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Bellingham, WA is a mid-sized city of about 90,000 tucked between the Cascades and Bellingham Bay in the far northwest corner of the state. Western Washington University sits on a forested hillside above town, and its students give the place a young, outdoorsy energy that spills into the neighborhoods. You'll find students spread across Sehome, Happy Valley, the York neighborhood, South Hill, and downtown, with the historic Fairhaven district to the south offering its own walkable core. Boulevard Park and the South Bay Trail link the waterfront, and the bay, the islands, and Mount Baker are all within easy reach. Between the farmers market, festivals, and a steady arts scene, Bellingham feels like a real city surrounded by mountains and water.
Sits right below campus and is the closest, most convenient pick for walking to WWU, with a mix of apartments and houses. It keeps you steps from class.
Just south, this is a longtime student stronghold with shared houses and a laid-back feel, well served by bus. It is a popular, affordable student zone.
East of downtown, York draws students who want a friendly, diverse area with character-filled older homes. It blends community feel and access.
Here's what you need to know about getting around Bellingham.
Whatcom Transportation Authority (WTA) runs the buses, with the downtown Bellingham Station as the main hub. Frequent service runs up to WWU, so students who live near a line can leave the car parked. Routes connect the campus neighborhoods, downtown, and Fairhaven. The system covers most student areas well.
The campus neighborhoods like Sehome and Happy Valley are walkable to class, and downtown and Fairhaven both have tight, pedestrian-friendly cores. Biking is big here, helped by the South Bay Trail and Boulevard Park, which connect downtown to Fairhaven along the water in about two and a half scenic miles. The hills are real, so expect a workout on a bike. Walking handles daily life near campus.
A car is useful for trips to Mount Baker, the islands, or a big grocery run. Day to day, plenty of WWU students get by on the bus, a bike, and their feet. A vehicle mainly earns its keep on out-of-town trips. Check parking near campus before you lease.
Common questions from students searching for housing.
It depends on size and how many roommates you bring, but students often see rooms in shared houses from about $600 to $900 a month, while studios and one-bedrooms typically land between $1,000 and $1,400. Happy Valley and the York neighborhood tend to be friendlier on the wallet than spots right next to campus.
Browse student housing near each Bellingham-area university.