, Bellingham International Airport, and the southern terminus of the Alaska Marine Highway. Bellingham is the northernmost city with a population of more than 90,000 people in the contiguous United States.

The area around Bellingham Bay, named in 1792 by George Vancouver, is the ancestral home of several Coast Salish groups. European settlement in modern-day Bellingham began in the 1850s and several coal mining towns grew in later years. The city of Bellingham was incorporated in 1903 through the consolidation of several settlements, among them Fairhaven. Local industries shifted away from coal in the mid-20th century; the industrial areas on the Bellingham waterfront have undergone redevelopment into a mixed-use neighborhood since the 2000s.

The city is situated on Bellingham Bay which is protected by Lummi Island, Portage Island, and the Lummi Peninsula, and opens onto the Strait of Georgia. It lies west of Mount Baker and Lake Whatcom (from which it gets its drinking water) and north of the Chuckanut Mountains and the Skagit Valley. Whatcom Creek runs through the center of the city. Bellingham is 18 miles (29 km) south of the US-Canada border and 50 miles (80 km) southeast of Vancouver.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 30.511 square miles (79.02 km²), of which, 28.198 square miles (73.03 km²) is land and 2.313 square miles (5.99 km²) is water. The lowest elevations are at sea level along the waterfront. Alabama Hill is one of the higher points in the city at about 500 feet (150 m). Elevations of 800 feet (240 m) are found near Yew Street Hill north of Lake Padden and Galbraith Mountain. South and eastward of the city limits are taller foothills of the North Cascades mountains. Mount Baker is the largest peak in the local area, with a summit elevation of 10,778 feet (3,285 m) that is only 31 miles (50 km) from Bellingham Bay. Mount Baker is visible from many parts of the city and western Whatcom County. Lake Whatcom forms part of the eastern boundary of the city, while many smaller lakes and wetland areas are found around the region.

Situated at a latitude of 48.75 North, and thus north of the 48°34' parallel, Bellingham is one of only a few cities in the continental United States that experience astronomical twilight for the entire night. The phenomenon occurs every year between June 14 and 28.

Bellingham's neighborhoods are Alabama Hill, Barkley, Birchwood, Columbia, Cordata, Cornwall Park, Downtown Central Business District, Edgemoor, Fairhaven, Happy Valley, Irongate, King Mountain, Lettered Streets, Meridian, Puget, Roosevelt, Samish, Sehome, Silver Beach, South, South Hill, Sunnyland, Whatcom Falls, Western Washington University (WWU) (including the campus), and York.

Prioritizing health and wellness, Bellingham offers residents numerous opportunities for outdoor activities in picturesque locales like Fairhaven Park and Boulevard Park. PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center, offers comprehensive health services, including wellness check-ups and preventive care programs. Anytime Fitness offers comprehensive fitness programs including cardio, strength training, and group exercise classes. For those looking to relax and rejuvenate, Blessings Salon Spa provides luxurious treatments in a serene setting. Fitness enthusiasts can head to Ashtanga Bellingham for invigorating yoga classes, while Mana Chiropractic offers holistic treatments to promote overall wellness. Sunrise Health Spa offers a range of treatments to help clients unwind.

Top sites in Bellingham, WA are Whatcom Falls Park, SPARK Museum of Electrical Invention, and Larrabee State Park.

Population: 95,860 (2024). ZIP codes: 98225, 98226, 98227, 98228, 98229. Area codes: 360, 564. Elevation: 69 ft (22 m). Area: 30.511 square miles (79.02 km²).

FAQs

What is Bellingham, WA most known for?

Located on Bellingham Bay with Mount Baker as its backdrop, Bellingham is the last major city before the Washington coastline meets the Canadian border. Named a “Best Place To Play Year Round,” “Adventure Town USA” and “Best Place to Retire and Live,” Bellingham is best known for its outdoor recreation and world-class brews. Bellingham has an active waterfront port that supports fishing, charter cruises, leisure boating, boatbuilding, shipping, and marina operations. It’s also big with paddlers and is rated “Best Paddling Destination in the US” (Outside Magazine).

Is Bellingham, WA a good place to live?

Bellingham is in Whatcom County and is one of the best places to live in Washington. Living in Bellingham offers residents an urban suburban mix feel and most residents rent their homes. In Bellingham, there are a lot of bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. The public schools in Bellingham are highly rated.

Is Bellingham, WA expensive?

Bellingham, Washington's cost of living is 20% higher than the national average. Bellingham's housing expenses are 39% higher than the national average and the utility prices are 16% lower than the national average. Transportation expenses like bus fares and gas prices are 14% higher than the national average. Bellingham has grocery prices that are 13% higher than the national average.

Sources

Wikipedia 

City of Bellingham

Bellingham

Niche

Payscale

Whatcom Falls Park

SPARK Museum of Electrical Invention

Larrabee State Park

Fairhaven Park

Boulevard Park

PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center

Anytime Fitness

Blessings Salon Spa

Ashtanga Bellingham

Mana Chiropractic

Sunrise Health Spa

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.