Home4Investment Real Estate Team - Ben Kinney: June 2007

South Hill is one of Bellingham's most exclusive neighborhoods. Nestled elegantly between Western Washington University and Bellingham Bay, it features magnificent views and historic homes in a family-friendly atmosphere.

With downtown Bellingham to the north, Fairhaven to the south, WWU to the east and Bellingham Bay to the west, South Hill is surrounded by beauty and activity. Residents can roam up to campus any day of the week to enjoy concerts, art shows, distinguished speakers, dancing lessons, or any of the other many events that occur daily.

Though the university borders South Hill, few students live in the neighborhood. The homes here are so fiercely sought-after that once a buyer finds one, they are uncomfortable letting anyone else live in it. Therefore, most residents are raising families or retirees.

For those who want to keep busy but avoid the hustle and bustle of the city, the South Hill neighborhood has one of the best parks in town - Boulevard. Accessible by road, trail, or kayak, Boulevard Park draws visitors of every kind. Boat watchers can stroll on the rocky, half-mile long beach and enjoy weekend sailboat regattas. Groups often spend the evening barbecuing and throwing frisbees, while others find solitude in combing the shore for shells. The colorful sunsets are universally popular.

Most South Hill residents get to appreciate those sunsets on a daily basis. Homes built on the hill are organized perfectly so that few buildings block one another from the panoramic beauty of Bellingham Bay, the San Juan Islands, the Olympic Mountains, or the Canadian Cascades. In addition, it seems that everyone on South Hill is a gardener and an architect. Houses that weren't built in the 1900's still have the classic charm and mature landscaping of the historic buildings. Rocking chairs on porches, neat sidewalks, and lifelong residents make for a friendly, welcoming atmosphere.

Condominiums, though not historical, hold similar appeal. Most were built on State Street, the connection between Old Fairhaven and downtown Bellingham. Therefore, these condos not only have the incredible views that the single-family houses do, but they're also just a hop, skip, and a jump from I-5 and the rest of Bellingham. Many condo-owners think of Boulevard Park as a front yard that they don't even have to maintain.

Few homes go up for sale in this area, and when they do they are snatched up quickly by those in the know. To speak to the most prepared realtors in town or to search for Bellingham WA real estate, contact the Home4Investment real estate team.

South Bellingham Neighborhood

The South neighborhood of Bellingham is characterized by space. Located between Edgemoor and Samish, South Bellingham shares the respect for nature and convenience to Fairhaven with each.

One of the most notable features in South Bellingham is Fairhaven Park. Located just below the Old Fairhaven District, it brings visitors from throughout the area to play tennis, walk the gravel trails (appropriate for wheelchairs), watch salmon spawning in Padden Creek, or have a crazy afternoon in the kiddie pool. The covered picnic areas and large, open fields make it an ideal destination for group outings.

In the center of the South neighborhood lies Arroyo Park, nearly forty acres of dense forest. The park is perfect for hiking or fishing along Chuckanut Creek, or just bringing the family to take in the flora and fauna that the front yard just can't provide.

South Bellingham shares some of the Chuckanut tideland coastal beaches with the Edgemoor neighborhood. This area offers incredible views of Bellingham Bay and the San Juan Islands, as well as direct contact with the tideland wildlife. As with much of the South neighborhood, this area is largely protected or undeveloped.

Another interesting part of South Bellingham (and the town in general) is the ever-popular interurban trail. Beginning at Fairhaven Park and extending six miles along Chuckanut Mountain, walkers, runners, and bikers get to see a beautiful variety of Northwest plants and animals. Explorers can venture onto other trails that lead to Teddy Bear Cove, Fragrance Lake, or Lost Lake, to name a few.

Just far enough from Western Washington University to not yet attract students, the South neighborhood is one of the quietest and most spacious areas in Bellingham. Builders have yet to discover the room for single-family house neighborhoods or the multi-family housing zones. As a result, buyers have options for historic homes near Happy Valley, fairly recent developments off Old Fairhaven Parkway, and plenty of available land.

To learn more about the South neighborhood or to search for Bellingham WA Real Estate, contact the Home4Investment real estate team.

Silver Beach Bellingham

Silver Beach is as lovely as it sounds. On the northern shore of Lake Whatcom and the eastern edge of Bellingham, the area is predominately made up of lavish homes with the affordable gem scattered here and there.

Lake Whatcom is an integral part not only of Silver Beach, but the entire City of Bellingham. It provides the town with drinking water, recreation, and a highly valued piece of nature. At over 12 miles long, much of it is still wild. Boaters, kayakers, and hikers have access to even the least-explored areas of Lake Whatcom. Recently, the City of Bellingham has taken steps to clean up Lake Whatcom. Though some goals may take decades to achieve, Silver Beach will be one of many neighborhoods benefiting from the actions.

