The Pros and Cons of Living in Bellingham, Washington
Thinking about making Bellingham your home? If you’ve Googled us, you’ve probably seen the photos of snow-capped Mount Baker, the sparkling bay, and our famously outdoorsy lifestyle. But what’s it actually like to live here day to day?
I’ve spent years living, working, and raising my family in Bellingham. I know the quirks, the highlights, and the challenges of this corner of the Pacific Northwest. Below, I’ll share the biggest pros and cons of calling Bellingham home—straight from a local’s point of view.
(Original inspiration for this post came from Aldo at LeVain Real Estate Team — worth checking out for another take!)
Pro #1: An Outdoor Playground
Bellingham is one of those rare places where you can ski in the morning, mountain bike in the afternoon, and end your day watching the sunset over the bay. From Mt. Baker’s legendary powder to endless hiking and biking trails, rivers, and lakes, the natural beauty here is unmatched.
Even if you’re not pitching a tent every weekend, simply being outside here feels special. The city keeps adding parks, pump tracks, and waterfront spaces—perfect for a Saturday picnic or a casual beer at one of the many family-friendly breweries.
Pro #2: The Perfect Location
We’re strategically tucked between Seattle and Vancouver, B.C. That means you get access to two world-class cities (and their airports, concerts, and pro sports) without having to actually live in the middle of the chaos.
Whistler, Leavenworth, or a Seahawks game? All doable in a day trip. Meanwhile, you still come home to quiet streets, fresh air, and bay views.
Pro #3: Community That Shows Up
Despite a population of around 100,000, Bellingham still feels like a small town. Local businesses thrive because residents genuinely support them. The Farmers Market, Downtown Sounds concerts, and summer festivals are proof that community is alive and well here.
Pro #4: Great Place for Families
Raising kids here feels almost old-school. Summers are warm but not too hot, winters rarely bring extreme cold, and kids spend more time outside than inside. Parents connect easily—whether at parks, schools, or yes, even at breweries.
Bonus Pro: Golf & Mountain Biking Heaven
Galbraith Mountain has put Bellingham on the map for world-class mountain biking. Add in several scenic golf courses with mountain views, and you’ve got two thriving recreational communities baked into the lifestyle here.
Con #1: The Winters Can Wear on You
Our summers are glorious, but the tradeoff is long, gray winters. The short days in January and February can feel endless if you’re coming from sunnier states. The drizzle is tolerable—it’s the lack of sunshine that gets to people.
Con #2: The Cost of Living is Rising
Housing is the biggest hurdle. With median home prices pushing past $800,000, affordability is tough, especially when you compare prices to average local incomes. Groceries and gas aren’t cheap either, so newcomers definitely feel the pinch.
Con #3: Growing Pains of a Bigger City
Like many fast-growing places, Bellingham has seen increases in homelessness, drug use, and petty crime in some areas—particularly downtown. Most neighborhoods still feel safe, but it’s a reality worth noting.
Con #4: Food Scene is a Work in Progress
We’ve got some fantastic breweries, solid pubs, and a few standout restaurants. But if you’re after a wide variety of authentic international cuisine or Michelin-level dining, the options are limited compared to Seattle, Portland, or Vancouver.
Pros & Cons Snapshot
Pros:
Incredible access to the outdoors
Perfectly placed between Seattle & Vancouver
Strong community support
Family-friendly vibe
World-class mountain biking & golf
Cons:
Long, gray winters
High cost of living
Visible homelessness in city center
Limited dining variety
Is Bellingham Right for You?
This city is an amazing fit if you’re a nature lover, a remote worker wanting balance, or a family looking for a slower pace with strong community roots.
On the flip side, if endless sunshine, big-city nightlife, or a robust public transit system are non-negotiables, Bellingham may be a harder adjustment.
Bottom Line: Bellingham is a rare mix of stunning scenery, active lifestyle, and small-town feel with growing-city amenities. For many, it’s exactly the balance they’ve been searching for.
Curious about the original version of this post? Check out Aldo’s blog here.
