Top 3 Neighborhoods In Bellingham If You Want To Bike or Walk Everywhere (& Have a Young Family!)
Photo by Phillip Flores on Unsplash
When I moved from 5 acres in Ferndale to Bellingham, I was desperate to find an affordable house for my family that was close and accessible to EVERYTHING by car or by foot. You might think this limited my options, but I’m here to tell you - it did not! It made it easier to find exactly what I was looking for.
Bellingham is becoming more bike and pedestrian-friendly by the day. I’ve grown up in the Pacific Northwest and spent years living abroad in Austria and the Netherlands, and I can tell you this tucked-away town of Bellingham is starting to feel similar to a European village. And I couldn’t be more excited!
If you know me, you know my favorite way to travel around town is on my bike, specifically my cargo bike when I have kids or groceries in tow, which is usually always. This is why I’m so glad I didn’t compromise on my desire to find a home that could offer my kids and me this kind of freedom to pedal or walk from our front door.
If you’re looking for a home right now and dreaming about a lifestyle where you can hop on your bike or throw on your backpack and walk to the grocery store, library, coffee shop, or gym, or your kids’ school, I’m here to tell you - it is possible!
Get specific on what you really want, and the opportunities will open up!
If you’re criteria for a home include the following,
affordable and well-loved
a sense you’re living in a quaint, friendly European village
relatively flat for biking and walking with ease
access to the library, schools, grocery stores, restaurants, and cafes without a car
Then, read on for my 3 favorite neighborhoods in Bellingham…
Sunnyland has serious character. Think colorful homes, quirky yard art, and neighbors who actually use their front porches. There’s always something happening, from sidewalk chats to spontaneous block parties. Sunnyland neighborhood is inspiring and full of heart. (Close to all downtown has to offer!)
Lettered Streets feels like a well-loved novel, timeless, cozy, and full of charm. (It is Bellingham’s first official neighborhood!) The cottages, gardens, and tucked-away corners invite you to slow down. It’s the kind of place where you’ll find yourself lingering on walks just to soak it all in. (The waterfront is nearby!)
Roosevelt is hemmed in by forests and trails, perfect for nature enthusiasts. My personal favorite and main thoroughfare is the Railroad Trail. A popular 3+ mile gravel trail that stretches between Trader Joe’s to Whatcom Falls or Lake Whatcom Park! There’s a quiet steadiness in the Roosevelt neighborhood that makes everyday life feel just a little easier. (Barkley Village is centrally located and right off the Railroad Trail too!)
Curious if one of these neighborhoods might be the right fit for you? I’d love to hear what’s on your wishlist and help you find your own version of this village life. Let’s chat!
