Amenities
An abundance of amenities, including restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores and fitness facilities, are conveniently situated within walking distance of the area.
Commute
High commute scores indicates that public transit should be easily accessible in this area and the average commute time to work is less than average.
Health & Safety
A high score in the health and safety category is a result of good air quality and the accessibility to health facilities such as hospitals, clinics, doctors, pharmacies and fire stations.
Schools
High test scores, elevated graduation rates as well as the conveniently located elementary and high schools in this area have all contributed to the high score in the schools category.
Cost Of Living
Based on the most recent cost of living data, this area is more expensive to live in. You can expect to pay more for everyday goods and services, housing, groceries and utilities.
Crime
This area is reporting high crime rates per 100,000 people and could signify that it is a dangerous place to live. Crime rates include both violent and property crimes.
Bellingham, Washington is a medium-sized city with a population of 90,821 inhabitants. Bellingham has a population density of 3,227 people per square mile. This would be considered well above the national population density level. The majority of Bellingham residents report their race to be White; this is followed by Asian and Black. If you are a young adult or student, you might be pleased to know that the average age of all Bellingham residents is 33. All the single ladies and all the single fellas might want to take notice as only 41% of the Bellingham population is married. If you prefer shorter commutes, living in Bellingham will be a delight. With an average one-way commute time of just 19 minutes, traveling to and from work is notably more convenient than the national average, which stands at 26 minutes.
Whether you’re relocating to a new city to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Bellingham could be a positive experience compared to other cities in Washington if you know where to look. Don't forget to determine what matters most to you in a neighborhood. Consider factors such as safety, proximity to work or school, access to amenities (like parks, fitness facilities, grocery stores, restaurants), public transportation options, community atmosphere and the overall vibe you're looking for. The best areas in Bellingham and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from amenities, cost of living, commute, health & safety, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Washington and national averages.
The livability score in Bellingham is 79 out of 100 and the city is ranked in the 94th percentile of all cities across America. Clearly, Bellingham is doing something right, as this score ranks well above the average of most cities. Bellingham is also ranked in the top 10 percentile of all cities across the USA. Based on the rankings for each individual category, Bellingham has been rewarded with high marks for education (A-). On a more negative note, Bellingham does not have favorable grades for the following: crime (F) and cost of living (F). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.
Living in Bellingham offers many benefits and offers an extensive array of local amenities. These amenities play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life in this vibrant community. From readily accessible grocery stores to charming coffee shops, diverse dining options and generously spaced parks, Bellingham provides a wide spectrum of resources for its residents. This ensures that your daily requirements are effortlessly met and creates abundant opportunities for leisure and recreation. The abundant local offerings contribute to the area's overall appeal, making it an attractive destination for those seeking convenience, variety and a fulfilling lifestyle. If you're considering a move, the wealth of local amenities continues could be a defining feature of this remarkable locale. A few of the enjoyable things to experience and sights to see are: Bellis Fair, Island Mariner Cruises, and Village Books.
Bellingham real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Bellingham. Median real estate prices in Bellingham come in at $405,700, which is 50.6% higher than the Washington average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Bellingham, the home price to income ratio is 7.2, which is 67.4% higher than the Washington average.
| Statistic | Bellingham | Washington | National |
| Average one way commute | 19min | 27min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 68.1% | 72.3% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 7.4% | 10.2% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 4.5% | 6.2% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 4.6% | 0.9% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 6.7% | 3.6% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 7.7% | 5.6% | 4.6% |
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