$1,114,126Average Value$548Average Price per Sq Ft14Homes For Sale
Scenic community built into the hills by Bellingham Bay
Built into the hillside about 2 miles south of downtown Bellingham, the aptly named residential South Hill slopes downhill into Bellingham Bay, offering panoramic views of the San Juan Islands in the distance. In addition to the views, South Hill is sandwiched between Fairhaven, a historic shopping and dining village full of small cafes and boutiques, and downtown, which is more densely packed with office spaces and brewpubs. Most residents are within walking distance of one or both districts. “It’s more community-oriented here,” says Ken Harrison, South Hill resident and local broker with Madrona Residential Real Estate. “Everyone is always walking around, and the homes are closer together, so it’s more neighborly.” South Hill is adjacent to Western Washington University, but the neighborhood's high price point means there isn't much student housing here; most homes date to the late 19th- or early 20th-century, built into the hillside beside historic institutions like the Saint James Presbyterian Church, here since the 1890s. Locals can enjoy the bayside at Boulevard Park, which hosts a small concert series in the summer.
Well-maintained homes from the late 19th and early 20th century
Homes in South Hill are generally built into the steep hillside, with views of Bellingham Bay and the San Juan Islands. In 2010, South Hill was listed on the National Register of Historic Places to protect its character from extensive remodeling. Houses facing uphill are set close to the street and have large back decks overlooking the water; those facing downhill toward the bay are set farther back, with wide stone staircases leading to their main entrances. The neighborhood's oldest homes date from 1890 to 1950, a mix of meticulously cared-for examples of Queen Anne, Craftsman, American Foursquare and Tudor Revival; peppered among them are ranch-style homes built between 1950 and 1980 with attached garages. Smaller bungalows and ranch-style homes in need of some updates can sell for $700,000 to $1 million, while larger, recently renovated properties go for $1 to $1.5 million, depending on lot size. Closer to the waterfront, condo complexes from the 1970s offer two-bedroom units for between $500,000 and $800,000, while three- and four-bedroom units sell for $850,000 to $1 million.
Given the age of most properties in this area, house inspections can become a sticking point in the buying process. "It's important to get the sewer lines checked," says Julian Friedman, owner and real estate agent with Julian & Company, powered by the Muljat Group. "A lot of homes are old, and the lines are old. If something happens, it can become a pretty big expense, so it's better to check."
Many Craftsman style homes can be found throughout the Bellingham neighborhood of South Hill.
Tudor Revival style homes are sprinkled throughout the South Hill neighborhood in Bellingham.
South Hill has condos among the many homes throughout the Bellingham neighborhood.
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Walking distance to Fairhaven and downtown Bellingham
South Hill's located between two large shopping and dining corridors, Fairhaven Village and Downtown Bellingham. “South Hill is very quaint, but it’s sandwiched between these two growing areas,” Harrison says. Fairhaven offers cafes and locally owned bookstores housed in 19th-century brick buildings; residents can head to Haggen for groceries or fuel up at the Filling Station, a burger joint decorated with vintage license plates and gas station signs. Downtown Bellingham is densely packed with boutiques, coffee shops and eateries amid office buildings and colorful murals. Horseshoe Café has been serving classic American fare, all-day brunch and specialty cocktails here since 1886, and down the street, the Bellingham Farmers Market is open every Saturday from April through December.
The Fairhaven shopping district is just south of the South Hill neighborhood in Bellingham.
South Hill residents can enjoy many shopping and dining options in Fairhaven.
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Summer concert series next to the water at Boulevard Park
Every fourth Friday in June, July and August, the city hosts a free concert at the stage in Boulevard Park. Locals can bring a picnic blanket or dance around with their neighbors while enjoying tunes by local and area musicians.
Boulevard Park hosts live music and other events throughout the year.
Boulevard Park is a popular spot for locals to enjoy the views of Bellingham Bay.
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Extracurriculars at nearby Bellingham schools
Niche gives the local Lowell Elementary School a B-plus and ranks it the second-best public elementary school in Whatcom County; the active Lowell PTA organizes events throughout the year, including a used book fair and talent show. Fairhaven Middle School is also rated a B-plus and offers over a dozen after-school athletic programs, including wrestling, track & field, and basketball. The A-rated Sehome High, which moved to a newly constructed building in 2019, includes a 400-seat theatre, two gyms and a library.
