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South Bellingham

South Bellingham

Neighborhood in Bellingham, Washington

Whatcom County 98225, 98229

$797,027 Average Value
$471 Average Price per Sq Ft
5 Homes For Sale

Residential community on the edge of rural areas with lots of nearby trails

Set 5 miles from downtown Bellingham on Interstate 5, South Bellingham (often referred to as the South neighborhood) sits on the city's outskirts with narrow country roads and large stretches of undeveloped forested land. Newly constructed homes and condos sit closer together on the neighborhood’s northern edge, with the south side featuring expansive trail networks leading to the Chuckanut Mountains. Property values are bolstered by local schools, including the recently renovated Sehome High School, and the area’s low crime risk, receiving a Cap Index score of 2 out of 10, compared to a national score of 4. In addition to trails, locals can visit the sprawling Fairhaven Park or head into Fairhaven Village, 2 miles away, for various dining options. Despite the neighborhood’s quiet vibe, it still maintains a close-knit community feel through local organizations like the volunteer-led Chuckanut Center, which offers classes on gardening and other skills.

Ranch-style properties on wooded lots and new construction

Most homes are found on the neighborhood’s north side, including homes dating back to 2000 and plenty of new construction. Recently built New Traditional-style homes often feature white gable trim, stone detailing and large porches or balconies, with three-bedroom properties selling for $700,000 to $850,000. Two-bedroom condos built in the late ‘90s sell for between $400,000 and $450,000, while three-bedroom units with attached garages sell for between $600,000 and $650,000. Further south, more Minimal Traditional-style homes from the early 1900s sit on quarter, half or multi-acre wooded lots with more of a rural feel. Investment properties needing repairs can sell for $500,000 to $750,000, while renovated properties on multi-acre lots can sell for $800,000 to $1 million. Homes sit on secluded lots surrounded by pine and fir trees, organized along narrow, paved country roads. The South neighborhood’s sprawling layout and lack of sidewalks mean most residents won’t be able to walk to shops and restaurants the way they can in nearby areas like Edgemoor and Fairhaven.

Charming abode nestled in the picturesque South Bellingham neighborhood.
Charming abode nestled in the picturesque South Bellingham neighborhood.
Your dream home awaits in the sought-after enclave of South Bellingham.
Your dream home awaits in the sought-after enclave of South Bellingham.
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Family events and recent renovations at nearby Bellingham schools

Like many Bellingham elementary schools, Happy Valley Elementary School, rated B by Niche, has a very active PTA organization. The association organizes events for families and students, including an annual Free Book Fair, where donated new and gently used books are available for kids to take home. Families can also attend the school’s Spring Fling festival for fair games, temporary tattoos and free food. After attending Happy Valley Elementary, students may move on to the B-plus-rated Fairhaven Middle before graduating from the A-rated Sehome High. In 2019, Sehome students were moved into a newly constructed building designed to include more windows, letting in lots of natural light. “We work with a lot of people looking for homes zoned for Sehome High School,” says Keith Ferris, a longtime Bellingham resident and local broker with Madrona Residential Real Estate. “It’s very highly sought after.”

Happy Valley Elementary School provides excellent education for youth.
Happy Valley Elementary School provides excellent education for youth.
Sehome High School prepares students for graduation and beyond.
Sehome High School prepares students for graduation and beyond.
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Traveling through Washington on Interstate 5

South Bellingham is bordered on the east by Interstate 5, which leads about 90 miles south to Seattle or 45 miles north to the Canadian Border. The Whatcom Transportation Authority’s Route 105 bus stop along Old Fairhaven Parkway just north of the South neighborhood, taking residents 2 miles to Fairhaven and 5 miles to downtown Bellingham. Peace Health Saint Joseph Medical Center is about 7 miles away, and Bellingham International Airport is about 10 miles away.

Locally owned eateries and cafes in Fairhaven

Locals in South Bellingham have to travel outside the neighborhood for shopping and dining needs. The nearest Haggen grocery store is located a little over 2 miles away in Fairhaven, one of the biggest commercial districts in Bellingham. In Fairhaven, locals can head to Skylark’s Hidden Cafe for classic American fare with live music in the restaurant’s festive beer garden every Friday and Saturday in the summer. Mambo Italiano Cafe offers fresh seafood and pasta dishes made from family recipes.

