Sunnyland

The Brewery Neighborhood

Sunnyland has earned its reputation as Bellingham’s brewery neighborhood. The southern third was historically zoned industrial, with older homes converted to workshops. Starting with Kulshan Brewing in 2012, these spaces have been reimagined as taprooms, and the area now anchors Bellingham’s craft beer identity. On a summer evening, Kulshan’s patio is packed with families, dogs, and cyclists stopping mid-ride. Stemma West adds another option nearby.

Craftsman Character

The northern residential half tells a different story — one of 1920s Craftsman bungalows on tidy, compact lots, many lovingly maintained. The streets are flat and grid-patterned, making Sunnyland one of the easiest neighborhoods to navigate by bike. James Street serves as the commercial spine, with Avenue Bread and other casual spots drawing neighbors out.

Community Spirit

The Sunnyland Neighborhood Association has been active for over 25 years and runs the Sunnyland Stomp, annual picnic, yard sale, trick-or-treat, holiday caroling, and Earth Day events. The tradeoff is I-5 noise on the eastern edge and the industrial character in the south. But for many residents, that edge is exactly the appeal.