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Birchwood

Birchwood

Neighborhood in Bellingham, Washington

Whatcom County 98225, 98226

$619,129 Average Value
$430 Average Price per Sq Ft
7 Homes For Sale

Single-family homes and apartments on the edge of Bellingham

Set about 2 miles north of downtown Bellingham, Birchwood has an even split of single-family homes and apartments at a lower price point than most other Bellingham neighborhoods. “The area is generally improving,” says Kyle Osborne, co-owner of Training Grounds Gym in Birchwood. “From what I’ve heard from friends in real estate, this is going to be the next area in Bellingham to be revamped and modernized.” Residents can enjoy the Pacific Northwest landscapes at nearby greenspaces, including the Squalicum Creek Park and the Bellingham Golf & Country Club. While there aren’t many retailers or restaurants nearby, a few locally owned spots sit on the northside, including That’s What I Like Island Grill, which has become a staple for Filipino cuisine. Birchwood is also convenient to the Bellingham Technical College, on the neighborhood's south side, and Interstate 5, which runs along the northern border. The Birchwood Neighborhood Association is focused on bringing the community together with social events, including their annual August Ice Cream Social.

Ranch-style homes and bungalows on quarter- and half-acre lots

Homes in Birchwood mainly consist of ranch-style homes and bungalows built between 1920 and 1960 and split-level homes from the ‘70s, which tend to sit on flat, grassy quarter- and half-acre lots dotted with pine trees. Often featuring shingle-tile roofs, vinyl siding and covered front porches, homes tend to have minimal ornamentation. On the neighborhood’s south side, some New Traditional-style homes dating back to 2017 offer prominent two-car garages and blue or gray color palettes. Two-bedroom ranch-style homes from the 1920s sell for between $400,000 and $600,000, while 21st-century four-bedroom homes sell for $600,000 to $800,000. Recently renovated midcentury homes, including ranch-style properties and split levels, can sell for $700,000 to $1 million. In addition to single-family homes, Birchwood has lots of condo complexes from the 1990s, offering two- to three-bedroom units for $250,000 to $350,000, as well as many different apartment buildings.

Experience charm and comfort in these beautifully designed Birchwood properties.
Experience charm and comfort in these beautifully designed Birchwood properties.
Savor the beauty of nature and charm in Birchwood's hidden gem.
Savor the beauty of nature and charm in Birchwood's hidden gem.
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Nearby Bellingham Schools and technical college programs

Local students may attend Birchwood Elementary School, rated C-plus by Niche, where parents and families can get involved through the Friends of Birchwood Parent Teacher Organization. Supported by the Bellingham Public Schools Foundation, the organization runs fundraising events like the annual Birchwood Boogie fun run. Students at the C-plus-rated Shuksan Middle can participate in the BEATS before and after school program, which seeks to empower kids by helping them with schoolwork and playing games with their peers. The A-rated Bellingham High features more than 30 clubs and activities, including La Chispa Club, which celebrates Hispanic heritage and helps members participate in community service initiatives. On the neighborhood’s southern end, Bellingham Technical College offers programs in manufacturing, culinary arts and aquaculture sciences.

Shuksan Middle School provides excellent education preparing students for high school.
Shuksan Middle School provides excellent education preparing students for high school.
Bellingham High School prepares students for graduation and beyond.
Bellingham High School prepares students for graduation and beyond.
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Taking Whatcom County buses around town

Interstate 5 lines Birchwood’s northern border, running 93 miles south to Seattle and 32 miles north to the Canadian border. “Bellingham is unique in that you don’t have to get on the highway to get across town,” says Dani Schemm, co-owner of Training Grounds Gym. The Whatcom Transportation Authority’s Route 3 bus stops along Bennett Drive, taking residents 2 miles to downtown Bellingham and 3 miles to Bellingham International Airport. Nearby hospitals include the PeaceHealth Saint Joseph Medical Center, 2 miles away.