Mambo Italiano Cafe near South Bellingham is a neighborhood favorite for dining and drinks.
Mambo Italiano Cafe near South Bellingham is a neighborhood favorite for dining and drinks.
Mambo Italiano Cafe near South Bellingham has amazing food with a fun atmosphere.
Mambo Italiano Cafe near South Bellingham has amazing food with a fun atmosphere.
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Expansive parks and trail networks leading into the Chuckanut Mountains

The natural landscape is among South Bellingham’s biggest draws, complimented by large, sprawling parks. The 136-acre Fairhaven Park encompasses grassy fields, redwood forests and the waterfalls of Padden Creek. Visitors can explore the park by traveling on paved trails between pickleball courts, playgrounds, and basketball courts. “The dynamic of Bellingham is very trail-oriented,” Ferris says. “It’s a super outdoorsy town in general, and that’s ingrained in every neighborhood.” The Interurban Trail is one of several walkways that wind through South Bellingham, leading to the Chuckanut Mountains. Hikers pass by, babbling creeks and tall pine and redwood trees as they travel the dirt pathway.

Take the family for a day of adventure and fun at Fairhaven Park near South Bellingham.
Take the family for a day of adventure and fun at Fairhaven Park near South Bellingham.
Bike enthusiasts love exploring Galbraith Mountain Trails near South Bellingham.
Bike enthusiasts love exploring Galbraith Mountain Trails near South Bellingham.
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Community education events at the Chuckanut Center

Housed within Fairhaven Park, the Chuckanut Center is a volunteer-run facility that fosters community while helping locals develop new skills. Residents can take classes in beekeeping and cheesemaking through the center or attend the monthly Weed and Feed event, a social gathering where community members can mingle, learn gardening skills, and enjoy a free meal afterward. In addition to these events and classes, the center operates several community gardens where visitors can tend their own plot or help tend the Victory Garden, which donates its harvest to local organizations.

Andi Sink
Written By
Andi Sink
Jake Chaplin
Photography Contributed By
Jake Chaplin
Mallory Nolte
Video By
Mallory Nolte

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 James Heintz, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Bellingham International

15 min drive

Bus

Chuckanut Dr & Fairhaven Park

Bus

Old Fairhaven Pkwy & 24th St

Bus

Old Fairhaven Pkwy & 30th St

Bus

Chuckanut Center

Bus

Chuckanut Dr & Robin Ln

Bus

Old Fairhaven Pkwy & 19th St

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime South Bellingham US
Homicide 2 4
Sexual Assault 3 4
Assault with Weapon 2 4
Robbery 3 4
Burglary 3 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 3 4
Larceny 4 4
Crime Score 3 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$630,000
Median Single Family Price
$775,000
Median 2 Bedroom Price
$533,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$471
Number of Homes for Sale
5
Last 12 months Home Sales
20
Months of Supply
3.00
Median List Price
$630,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
1%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-10%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
389
Median Year Built
1995
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,681
Below the national average
1,935
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,275
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,323
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
18,730

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Apr 26
    11am - 1pm

    2015 24th St Unit 64, Bellingham, WA 98225

    $235,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,228 Sq Ft
    • 2015 24th St
    • Unit 64
    • New 2 days ago

    Beautifully refreshed 3 bed, 2 bath home in Parkway Village, a welcoming 55+ community in South Bellingham. This move-in-ready home features brand-new LVP flooring throughout and a fresh coat of interior paint. The spacious layout includes a large primary suite, open living and dining areas, and great natural light. Outside, enjoy covered parking, a storage shed, and easy-care landscaping. Space

    William Elmer John L. Scott Bellingham

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  • Saturday, Apr 26
    12 - 2pm

    1705 Fairhaven Ave, Bellingham, WA 98229

    $775,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,760 Sq Ft
    • 1705 Fairhaven Ave
    • New 4 days ago

    Your dreams have been answered! This charming and private sanctuary is located in one of Bellingham's best kept secrets, Chuckanut Village. Only feet away from mud bay, you will see eagles overhead and Great Blue Herons feeding and resting. First time on the market in almost 40 years & since then the owner has poured his heart and soul into it. A beautiful and mature garden is accentuated by

    Julian Friedman Muljat Group

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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 James Heintz, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
1,681
Median Age
56
Population Density
3 ppl/acre
Population under 18
13.6%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
39.6%
Above the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$54,788
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$82,621

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
95.2%
College Graduates
45.3%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
14.4%
% Population in Labor Force
47.9%
Below the national average
65.1%

Weather

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

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

36 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

23 / 100

Minimal Transit

Transit Score®

15 / 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
South Bellingham
James Heintz
ONE Realty
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