Is Bellingham, WA a Good Place to Live? Here's What You Need to Know

The Vibe of Bellingham: A Perfect Blend of Nature and Urban Life

So, you're wondering if Bellingham, WA is a good place to live? Well, it’s a bit of a mixed bag, to be honest. On one hand, it’s got that charming small-town vibe with easy access to nature, yet on the other, it offers some cool urban perks that might surprise you. It’s a town that doesn’t try too hard but still manages to impress.

I had a chat with my buddy Steve last week. He’s been living in Bellingham for about 5 years now, and we were discussing what makes this place tick. His answer? It’s the perfect balance. A lot of people overlook Bellingham when thinking about the Pacific Northwest. But trust me, once you visit, it kind of grows on you.

Small Town Feel with Big City Access

Bellingham is small. Really small, but in a good way. You're surrounded by mountains, lakes, and the Puget Sound. Outdoor activities? Check. Hiking, biking, kayaking... you name it. It’s a place that makes you want to go out and explore every weekend. And yet, you’re only about 1.5 hours from Seattle, so you get the convenience of city life when you need it.

The Cost of Living: Is It Affordable?

Okay, let’s talk about the cost. Because, let’s be real, this is a dealbreaker for many. When I first looked into moving here, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I’d heard mixed things about the cost of living in smaller towns – is it cheaper or more expensive? Turns out, Bellingham sits somewhere in between.

Housing Costs in Bellingham

Housing here is cheaper than Seattle, no doubt. But it’s creeping up. A couple of years ago, you could score a decent 3-bedroom house for under $300,000, but now you’re looking closer to $450,000 for something similar. And yes, the rental market is a bit tight. My friend Rachel moved here last summer, and she was frustrated with how few places were available in her price range.

That said, you can still find good deals if you look hard enough. The farther you get from downtown, the more affordable things become, but it also means longer commutes if you’re working in town.

Groceries, Utilities, and Miscellaneous Costs

For everything else—groceries, utilities, and the like—it’s pretty standard. It’s not as expensive as the big cities, but don’t expect the cheap prices you’d find in the Midwest. A gallon of milk, for example, costs around $3.50, and utility bills can vary depending on the time of year. Winter months might hit you a bit harder if you have to heat your home more.

What’s There to Do in Bellingham? Plenty, Actually

One thing I’ve noticed living in a smaller town is the importance of things to do. Bellingham definitely delivers here.

Outdoor Activities Galore

If you’re into outdoor adventures, Bellingham might just be your dream come true. The city is practically surrounded by nature. There’s Mount Baker, an epic spot for skiing, hiking, and snowboarding in the winter. Plus, you’re only a stone’s throw away from the San Juan Islands for those summer kayaking trips. And, don’t even get me started on the nearby trails for mountain biking—it’s like a little paradise for anyone into nature.

Arts and Culture

But hold on! Just because it’s a smaller town doesn’t mean there’s no culture. Far from it. Bellingham has a thriving arts scene. There’s the Bellingham Theatre Guild and tons of local galleries showcasing amazing local talent. On the weekends, you’ll find art walks, music festivals, and farmers’ markets. So yeah, while it’s no New York, the town definitely makes up for its size with personality.

Food Scene: More Than Just Fish and Chips

Here’s the thing I wasn’t expecting—Bellingham’s food scene is solid. I was talking to Emma, who runs a coffee shop downtown, and she told me how foodies love the city for its farm-to-table vibes and local brews. The town’s proximity to the ocean means you get fresh seafood, but it’s not just fish and chips. Local restaurants offer everything from sushi to gourmet burgers, and don’t forget the breweries. Bellingham is home to some amazing craft beer spots.

The People and Community: A Friendly, Laid-back Atmosphere

So, what’s it like to live here, day-to-day? Well, if you’re looking for a bustling, fast-paced lifestyle, this isn’t the place. But if you want a slower, more relaxed vibe, you’ll fit right in. The people in Bellingham are laid-back and friendly. I’ve never met anyone who wasn’t willing to help out, whether it’s a neighbor offering a hand with snow shoveling or someone at the local coffee shop striking up a conversation. It’s that tight-knit feeling of a small town without the gossip.

Family Friendly?

If you’re raising a family, Bellingham is definitely a good option. The schools are decent, and there’s a lot of family-friendly activities to do. However, the pace is a bit slower here, so if you’re someone who thrives on constant hustle and bustle, you might feel a little out of place at first.

Is Bellingham Right for You?

Okay, after all this, let’s cut to the chase: Is Bellingham, WA a good place to live? For some people, absolutely. If you want access to the outdoors, a slower pace of life, and a strong sense of community, it’s a great fit. But it’s not perfect for everyone. The job market can be competitive in certain sectors, and housing is on the rise, so it’s something to keep in mind if you’re planning a move.

But hey, after living here for a couple of months now, I’m definitely leaning towards "yes." It’s quiet, but exciting. It’s small, but big enough to have what you need. Bellingham, Washington—it’s a hidden gem that might just surprise you.

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.