Bloedel-Donovan Park, located on the east side of Lake Whatcom, can keep visitors entertained from dawn to dusk (though you may have to swat a mosquito or two during those later hours). On hot days, the 20-acre park is filled with sunbathers, swimmers, and watersport enthusiasts. Throughout the year, Bellingham residents trek to Silver Beach to relax or walk their dog at Bloedel Donovan Park.

Just across the street at Whatcom Creek, miles of trails await runners, walkers, or park-goers who simply want to stroll from Bloedel-Donovan to Whatcom Falls. Bird watchers can take advantage of Scudder Pond, a preserved wetland that is always bustling with wildlife. Some backyards are simply a gate away from this wildlife, essentially having an entire park behind the house.

Though only 2.5 acres, Big Rock Garden Park showcases unique sculptures in a natural setting. The nearby Silver Beach Elementary School, originated in 1912 and remodeled in 1992, fits in with the unique and natural environment the other public spaces embody.

No significant commercial zones exist in Silver Beach, but the popular Barkley Village is just a short drive away. A quick, breathtaking view down Alabama Hill will also lead to shopping, restaurants, and the more urban part of Bellingham.

The Silver Beach neighborhood boasts some of the only affordable lakefront homes in the area. Condominiums are available in the northeast area of Lake Whatcom, perfect for those who need water more than square feet or who want the perfect summer getaway. Other neighborhoods generally consist of larger, well-maintained single-family homes, though a few southern areas are zoned for multi-family housing. Throughout Silver Beach, residents live a quiet, comfortable life, with the great City of Bellingham at their fingertips.

To learn more about the Silver Beach neighborhood, contact the Home4Investment real estate team.

Sehome Neighborhood Bellingham Washington

The Sehome neighborhood is just north of Western Washington University, providing housing and services to students and non-students alike. Most notable in the neighborhood are Sehome Hill Arboretum, the outlying commercial areas, and the diverse selection of homes.

Western Washington University and the City of Bellingham jointly own and maintain Sehome Hill Arboretum. It is a 180-acre natural forest habitat that provides space for wildlife, hikers, and folks who simply want to surround themselves in the beautiful nature oasis. Anyone can explore the 5+ miles of winding trails, and many find that a walk through the Arboretum is the best way to get to campus. Visitors are welcome to drive to the viewing tower, where you can take in the astounding view of the city and Bellingham Bay.

Along with the sports fields and open green space at nearby Western Washington University, the Sehome neighborhood has a few different parks. Laurel Park has a basketball court, a playground, and an open field that is frequently used for games of football or frisbee. Forest and Cedar Park, just below WWU, is a popular location for picnics or throwing around a baseball.

Saint Joseph's Hospital south campus is in the Sehome neighborhood. Saint Joe's (as the locals call it) not only provides excellent medical attention, but it is also one of the largest employers in the county. The south campus houses the Behavioral Health Services, Rehabilitation Services, and other support departments, and the main campus is only a few miles north of the Sehome neighborhood.

One would expect the area to be filled with students, but a surprisingly diverse population lives in the Sehome neighborhood. The Arboretum is a wonderful "backyard" and draws many families to the Historic Sehome District. Here, homes tend to be older and very well-built. In other parts of the neighborhood, large houses built over a century ago stand next door to condominiums finished last year. In such a popular neighborhood, more housing is always needed, thus making these areas of the Sehome neighborhood an investor's dream.

To learn more about the Sehome neighborhood or search for Bellingham WA Real Estate, contact the Home4Investment real estate team.

Samish Neighborhood Bellingham Washington

The Samish neighborhood is perfect for runners, shoppers, commuters, and everyone in between. With acres of parks and undeveloped space as well as quick access to Interstate 5 and shopping, Samish can accommodate every lifestyle.

Forty percent of the Samish neighborhood consists of Lake Padden Park. This park, aptly named after the 152-acre Lake Padden, has everything a park should have and more. Motorized boats are banned from the trout-stocked lake, keeping the lake clean and giving shore, dock, and rowboat fishers a chance. Kids, adults, and dogs can be found swimming in several areas of the lake. (Long-distance swimmers frequently swim across the entire lake!)

The water is just the beginning, however. One main 2.6-mile trail circles the lake (that happens to be a tenth of a marathon, in case you'd like to start training), and horse, hiking, and mountain biking trails literally stray off the beaten path. You can follow these for miles, often catching incredible views of Bellingham Bay, and still be within city limits.

