Columbia

Columbia is the neighborhood Bellingham locals get quietly competitive about. People who live here tend to mention it within five minutes of meeting you. It is one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods, and it wears its history well: the Eldridge Historical District at the southern end features grand Victorian and Edwardian homes, while further north the homes get smaller — Craftsman bungalows and modest mid-century houses — but the sense of community does not diminish.

The Culture

What makes Columbia special is the culture. This is a neighborhood where people know their neighbors, where Elizabeth Park fills up on summer evenings with families having picnics under the tree canopy. The Columbia Neighborhood Association is active and engaged. Goods Local Brews and Elizabeth Station provide walkable evening options without needing to go downtown.

The Price of Charm

The trade-off is price. At roughly $765,000 median and rising, Columbia costs about 20% more than the Bellingham average. The housing stock often means small closets, single bathrooms, and converted garages. You are paying for the neighborhood, not the square footage. Homes sell in an average of 16 days.