I too was born in Bellingham. I went to Sunnyland, Lowell, Fairhaven and Sehome. All of my family still live there and I go back quite often to visit, however, after living in Phoenix, AZ for 40 years, I could NEVER live in Bellingham again. I've also lived in Anchorage, AK which is completely opposite of Phoenix, AZ so I have lived in other states. Bellingham used to have a great downtown area that was clean, now it is overrun by derelicts and drug addicts, hippies and throwbacks from the 60's. Unless you are the artsy type or a tree hugger, you may feel out of place. The location of Bellingham is beautiful though and there is a lot of things to do in nature. Whatcom Falls park is great, Blvd Park is such a huge improvement since the 70's! And no more stink from the paper mill. I still love the town of Fairhaven and all the beautiful homes on South Hill. The whole area of the South Side is beautiful. A big problem is liberalism but it's a college town. I couldn't see a conservative person enjoying living there. Home and rent prices are OUTRAGEOUS and the wages do not compensate. Bellingham average home price is $485K, Phoenix is $285K. And jobs are plentiful here. I guess if someone was retired, Bellingham would be okay. It's just personal preference but I do not find it to be a "NICE" place to live. It is dreary and depressing.
Gina | Peoria, AZ | Report Abuse

Bellingham is beautiful however the racist and bigots murk up the atmosphere.
wrgr | Bellingham, WA | Report Abuse

I will agree with you in some parts. I have lived here for nearly 8 years and it has changed so much and not for the better. Bellingham is a great location and convenient to a lot of this especially if you like the outdoors, however I am not a fan of the hostile protests that have been going on over the last several months over the homeless encampments. It is best not to live in town.
w | Bellingham, WA | Report Abuse