Dogs in the Samish neighborhood are happier than dogs anywhere else in town. Lake Padden has a fenced off area created specifically for canines to mingle off their leashes. They are also welcome to stroll around the lake with their owners. Humans can get their share of recreation at Padden, too. Tennis courts, softball fields, public picnic areas, and an entire golf course are always open to the public. For residents of the Samish neighborhood, it's like having paradise in your backyard.

While this sounds like an isolated haven, Samish is just minutes away from shopping centers. Sehome Village is particularly popular, containing Haggen, REI, Starbucks, and dozens of other shops. Samish is also just a short drive down Old Fairhaven Parkway to - you guessed it - Old Fairhaven. Both of these centers connect to I-5, making commuting that much easier for those in the Samish neighborhood.

Nearly all of the homes in Samish are single-family houses. Many of these are on large - even enormous - lots, some of the few left in Bellingham. Houses range from small to large, and affordable to more expensive. Some even have majestic views of Bellingham Bay and the Canadian Cascades.

Besides room to roam and a diverse selection, the Samish neighborhood also offers the feeling of privacy not found in any other area of Bellingham. Unlike rural areas of the state, however, this privacy does not come at the cost of convenience.

To learn more about the Samish neighborhood or search for Bellingham WA Real Estate, contact the Home4Investment real estate team.

Puget Neighborhood Bellingham Washington

Mount Baker Neighborhood Bellingham WA

The Mount Baker neighborhood has everything a person could need. Located in the northeastern part of Bellingham, homes here well-built, the commercial areas are attractive, and there is plenty of space to get outside and enjoy nature. Visitors from around the country have discovered this neighborhood and promptly moved here, making it one of the fastest growing areas in the city.

Barkley Village is the main stop for many Mount Baker residents - they can buy groceries, deposit their paycheck, grab their morning coffee, chat with their stockbroker, and even go home to a modern, comfortable home in Barkley Village. The area, labeled as a "priority urban village" by the City of Bellingham, contains offices, retailers, medical facilities, condominiums, and town homes. Unlike most "urban villages," the architecture in Barkley Village was carefully planned, thus making it a positive atmosphere for working, shopping and living.

Sunset Drive is also a convenient source for Bellingham residents. Lowe's, K-Mart, Sunset Theater, and the Slo Pitch Pub are just a few of the dozens of shopping and entertainment spots in the Mount Baker neighborhood.

Those who want to spend time away from the commercial areas can take advantage of the Mount Baker neighborhood's splendid parks. Northridge Park provides acres of green space in the eastern portion of the neighborhood, and a half-mile trail connecting Tanglewood to Woodside Way was connected in 2005. Across the Mount Baker neighborhood at Sunset Pond, visitors can fish, picnic, or simply absorb the natural beauty of Bellingham. Soon, the "Bay to Baker" trail system will pass through the neighborhood along Squalicum Creek.

Avid skiers and snowboarders would be wise to live in the Mount Baker neighborhood. As the name suggests, the area offers Bellingham's most convenient route to Mount Baker. After passing through the commercial areas, Sunset Drive turns into the Mount Baker Highway, and it's a straight (OK, a little curvy) shot to Mount Baker from there.

Adolescents in the Mount Baker neighborhood attend Squalicum High School, the third and newest high school in the Bellingham School District. Opened in 1998, the school is successfully pushing its students to take more classes, complete a culminating project, and pass the state required WASL (Washington Assessment of Student Learning) before graduating. The new building helps them achieve this goal through the most modern facilities in the district.

Buyers can find single-family and multi-family homes of every kind in the Mount Baker neighborhood. East, west, north, and south, each area has streets lined with large homes and manicured lawns, apartment complexes, duplexes, triplexes, and more.

To help you on this search for Bellingham WA Real Estate, contact the Home4Investment real estate team.

Meridian Neighborhood Bellingham Washington

The Meridian neighborhood is characterized by a bustling economy. The Bellis Fair Mall spurred most of this growth with its creation several years ago.

Many visitors are drawn from around the region, especially across the Canadian border, to shop in the Meridian neighborhood. The mall leases to larger retailers such as Macy's, Target, JC Penny, Kohl's, and Sears. Inside you'll find dozens and dozens of stores, including Build-a-Bear Workshop, Abercrombie and Fitch, and Hot Topic. The food court is usually busy as shoppers take advantage of the numerous restaurants, including Kojo of Japan, Ivar's, Cinnabon, and more.

The fun doesn't stop once you leave the mall doors, however. Red Robin, McDonalds, and the new Boston Pizza reside on the outskirts of the parking lot, and the food attracts more than just mall-goers. These restaurants are favorites for those who stop in from their commute on Meridian, and other customers drive from other neighborhoods in town to order that special meal.

