On the shores of Bellingham Bay with Mount Baker as its backdrop, Bellingham is the last major city before the Washington coastline meets the Canadian border. The City of Bellingham, which serves as the county seat of Whatcom County, is at the center of a uniquely picturesque area offering a rich variety of recreational, cultural, educational and economic activities.

Bellingham, Washington is about 90 miles north of Seattle, 21 miles south of the Canadian border and about 52 miles south of Vancouver, B.C. The City encompasses about 28 square miles, with north Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands to the west and snow-capped Mount Baker and the North Cascade mountains to the east.

Bellingham residents are passionate about community life. Strategic investments in parks, trails and preserved open spaces offer recreation and respite, and help the community grow gracefully as the population increases.  Numerous public/private partnerships support the burgeoning arts and cultural district downtown and elsewhere. Bellingham’s active waterfront hosts a range of marine activities, with significant change on the horizon as area community leaders and residents consider options for  development.

Excellence in education is a hallmark of our community. Nationally lauded K-12 public schools, two community colleges, and Western Washington University – consistently ranked high among public regional universities – all call Bellingham home.

Housing Cost

Bellingham has 23 distinctly recognized neighborhoods, where active leaders work together to shape the future of their area and the City as a whole.  The City’s rich heritage and recent population growth are reflected in its diverse neighborhoods and housing styles, from regal Victorians, waterfront bungalows and country farmhouses to downtown condominiums and new developments.

Estimated median house/condo value in 2005: $252,100

Demographics

Bellingham's estimated population in July 2006: 75,150. Bellingham covers 25.6 square miles. It sits at an elevation of 100 feet above sea level.

Zip codes: 98225, 98226

Climate

Bellingham, WA climate is mild during summer when temperatures tend to be in the 60's and cold during winter when temperatures tend to be in the 40's.

The warmest month of the year is August with an average maximum temperature of 72.70 degrees Fahrenheit, while the coldest month of the year is January with an average minimum temperature of 34.80 degrees Fahrenheit.

Temperature variations between night and day tend to be fairly limited during summer with a difference that can reach 18 degrees Fahrenheit, and fairly limited during winter with an average difference of 12 degrees Fahrenheit.

The annual average precipitation at Bellingham is 34.84 Inches. Rainfall in is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year. The wettest month of the year is November with an average rainfall of 5.58 Inches.

Information provided by idcide.com and city data.com