Lowell Elementary School entrance
Fairhaven Middle School entrance.
Sehome High School entrance.
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Scenic views from the boardwalk at Boulevard Park
Set right on the waterfront, Boulevard Park is a popular spot to watch the sunset over the San Juan Islands, with a narrow stretch of rocky beach, and a wooden boardwalk that extends over the bay for a 1/4-mile. Adjacent to Western Washington University, Sehome Hill Arboretum offers miles of unpaved trails and a tall watchtower set among pine and redwood forests.
South Hill residents can take in the views along the shore at the Taylor Dock Boardwalk.
South Hill residents are treated to beautiful views of the San Juan Island across the water.
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Bike lanes on State Street
Interstate 5 is found a few miles east and runs north-south through Bellingham, traveling 91 miles south to Seattle and 41 miles north to the Canadian border. Fairhaven is 1 mile south, and downtown Bellingham is 2 miles north; most South Hill residents live within walking distance of one or the other. Locals can bike to either location via the bike lanes on State Street, and the Whatcom Transportation Authority’s Route 1 bus makes stops in Fairhaven, on State Street and in downtown. Train tracks run along the bayfront and lead to the Fairhaven Amtrak Train Station about a mile away; passing trains can be heard throughout the day. In addition to noise pollution from the train, locals have recently been complaining about excessive noise from a nearby shipping terminal on the water, especially late at night. To help mitigate this, the city passed an ordinance that stops industrial work at midnight, though the issue is ongoing as of summer 2024. Peace Health Saint Joseph Medical Center is 4 miles away, while Bellingham International Airport is 7 miles away.
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
Ryan Kent Smith,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Sehome Hill Arboretum
Forest & Cedar Park
Laurel Park
Fairhaven Village Green
Picnic Area
Trails
Boulevard Park
Transit
Airport
Bellingham International
15 min drive
Bus
11th St & Douglas Ave
Bus
State St & 200 Block
Bus
11th St & Easton Ave
Bus
State St & 13th St
Bus
Highland Dr & Ridgeway
Bus
State St & 12th St
Bus
11th St & Bennett Ave
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
South Hill
US
Homicide
3
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
3
4
Robbery
3
4
Burglary
5
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
5
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in South Hill, Bellingham sell after 28 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in South Hill, Bellingham over the last 12 months is $941,256, down 6% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This stunning 1890 Victorian, known as the "Alfred Riedel Home," is nestled in the South Hill Historic District and offers breathtaking views of Bellingham Bay and the San Juan Islands. With over 4,000 sq. ft. of living space, this 4-bedroom, 3.25-bath home features 10-ft ceilings, hardwood floors, and ample room to accommodate various needs. The spacious walk-out basement, with two separate
Soak in sweeping views of Bellingham Bay from this light-filled, end-unit condo at Spinnaker Reach. With windows on three sides, this 2-bedroom unit lives big and bright, offering stunning sunsets and a front-row seat to the waterfront. The open living and dining space flows effortlessly onto a private balcony/deck—perfect for morning coffee or evening wine. Enjoy access to great community
Come home to low-maintenance living overlooking Bellingham Bay! Ground floor unit features partial views of the ocean and islands, along with bamboo floors, newer appliances and newer kitchen countertops. Deck was replaced this summer and the building has a new roof. Unit includes 1 assigned covered parking spot, and a storage unit. Just two blocks away from Bellingham's iconic Taylor Dock and
One of a kind Fairhaven view condo! Perfectly perched in a 4 unit complex, this top floor 2 bed, 2 bath condo offers unobstructed Bay, Island, & City views. Unbeatable location just steps to the boardwalk, Chrysalis, & Downtown Fairhaven. Bright open concept layout where the kitchen, dining & living spaces flow seamlessly together all focused around the unbeatable view. Relax & enjoy sunsets from
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Ryan Kent Smith,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
3,032
Median Age
48
Population Density
4 ppl/acre
Population under 18
13.6%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
31.4%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$109,876
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$137,685
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
96.5%
College Graduates
72.9%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
36.3%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
61.7%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
34''
Average Winter Low Temperature
34°F
Average Summer High Temperature
73°F
Annual Snowfall
2''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
56/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
29/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
41/ 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.
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.