Even more stores and restaurants can be found across Meridian Street. The Home Depot, Ross, and Denny's are a few of the more recognizable names, but local restaurants like Indian Flavors, Cinco de Mayo, and Thai House are also popular places to eat.

With easy access to shopping, jobs, and I-5, the Meridian neighborhood is a smart place to live. The City of Bellingham has already recognized the need to create housing options in the Meridian neighborhood, and developers have already built comfortable apartment complexes and condominiums in the southern part of the neighborhood. However, there is still room for more.

To make life more pleasant for the quickly increasing number of residents in the area, the City of Bellingham has plans to create greenbelts and parks in the Meridian neighborhood. Telegraph Creek and Spring Creek already run through residential areas, so those are promising locations for future park spots.

To learn more about the Meridian neighborhood, contact the Home4Investment real estate team.

Lettered Streets Bellingham

The Lettered Streets, located on the waterfront in central Bellingham, date back to the 1850's. At that time, settlers were drawn to the area by the Whatcom Creek Waterfall, which provided energy for the saw mill. Today, residents of the Lettered Streets are attracted by the convenience and charm of the neighborhood.

Located just northwest of downtown Bellingham, individuals can easily access any part of Bellingham and come home to a simple, quiet neighborhood. Unlike other historical neighborhoods in Bellingham, most of the century-old houses in the Lettered District were renovated in the 1960's. Since then, the neighborhood has continued to evolve. Now, the Lettered Streets contain classic single-family homes, multi-family housing complexes, offices (many in homes), and more.

This housing diversity is mirrored in the population. People from all backgrounds and walks of life live in the area, including young couples, retirees, and students. All residents are proud of the area and take advantage of the many public spaces the Lettered Streets have to offer.

One of these is the Maritime Heritage Park. This park provides a comfortable, well-manicured lawn to picnic, read, or walk your dog. A few times a year, races go right through the Lettered Streets, including the Whatcom Volunteer Center's "Human Race", a non-profit fundraiser and run. It also boasts a fish hatchery and an educational facility where visitors can learn about salmon and watch them as they return from Bellingham Bay to Whatcom Creek.

Driving around the Lettered Streets, you are bound to see Whatcom Middle School. "Waste Not Thy Hour" etched above the doorway, the grand, white building reminds you of the fascinating Bellingham history. Though the school is not on the National Historic Register, the Roth Block (1890), Aftermath Clubhouse (1914), and the Great Northern Depot (1927) are on the list. Unity Church (1884), Aker's Taxidermist (1906), and The Roeder School (1908) are not on the list but do hold historical significance for Bellingham locals.

The Lettered Streets are fairly stable at 3,000 residents, but are continuing to grow slightly along with the rest of Bellingham. Most of the neighborhood is zoned for multi-family housing. This has encouraged some to convert single-family homes into charming, unique apartments, and the trend is likely to continue in the future.

To learn more about the Lettered Streets and Bellingham WA Real Estate, contact the Home4Investment real estate team.

Happy Valley Neighborhood Bellingham

The Happy Valley neighborhood is one of the most popular in Bellingham, and it has even more room to grow. Its 6,000 residents range from students to retirees and everyone in between.

Happy Valley lies between Fairhaven, South Hill, South Bellingham, and Western Washington University. Near the college, apartment complexes abound. Many of these were built in the sixties, seventies, and eighties, but even more are in the works to accommodate the growing university. Further south, homes range from gorgeous, older, well-landscaped homes to cute, recently developed duplexes. All of the neighborhoods are quite safe and are within walking distance of Fairhaven and shopping.

Much of that shopping can be done in Sehome Village on the corner of Bill McDonald Parkway and Samish Road. There, outdoorsy residents can shop at REI, students can find cheap textbooks at the College Store, coffee drinkers (i.e. almost all Northwesterners) can spend the evening relaxing at Starbucks, and night owls can do their grocery shopping at the 24-hour Haggen.

Happy Valley residents are at no shortage of restaurants within walking distance, either. Pho 99 offers a comfortable environment and delicious Vietnamese food, and Espinoza's is popular for their impressive salsa bar. Robek's, a new health food store, sells smoothies, sandwiches, and more.

For those who want to cook themselves, Joe's Garden grows the freshest produce in town. The garden sells everything from flowers to berries to peas, and it even has a cookbook dedicated to local recipes.

Schools and parks provide Happy Valley with plenty of recreational space. Sehome High School has several tennis courts, a baseball field, and a track commonly used by the public. Happy Valley Elementary School is great for children with a playground and enormous field for football games. The Connelly Creek Nature Area is a natural oasis less than a mile from I-5, and Happy Valley Park is a peaceful escape from those long days.

To learn more about the Happy Valley neighborhood, contact the Home4Investment real estate team.