rental houses in Bellingham (Lynden, Ferndale: rentals, job transfer, elementary schools)

[karelise]

We are relocating (job transfer) to Bellingham and are having trouble finding a nice, family-friendly house for rent for about $1400 a month within the city. We've been scouring Craig's List as well as property management companies and the local newspaper but we're mostly finding dilapidated stuff, student housing, or super high-end (i.e. $2000 and up). Anybody from the area have any suggestions as to where to look? We need a decent house in good condition and close to good public elementary schools.

Thanks!

[CoastieTX]

I've been here for six years now and have studied the housing market inside and out, and you're not going to like what I have to say. You, and me, have arrived in Bellingham at least a decade too late. This is a great place to live if you're a college student renting a dump with five other roommates, or a rich retiree. Middle class family? Look at Lynden or Ferndale, they actually allow middle class family friendly homes to be built!

The sad truth of the matter is the city approves building permits at a snail's pace and at a king's ransom price, and 80,000+ people are now crammed into housing which can accommodate about 50,000. If it makes you feel any better, you are not the only family falling victim to the local housing situation. 50% of Bellingham rents! The supposed "free market," at least as far as housing in concerned here, is a misnomer; the city has effectively cut off supply and curtailed all growth for middle class families. But the city will be very, very accommodating if you're looking at $600K homes and their associated property tax revenues.

The only other advice I can give you is to seek an acceptable rental which will be re-rented quickly in the event you break your lease for a more desirable location. The rental vacancy rate here is something like less than 2% so chances are if you break a lease, the place will be re-rented quickly. Keep scouring Craigslist and the property management company advertisements, and be quick to jump on something before WWU starts in the fall.

Welcome to good 'ole Bellingham!

[karelise]

I appreciate your honesty and it seems to make sense given what I've been seeing thus far. Either low-end college digs or very high beach-y places. Very little middle ground for professionals and families from what I can tell....sigh.

[djdawg321]

Don't give up hope...there are rentals to be had out there. I lived in a really decent home a few yrs ago in the Fountain district for $1200...they are out there...keep at it. Oh, and thank the current political/liberal climate for the jacked up prices on new housing, etc. sigh....