Apartments for Rent in Bellingham, WA

Known as the "City of Subdued Excitement," Bellingham sits nestled between the Salish Sea and Mount Baker, offering renters a perfect blend of outdoor adventure and small-town charm. Located 90 miles north of Seattle and just 21 miles south of the Canadian border, this coastal college town combines stunning natural beauty with a thriving arts scene and craft brewery culture that has earned national recognition.

Bellingham's rental landscape features many boutique apartment communities and townhomes, particularly in historic Fairhaven with its Victorian-era brick buildings and access to Boulevard Park. Downtown offers renovated lofts above local shops along Holly Street and Railroad Avenue, while areas near Western Washington University provide more modern housing options. The South Hill and Edgemoor neighborhoods feature homes overlooking Bellingham Bay and Lummi Island, and Sehome offers a mix of classic and contemporary rentals near the Sehome Arboretum.

The city's economy centers around healthcare, education, and outdoor recreation industries, with PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center and Western Washington University among the largest employers. Commuters enjoy relatively light traffic with average drive times under 20 minutes to most locations within the city. The Whatcom Transportation Authority provides public transit throughout the area, while Bellingham International Airport connects residents to major West Coast destinations. Outdoor enthusiasts appreciate the proximity to Mount Baker Ski Area in winter and paddling opportunities in Bellingham Bay and the Nooksack River during warmer months. The city maintains over 80 parks and an extensive network of trails, including the popular Interurban Trail connecting downtown to Larrabee State Park.