Locally owned Mexican and Filipino eateries

The Park Manor Shopping Center is anchored by Big Lots and locally owned spots like The Bean Stop 2, a secondary location of the Bean Stop coffee stand, which serves drinks made from locally roasted beans. Other neighborhood favorites include That’s What I Like Island Grill, a Filipino eatery and bar with live entertainment every Friday and Karaoke Nights every Wednesday. Netos Market & Bakery offers Mexican groceries with an attached restaurant serving burritos and huaraches. Other grocery options include Haggen, which is a little over a mile away.

Meet a friend after work for drinks at Goods near Birchwood.
Meet a friend after work for drinks at Goods near Birchwood.
Wanida Thai Bistro is a Birchwood neighborhood favorite for dining out.
Wanida Thai Bistro is a Birchwood neighborhood favorite for dining out.
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Dog park and playgrounds at Squalicum Creek Park

Once an industrial site, Squalicum Creek Park is now a 36-acre recreational space with baseball fields, a basketball court and a fenced-in mulch dog park. Local kids can enjoy the forest-themed play area near the park’s entrance, which includes swings, climbing structures, and a zip line, as well as a small and large playground. On the neighborhood’s north side, Golf enthusiasts can join the Bellingham Golf & Country Club, a private facility featuring an 18-hole course with a drainage system that keeps the greens dry despite often clammy weather.

Squalicum Creek Park in Birchwood is the perfect spot for your dog to make new friends.
Squalicum Creek Park in Birchwood is the perfect spot for your dog to make new friends.
Squalicum Creek Park in Birchwood is perfect for a family adventure.
Squalicum Creek Park in Birchwood is perfect for a family adventure.
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Neighborhood socials and the Birchwood International Market

The Birchwood Neighborhood Association hosts community meetings periodically throughout the year, where locals can discuss neighborhood updates while mingling with neighbors. The association also holds Summer Celebrations, including an annual August Ice Cream Social. The Birchwood International Market, held a few times each summer, celebrates the community’s diversity with dancing, live performances and vendors selling food and art from all over the world.

Andi Sink
Written By
Andi Sink
Jake Chaplin
Photography Contributed By
Jake Chaplin
Khalil Chisholm
Video By
Khalil Chisholm

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Mikala Murphy, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Bellingham International

5 min drive

Bus

Northwest Ave & 3400 Block

Bus

Meridian St & Birchwood Ave

Bus

Maplewood Ave & Bakerview Rd

Bus

Maplewood Ave & Mcleod Rd

Bus

Maplewood Ave & Alderwood Ave

Bus

Northwest Ave & Birchwood Center

Bus

Maplewood Ave & Bradley Ln

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Birchwood US
Homicide 3 4
Sexual Assault 4 4
Assault with Weapon 4 4
Robbery 4 4
Burglary 5 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 5 4
Larceny 5 4
Crime Score 4 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$612,500
Median Single Family Price
$680,000
Median 2 Bedroom Price
$292,500
Median 1 Bedroom Price
$245,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$430
Number of Homes for Sale
7
Last 12 months Home Sales
33
Months of Supply
2.50
Median List Price
$584,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
1%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
1%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
1,228
Median Year Built
1952
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,453
Significantly below the national average
1,936
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,445
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
766
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
644
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
13,939

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Mikala Murphy, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
5,444
Median Age
37
Population Density
5 ppl/acre
Population under 18
19.2%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
16.5%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$58,821
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$78,616

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
93.2%
On par with the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
27.1%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
11.3%
% Population in Labor Force
64.8%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
34''
Average Winter Low Temperature
34°F
Average Summer High Temperature
73°F
Annual Snowfall
2''

Area Factors

Very Bikeable

Bike Score®

77 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

40 / 100

Some Transit

Transit Score®

34 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Birchwood
Mikala Murphy
Hansen Group Real Estate Inc
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