Homes for sale in Bellingham, WA range from historic craftsman houses near Bellingham Bay to newer condos and townhomes close to shopping, schools, and trails. Buyers see a mix of classic Northwest design, established neighborhoods, and planned communities near everyday services and bus lines.
Bellingham real estate also offers rural-feeling options near Lake Samish, Lake Whatcom, and along the Mount Baker Highway toward Deming and the ski area. Many buyers compare city neighborhoods with nearby communities such as Sudden Valley, Ferndale, and Lynden before deciding where to focus their search.
Paulina Antczak and Jacson Bevens help buyers sort through these choices, understand current market trends, and line up the right inspections and financing so each decision is based on clear data rather than guesswork.
Neighborhoods and Property Types
Bellingham has distinct neighborhoods, each with its own housing stock and price range. Near downtown and the waterfront, you’ll see older craftsman homes, small bungalows, and condos with bay or city views. Fairhaven mixes historic buildings with newer view condos and townhomes above the village.
North of downtown, Columbia, Cornwall Park, and Sunnyland offer tree‑lined streets, character homes, and mid‑century properties. These areas draw buyers who want established neighborhoods close to schools, parks, and the downtown core.
On the east side, Barkley Village, Whatcom Falls, and the Geneva area around Lake Whatcom lean toward newer construction, planned communities, and homes near trail systems and lakes. Cordata and Meridian neighborhoods include condos, townhomes, and single‑family homes close to big‑box retail and medical offices.
South and southeast of town, areas around Lake Samish and along Old Fairhaven Parkway tend to offer more trees, hillsides, and access toward Mount Baker or Skagit County. Investors often look near Western Washington University for multi‑family and rental properties with steady student demand.
Market Snapshot
Median sale price (all home types, Bellingham WA, Jan 2026): $646,640
Median days on market: 46 days
Homes sold in the last month: 40
Sale‑to‑list price ratio: 99.1%
Homes sold above list price: 37.5%
Homes with price drops: 19.0%
Competitiveness score: 76 out of 100 (very competitive)
What the Market Numbers Mean for You
Bellingham’s housing market is competitive and prices have been trending upward, but buyers still have room to compare neighborhoods and home types. Well‑prepared offers matter, especially on updated homes in popular areas near schools, Barkley Village, or the waterfront.
The data shows that many sellers are still achieving strong pricing, yet a meaningful share of listings adjust over time. Thoughtful timing, watching for price changes, and considering condos or townhomes can open more options. Pre‑approval, clear budget limits, and realistic expectations about condition help buyers move confidently when the right property appears.
Living in Bellingham as a Homebuyer
Living in Bellingham means being close to water, mountains, and a busy local business community. The city sits on Bellingham Bay, with Western Washington University above downtown and Mount Baker visible on clear days. Trails, bike routes, and parks connect many parts of town.
Daily life often centers around downtown and Fairhaven’s restaurants and shops, the Meridian corridor and Bellis Fair area for larger retail, and Barkley Village for offices, paths, and dining. Many residents work locally in education, healthcare, trades, and small businesses.
Bellingham is roughly midway between Seattle and Vancouver, BC along I‑5, which appeals to people who want access to larger cities without living in them. The climate is classic Northwest: mild temperatures, regular rain in winter, and comfortable summers for hiking, boating, and riding Galbraith.
Your Local Real Estate Expert
Paulina Antczak and Jacson Bevens are full‑time Bellingham real estate agents with Windermere Real Estate Whatcom, Inc., based at 515 W Bakerview Rd. Together they bring a blend of deep local knowledge, construction insight, and high‑volume experience to every buyer.
Paulina is a Certified Listing Specialist and has closed over 408 career transactions with more than $252 million in sales volume. She’s in the top 1% of Realtors in Whatcom County, named the 2024 Whatcom County Realtor of the Year, and recognized as a 2026 Top Agent in Bellingham WA and 2026 5‑star Agent by FastExpert.
Jacson is a lifelong Whatcom County resident and WWU graduate. He has completed over 241 career transactions for more than $138 million in volume, also ranking in the top 1% of local Realtors. He’s known for transparent advice, a 2024 FastExpert 5‑star Agent recognition, and 350+ 5‑star reviews.
They specialize in residential sales, condos, multi‑family investments, and Bellingham Bay and lake‑area properties, walking buyers through inspections typical for older Northwest homes and hillside lots.
Schools, Commutes, & Daily Logistics
Most homes for sale in Bellingham feed into Bellingham Public Schools, including Bellingham, Sehome, and Squalicum High Schools, along with multiple elementary and middle schools. Edges of the city and nearby areas may fall into Meridian or Ferndale school districts, so buyers usually confirm assignments early in their search.
I‑5 runs north–south through town, connecting neighborhoods to downtown, Western Washington University, and PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center. Guide Meridian heads north toward Lynden; Old Fairhaven Parkway and Lakeway Drive link to Chuckanut Drive and the Lake Samish and Lake Whatcom areas.
Errands often revolve around the Meridian and Bellis Fair shopping area, Barkley Village, and Sehome Village. Paulina and Jacson often suggest buyers drive their likely commute at peak hours before finalizing an offer, just to be sure the location works day‑to‑day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Looking to buy a home or invest in real estate in Bellingham?
Bellingham attracts both owner‑occupants and investors. Proximity to Western Washington University, healthcare, and regional employers supports steady rental demand, while established neighborhoods appeal to long‑term residents. Investment potential depends on your budget, timeframe, and tolerance for repairs. Paulina and Jacson help analyze rents, expenses, zoning, and resale prospects for each property.
What is it like to live in Bellingham, WA?
Life in Bellingham balances outdoor access with a strong local business scene. Residents spend time on the bayfront, in parks like Whatcom Falls and Lake Padden, or skiing and hiking toward Mount Baker. The city has an active arts and music community, local breweries, and markets, all within a manageable, mid‑sized footprint.
What makes Bellingham a unique place to live?
Bellingham combines a working waterfront, a university, and quick access to both mountains and islands. You can paddle on Bellingham Bay, bike Galbraith, then grab dinner downtown or in Fairhaven without driving far. Its location between Seattle and Vancouver, BC, plus nearby lakes like Lake Whatcom and Lake Samish, gives it a distinct Northwest character.
Where did Bellingham, WA get its name?
Bellingham takes its name from Bellingham Bay, which was named in 1792 for Sir William Bellingham, a British official. The modern city formed in the early 1900s by consolidating several towns—Whatcom, Sehome, Fairhaven, and the original town of Bellingham—into one municipality along the bayfront.
How do I start the process of buying a home in Bellingham?
Most buyers begin by talking with a local lender to get pre‑approved, then clarifying must‑have features, school needs, and commute limits. From there, they review listings, tour homes, and refine neighborhoods. Once they choose a property, Paulina and Jacson guide them through writing an offer, inspections, appraisal, and closing.
How can I sell my home in Bellingham effectively?
To sell my home in Bellingham successfully, it's important to understand current market conditions and work with experienced agents who can position your property competitively.
What resources are available for first-time buyers in Bellingham?
For first-time buyers in Bellingham, there are various resources and guidance available to navigate the home-buying journey, from understanding the market to securing financing.
Are there any homebuyer programs available in Bellingham?
Yes, several homebuyer programs in Bellingham can assist eligible individuals with purchasing a home. These programs often provide financial aid or special loan options.