Lake Whatcom

Northshore Homes: A thumbnail sketch of the quiet side Lake Whatcom

A heartfelt thanks for the new construction on Northshore Drive, as it curves around the Silver Beach.  It’s a great drive, even better ride on a bike or motorcycle, but with the new paving, it’s a quieter ride.  And it sets the stage for the next 19 miles of the road that runs along the perimeter of Lake Whatcom (“noisy water” if you’re interested).

Northshore Drive turns to Northshore Road in a phase out that can only be compared to when they switched moms on Fresh Prince of Bel Aire, though you’d hardly notice with the homes that line up to greet as you drive south along the lake side. Passing the southern side of Silver Beach neighborhoods, and the other half of the bisected Academy Street, the road takes you past a smattering of the more elusive mistresses of the real estate market, the lake front home.

And there’s been a dry spell in sales here, which will be great inventory to bring into the summer, where this section of Bellingham really begins to shine.  About 37 homes are currently on the market on this stretch of lake road. mostly 3 and 4 bedroom (around 32 of the listings) and averaging a little under 2900 square feet.  Where some of my clients have really found hurdles has been in the age of the homes.  Some off them have needed updating, and some have reached the level of maturity where preventative maintenance has done all it can, and things need replacing, which is a great segue into the new 203(k) loan you can ask your REALTOR about.

Future residents should be prepared to learn about septic systems, their upkeep, their half-lives, and the incredible array of them that now exist, including ultra-violet filtration systems.   Look for well agreements, shared road provisions, and for the 23 homes on the market that have docks?Walk out on them, and see what sort of shape their in.  The days of replacing your decking with 2 X 4’s from the tree fort the county condemned because your boy needs a few more hours watching Bob the Builder? They’re over, and there are new conditions for material.

Homes on the Eastern side of Northshore Road show more acreage than a prospective owner are used to, as 21 of the listings have at least 1 acre.

And knowing that if you’re commuting to the highway, you have a few options for getting out to it, rather than winding back through town to hit Britton, or Lakeway.

I can only pray to the Gods that the restaurant that is on the corner of Y road, and Northshore, opens back again, and continues to serve some of the best Eggs Benedict since that turncoat sold us out, and wrecked the deliciousness of Hollandaise with the bitter taste of treachery. Grammy’s, you will be missed.

It’s country living on the lake, and a stones throw from Mount Baker Highway and the Northshore Trail.

Lake Whatcom

Bloedel Donovan Park

One of Bellingham’ s most popular parks is Bloedel Donovan Park.  It is at the northwest end of Lake Whatcom.  On any sunny summer day, the place is a small sea of humanity,  lots of folks with their blankets spread out on the grass and the  kids swimming and playing in the water. Picnicker’s abound and the boat parking lot is full of boat trailers. Water skiers, share the lake with kayakers and jet skis. In the winter it’s on off leash area for dogs.

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There are many great Lake front and Lake View homes around the lake. If your intersted in seeing any give me a call

Lake Whatcom

Geneva Neighborhoods

The Geneva Community is located on the northwest shore of Lake Whatcom, opposite of North Shore Drive. This residential neighborhood is known for its abundance of Evergreens and view homes. The majority of homes here are on larger lots and the area in general is pretty quiet, besides the slight traffic on Cable Street used mostly by Sudden Valley residents to get on Lake Whatcom Boulevard.

Geneva is home to three schools, two being private (one of them Christian), and all are well known for being great schools. Geneva tends to attract families because of the schools assigned to the neighborhood.

Lake Whatcom

Sudden Valley Real Estate

Sudden Valley is a golf course community, located in the southeast corner of Bellingham and on the west shores of Lake Whatcom and in 1500 acres of dense foliage. Even though Sudden Valley is only 15 minutes from downtown Bellingham, it functions as its own unique community, with an active association in place.

Residents take advantage of the amenities, which include an 18-hole Championship Golf Course, a recreation center, two outdoor pools, a brand new health club and coffee barn, a theater, various sports fields, AM/PM beaches, and a strip mall with a gas station, a bank, a postal center, a fantastic Italian restaurant, a convenience store, a video store, etc. Sudden Valley also has a great spa and a Bob’s Burger and Brew in one of six gates, Gate 2.

Lake Whatcom

North Shore Drive Neighborhood

North Shore Road begins just outside the city limits of Bellingham and runs along the base of Squalicum and Stuart mountains on the northeast side of Lake Whatcom. A continuation of Northshore Dr. in the Silver Beach Neighborhood, North Shore Rd. runs close to the shoreline of the lake for a little more than five miles before it ends.

This upscale residential neighborhood has many nice waterfront homes. Most waterfront homes here have private docks, beautiful views and enjoy the warm afternoon and evening sun. Lake Whatcom is used by residents for boating, swimming, fishing, water skiing, and kayaking.

Lake Whatcom

Alabama Hill Neighborhood

The Alabama Hill neighborhood is named for the major arterial street that bisects the neighborhood, Alabama Street. It is perched on the Hill where many of the homes in this neighborhood take full advantage of the beautiful views of the city, Bellingham Bay and the islands beyond, with fantastic sunsets like the picture to the left available to many of the neighborhood residents. Most of the homes were built during the 60s and 70s.

Whatcom Falls Park is at the south end of the neighborhood, there are a few small neighborhood parks like St. Clair and Highland Heights Park and one of Bellingham’s hidden treasures Big Rock Garden Park with its beautiful array of outdoor sculptures. The neighborhood also borders below Bloedel-Donovan Park and access to Lake Whatcom. The popular Railroad Trail winds through the neighborhood as well.

Students in this neighborhood attended Roosevelt elementary, Whatcom Middle School and Bellingham High School.