What BestPlaces Users Say about Bellingham
Bellingham, Washington is a charming city located in the Pacific Northwest, known for its natural beauty, thriving arts scene, and diverse community. With a population of over 90,000, it offers a mix of small-town charm and big-city amenities. Many people are drawn to Bellingham for its access to outdoor activities, including hiking, skiing, and water sports, as well as its proximity to Seattle and Vancouver, BC. However, like any city, it has its pros and cons. The following user reviews provide a diverse perspective on living in Bellingham.
According to John D., "Bellingham is a fantastic place to live. It's a tight-knit community with a strong focus on sustainability and the environment. I love being able to go hiking or kayaking in the morning and then grab a delicious meal at one of the local restaurants in the evening. It's also great to have easy access to bigger cities like Seattle when I want a change of pace."
On the other hand, Sarah M. has a different viewpoint. "I moved to Bellingham a year ago and I have to say, I'm a bit disappointed. The job market is limited and the cost of living is higher than I expected. The downtown area is cute, but there's not much to do outside of that. Plus, the constant rain can be draining. I'm considering moving back to the East Coast."
Another resident, Lisa T., shares her thoughts, "Bellingham is a wonderful place to raise a family. The schools are top-notch and there are plenty of family-friendly activities and events. We also love the small-town feel and being surrounded by nature. However, it can be a bit isolating for young adults. I wish there were more opportunities for socializing and meeting new people."
One reviewer, Mark B., sums up the pros and cons of living in Bellingham, saying, "I've lived in Bellingham for 10 years now and overall, I really enjoy it. The natural beauty is unbeatable and the community is welcoming. However, the cost of housing has skyrocketed in recent years and the traffic can be a nightmare during peak times. It's a trade-off, but for me, the pros outweigh the cons."
Overall, the reviews about living in Bellingham are mixed, with some residents praising its outdoor amenities and community feel, while others express concerns about job opportunities and costs. Ultimately, it seems that Bellingham may be a great fit for those who enjoy a slower pace of life and being surrounded by nature, but may not be the best choice for those seeking a bustling city with endless job opportunities.
based on 58 ReviewsGet to know Bellingham with the latest comments and reviews from people who live in or have visited Bellingham
Friendly People - 6/21/2008
Wow I can't believe that someone would think people aren't friendly in Bellingham. I've been here almost 2 years and have found the people really
Read More
Start Your Review of Bellingham
Friendly People - 6/2/2008
I have read some reviews about Bellingham, WA since I have lived here, 6 years now. Reviews from the local paper, from this website and other places. Some people, I suspect new residents, feel that the majority of the old-time residents are un-friendly and don't want "new comers" in town.
Earlier this spring, in the news, a lady had claimed been running along a popular trail one morning and had been mugged. She claimed she had a bag or something thrown over her and she was shoved into a car, raped, and thrown out along side of the road. This lady also claimed that she was "new to the area."
This ladies story touch the hearts and lives of the greater percentage of the population in Bellingham and surrounding towns. The community formed a "Take Back Our Trails." With this lady and other trail lovers in mind, hundreds of people pulled together to shower her with love and sincere sympathy, sacrificed time and effort to patrol the city trails so others can enjoy them with a
Read More
Almost perfect retirement town... - 4/27/2008
Just retired to Bellingham and it's almost perfect: university, two nearby great large cities (Vancouver & Seattle 90 minutes away), good hospital and med specialties, great parks, green countryside and big bay, moderate weather, reasonable home prices, and manageable size (60,000 pop). Just one drawback: winters can be a little dark and rainy, but I trust Al Gore's global warming will take care of that problem in a year or so.
Pete
P.S. Suggest your interactive locater consider "religious fervor". An atheist in Wichita would not be a good
Read More
Natural beauty - 3/6/2008
University town located on Puget Sound with sweeping view of San Juan Islands and snow-capped Cascade Mountains, minutes away from one of the world's great international cities Vancouver BC, environmentally aware, politically active, great place to raise a family, outdoor recreation opportunities all year long, not too hot in summer, West Coast property still affordable...but most do not want more people to move here. It's a lovely size for a city, and minutes outside city limits are beautiful farms and forests. Developing over 137 acres of waterfront property donated by Georgia-Pacific which over the next 25 years will transform the downtown and waterfront
Read More
Quality Of Life - 12/17/2007
I have lived in 3 other states. I have traveled the whole US. The quality of life in Bellingham supersedes all the others. There is absolutely no end to a better quality of life up here. Yes it costs more to live here and the housing is higher than other places, but it is a better place to live, work, and play than all the other areas I have been to. My husband and I live much richer lives up here in more ways than
Read More
Bad Reviews? - 12/12/2007
I was just reading through the comments and I am shocked to see all negative ones about Bellingham. I moved here almost 6 years ago from Ohio and we LOVE it here! The people have always been wonderful and kind, and the climate is great. Sure the cost of living is a bit high, but with Minimum wage so high it is manageable here. I will agree that most of the locals shun growth here, but that is to be expected. We are already at capacity and still growing in leaps and bounds. The main problem with the area are the Canadians that come down and have no clue how to drive here and cause accidents and traffic
Read More
Housing - 10/29/2007
Home prices continue to skyrocket in the Bellingham
Read More
Living expenses astronomical - 10/23/2007
We are recently retired and we had considered moving to Bellingham and Northwest Washington but were stunned by the median cost of housing. And the constant rain was depressing and too much for our grandkids. Also, the gasoline is really costly, especially for our RV. We will now consider the Midwest or the Southeast. Land is cheaper in such places as Texas. The medical care is not great in Bellingham either, something to think about when you are in your late 50s! Good
Read More
Cheers and Jeers! - 8/3/2007
I was so disappointed to hear the negative comments regarding Bellingham's population. Have been here 35 years, believe it to be like most towns, has its positives and negatives. Beautiful scenery, great college town, family oriented community, and honestly, mostly friendly and very giving people! Cost of living is a bit high, we feel pretty safe here, and the economy is growing. Secret, if it is a secret, of being accepted in any community is getting involved! As always, there's room for
Read More
Bellingham, WA - 6/26/2007
One of the most beautiful places on Earth. Mid size college town with great access to lots of outdoor activities. Mountains, hiking, and even the ocean. Just a short drive to Seattle for all of those big city amenities. And if you really want some culture just minutes to a whole other country...
Read More