Bellingham, the ugly truth.... (Lynden, Pacific: low income, balloon payment, rentals)

[Screenial]

As a border patrol agent, I assume you need to be a drivable distance from the border? If so, I think Maple Falls would be too far a commute, especially with the price of gas lately. Have you looked in the Everson, Custer, Sumas areas? I moved away from Bellingham 4 years ago ( after 20 years), so I'm not sure how much the housing prices have gone up there, but it would be a more reasonable commute to the border.

A couple of warnings; going to visit in the summer is great, that's when I go visit friends, but it is by no means an accurate taste of the weather that you will be facing most of the year. Also, when you speak of beaches, they are not really beaches. It's the Puget Sound, so it many of the beaches are rocky and the water is too cold to swim in.

[Linson]

gotcha. the Border Patrol Station is actually in Bellingham, so, any driving to the border would be done on the Government's dime. but, i do appreciate the warning.

are there at least some sandy beaches?

and yeah, i know the Pacific Ocean is too cold to swim there, just like everywhere else on the west coast except maybe San Diego. would i be correct in assuming that the rivers and streams are also too cold to swim in - even during the summer?

truth be told, i beleive can get more enjoyment out of two weeks in the summer up there than i can in a whole year in, say, El Paso, Texas.

btw, what's a gallon of gas going for in the Bellingham area right now? where i live it is $3.07 for regular unleaded.

[Screenial]

There are a few weeks out of the year where people can go down the Nooksack River on inner-tubes, it's quite fun. Some parts of the Nooksack River can be dangerous, so you you need to know which areas are safe.

There are a few sandy beaches, like in Birch Bay, but it's more of the mucky clamming type of sandy beach. I was just clamming there last summer, they were everywhere.

[racechick73]

I was born and raised here in Whatcom County (34 now), and I agree with RC. This area is overpriced. In my opinion, housing here is not only WAY too expensive, but corrupt. When I was younger, it was a safe, quiet and affordable county. Now drugs and crime are rampant, jobs don't pay worth a darn, and yet people spend STUPID amounts of money to live here. Why?! We choose to live on one income so I can stay home with the kids, and that's our choice. We have recently moved back to the area and were barely able to even purchase a home. I guess I was gone too long- because I thought it would be a good idea to move back here! I'm trying to figure out why RC can't afford to buy a home. We are able to do it on one income (no college degree there, either), but we sure aren't driving BMWs around. Prioritize, my friend! Get out of B-Town- the schools are better anyway. Or do you need a fancy neighborhood to match your fancy car?! My opinion of this county- IT SUCKS! We're working on getting the heck out of Western Washington altogether- it's all overpriced, overcrowded, and over-liberal!

[racechick73]

About the beaches- Birch Bay is gross- it's dirty (rumor has it they're still pumping sewer into it, but how could that be, with all the environmentalists that have taken charge around here!), and it stinks. The nearest clean sandy beach would be in Ocean Shores or Westport. Lake Padden is awesome, though, with a sort-of grassy beach thing going on. Great trail around it, too. And of course Lake Whatcom is a fun place in the summer too!

[stuckinCDA]

I'm glad to read all of this. My husband and I have considered moving from CDA, ID to Bellingham (he is originally from Smokey Point). But, there is no way I will let him talk me into it now. He thought the only downside would be us finding jobs. I am with racechick and think I will avoid W. WA altogether. Plus, the traffic over there really does suck!

[racechick73]

Well I'd be in CDA in a heartbeat if I could! Now that is a beautiful area! Is housing still pretty high there? We had looked in Post Falls a few years ago, and it seemed to be climbing right up there with CDA. Unfortunately there aren't any job options there for my husband.
I hope I didn't sound too mean and nasty about this area. I'm actually a very nice person, ha ha! But it is just so disheartening seeing what's happening to the community I grew up in and used to love. Good luck to you guys with your endeavors!

[Screenial]

Out of curiosity I checked what the houses are currently going for in Whatcom County I guess it doesn't seem that bad compared to some places in Cali, but what the heck happened?????

Ironically, I ran into someone from B'ham yesterday. We both moved to So Cal desert a few years ago. We were joking about the guilt of spending a sunny day indoors when you live in Bellingham, and the depression that sets in around November. We both agreed it was okay living there the first few years, but after a while the dampness and clouds got to us. My daughter still lives in Bellingham, but she's looking to get out.

[Linson]

Originally Posted by racechick73

. Prioritize, my friend! Get out of B-Town- the schools are better anyway. Or do you need a fancy neighborhood to match your fancy car?!

umm...was that directed at me???

[racechick73]

Absolutely not, Linson! It was directed to rccarguy- what I meant by that comment was that he & his wife are probably driving new vehicles with huge payments. I don't work, and my husband makes about $60-$70 a year, and we're still managing to buy a home. Why can't they with TWO incomes? I agree, housing costs are ridiculously high and stupid, but it can be done if you cut back a little; drive modest vehicles and live in a modest home, outside of B'ham. Plus, most of the county schools are better, anyway.