If you are looking for a diverse, tight-knit, and vibrant city with lots of green space for outdoor activities, Bellingham might be the perfect city to raise your family. A coastal city in northwest Washington, Bellingham offers both small-town charm and the amenities of a growing city. It sits snuggly between two larger cities, Vancouver and Seattle, so access to major metropolises’ is just a short car ride away. What makes Bellingham so special can be attributed to its gorgeous views of a variety of natural scenery including the bay, sandy beaches, and its surrounding forests.
You’ll find an abundance of parks, walking and biking trails, and waterfalls connecting you and your family to nature. Bellingham is also home to a vibrant Downtown with wonderful restaurants and bars that serve up fresh and seasonal dishes.
Finding the perfect Bellingham rental property begins with identifying neighborhoods that fit your lifestyle. Each neighborhood offers its own unique character and charm, so you and your family are sure to find the perfect fit for your lifestyle. Let’s look into a few neighborhoods ideal for families and those looking to possibly start one.
Columbia
Columbia is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Bellingham and is the home to 4,000 residents. With its beautifully manicured lawns, tree-lined streets, and charming Craftsman-style homes, it’s easy to see why prospective homeowners are so attracted to this neighborhood. There are plenty of parks and green spaces perfect for picnics and walks with the family dog. Columbia also offers walkability between its residential pockets and local businesses and, cafes and restaurants.
Silver Beach
Located right on the eastern edge of Bellingham on the shores of Lake Whatcom, Silver Beach offers a quiet and charming environment with stunning views of the coast. If your family is drawn to the water, Silver Beach is a serene place to fish, sail, watch the sunset, and walk the shoreline. This neighborhood is also home to one of the most popular parks in the city, Bloedel Donovan Park has basketball courts, a playground, boat access, a swimming area, and a multi-purpose building.
Edgemoor
Located in the southwest corner of Bellingham, Edgemoor is a charming residential neighborhood surrounded by lush foliage and picturesque views of the San Juan Islands and Bellingham Bay. Edgemoor is also home to Clark’s Pont Nature Preserve, a beautifully wooded peninsula that extends into the bay and is protected from any further development. Both Fairhaven Park and Fairhaven Middle School are also nestled into this peaceful and tight-knit neighborhood.
Cornwall Park
Cornwall Park is a highly sought-after neighborhood located right in the heart of town. It has a charming and eclectic energy with its beautiful Victorian houses and diverse recreational opportunities. With access to a disc golf course, pickleball and tennis courts, and biking and hiking trails, there is always an opportunity to get outside and play and explore. This quiet neighborhood feels cozy and tucked away but still has easy access to the freeway which is perfect for commuting to work or downtown.
Geneva
Geneva is located just east of central Bellingham and offers a more rural atmosphere with larger lots. There are tons of green spaces with mature foliage making it a beautifully forested retreat while still remaining in close proximity to the city amenities and Downtown. This neighborhood is a lot more laidback and peaceful with safe and quiet streets that easily access the neighborhood’s Geneva Elementary School.
Outdoor adventures, great public schooling, and peaceful neighborhoods can be found throughout Bellingham, making it a wonderful place to raise a family and create lifelong memories together.