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.
Located in the state of Washington, Bellingham is a moderately-sized city with a population of 92,702 residents. In Bellingham, there are 3,348 people per square mile, which is well above the national population density average. At 82%, the majority of the Bellingham population is White; this is followed by 6% Asian and 2% Black. Bellingham could be a great place for young adults and students as the average age of 33 years old is below the nation’s average. In Bellingham, only 41% of people over the age of fifteen are married. This city could be a good option for singles ready to mingle. 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 search. 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. With useful information like amenities, commute, housing and other key data points, finding the best places to live in Bellingham and in the areas around Bellingham is a much easier task.
The livability score in Bellingham is 80/100 and the city is ranked in the 94th percentile of all cities across America. Compared to the United States average, Bellingham ranks among some of the best places to live in the country! Bellingham is also ranked in the top 10 percentile of all cities across the USA. If we dig down a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Bellingham has higher than average grades for the following: education (B+) and employment (B-). There is at least one category that did not score well in Bellingham. The following was graded with a concerning score: crime (F) and cost of living (F).
If you're considering living in Bellingham, it comes with numerous advantages, particularly in the form of an extensive selection of local amenities. These amenities play a pivotal role in elevating the quality of life within this vibrant community. From easily accessible grocery stores, to conveniently located fitness facilities, a diverse range of dining establishments and a multitude of shopping options, Bellingham provides a comprehensive array of resources for its residents. This ensures the effortless fulfillment of your daily needs and creates ample opportunities for relaxation and recreation. The convenience of these local offerings greatly contributes to the overall appeal of the area, making it an enticing destination for those in search of convenience, diversity, and a gratifying lifestyle. If you're contemplating a move, the abundance of local amenities could very well be a defining characteristic of this area. Here are some of the more popular things to do in Bellingham: 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. The median home price for Bellingham homes is $745,514, which is 51.6% higher than the Washington average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Bellingham, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 9, which is 66.7% higher than the Washington average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| 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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