Sudden Valley (Bellingham) (Blaine: home, school, live)

[harlequincrow]

I did learn one thing that bothered me, and that was that some very large and beautiful trees are being planned for cutting because they "might fall over the roads." While I understand risk management, I think this might be overdoing it more than just a bit.

Just a few years ago, two beloved Whatcom residents were killed on the road to SV. Just driving along minding their own business and a tree blew down on their car, crushing it.

Yes, it can happen anywhere, but it's better to be safe than sorry.

[poogie777]

Originally Posted by harlequincrow

I did learn one thing that bothered me, and that was that some very large and beautiful trees are being planned for cutting because they "might fall over the roads." While I understand risk management, I think this might be overdoing it more than just a bit.

Just a few years ago, two beloved Whatcom residents were killed on the road to SV. Just driving along minding their own business and a tree blew down on their car, crushing it.

Yes, it can happen anywhere, but it's better to be safe than sorry.

That's no kidding! Too much wind and rain around the places where there are new houses going up can be hazardous! I know it's not just where there is new construction, however,
we heard of one neighbor who (2 years ago January..Superbowl time) had 7 trees fall on their house out here. They were also in an area with new construction. That loosens up those big beautiful trees roots and makes them unstable.
I'd protect human life over a tree, too, to uproot a few don't bother me.
I remember that elder couple when I'm driving and it's rainy and windy...it really is kind of scary, but other than that I never tire of the drive out here it's so beautiful all year around.

[anotherbennett]

Sudden valley is an abortion. Its an ugly planned community shoved in the hills along the south/west of Lake Whatcom. It is serviced by one road in and out which becomes a parade during rush hour. I wouldn't live there on a bet. When my daughters had friends to be picked up or dropped off in Sudden Valley (I live in town) I would always say "Have their parents pick them up, they chose Sudden Valley".

[jojo7]

Originally Posted by anotherbennett

Sudden valley is an abortion. Its an ugly planned community shoved in the hills along the south/west of Lake Whatcom. It is serviced by one road in and out which becomes a parade during rush hour. I wouldn't live there on a bet. When my daughters had friends to be picked up or dropped off in Sudden Valley (I live in town) I would always say "Have their parents pick them up, they chose Sudden Valley".

Wow, I never heard anyone describe Sudden Valley so negatively. Well, different strokes for different folks as they say. I guess that is what this forum is all about "opinions". Swede in CA should make a visit to make their own judgement. I plan on doing that myself and visit Sudden Valley to see if it's an area I would like to purchase a vacation home. I definitely plan on posting back upon my return.

[poogie777]

Originally Posted by anotherbennett

Sudden valley is an abortion. Its an ugly planned community shoved in the hills along the south/west of Lake Whatcom. It is serviced by one road in and out which becomes a parade during rush hour. I wouldn't live there on a bet. When my daughters had friends to be picked up or dropped off in Sudden Valley (I live in town) I would always say "Have their parents pick them up, they chose Sudden Valley".

Negative or jealous or both? Lake Whatcom Blvd is not the only road in and out. Lake Louise is another and just as beautiful a drive as around the lake.... I love parades!

[Sarabarasara]

Hello Swede in CA,

I am currently a "Swede in FL" who recently bought a house in Sudden Valley. We are looking at heading up there as soon as the schools near ending in the spring. Are you still looking at the area? Know of any SWEA groups or anything like that up there, or will I have to travel to IKEA to get my fill??lol!
/s

[Truly Heartless]

Originally Posted by jojo7

Wow, I never heard anyone describe Sudden Valley so negatively. Well, different strokes for different folks as they say. I guess that is what this forum is all about "opinions". Swede in CA should make a visit to make their own judgement. I plan on doing that myself and visit Sudden Valley to see if it's an area I would like to purchase a vacation home. I definitely plan on posting back upon my return.

Back in the 80's, before Bellingham and the surrounding areas benefited from the national news article (Top Places To Retire), Sudden Valley was considered too dark (too many trees drowning out the sun) and too far from town.

Later on, it was whispered that there were a lot of drug dealers living there. After the article came out, and there was a boom on Sudden Valley, many of the "shady" (lol) residents sold and went up to Maple Falls to do their thing.

Now, Sudden Valley is mostly comprised of newbies from Southern California. It has been greatly improved in almost every area. Some areas are extremely dark so if you are considering purchasing a home or a lot be sure it gets some sun.

[inuitboater]

I've had some earlier posts about Sudden Valley, and now I'm living out here. Here are my impressions from the past 3 months of being a resident.

It's a beautiful place, and I've found that my neighbors are very friendly and welcoming. If you don't like trees, you won't like it here, but it makes the place very special. As earlier reported by another writer, there ARE 2 roads in and out, with Lake Louise Road by far the more narrow and hilly (as well as scenic, unless you want to ogle Lake Whatcom's overdeveloped waterfront most of the way on the other route). The houses ARE pretty jammed in, but the plethora of trees augments that, at least for me. Part of my background is in development planning, and my group NEVER would have approved this level of density or the road "standards."

The area just came through the worst winter storms since the 1990s, and SV was pretty well shut down (but, then, so was virtually every community from the Canadian border to Seattle, including Seattle). Homeowners here who lived in the upper reaches of the development had to abandon their cars and hike in for several days. The narrowness and steepness of the roads, the lack of snow plows (a problem NOT unique to SV), ice, and deep snow made driving treacherous and/or impossible for days. I deliberately didn't buy a place high up in the development for that reason and am very glad. There are a lot of VERY steep driveways out here that were impassable too; take that into consideration.

The 2008 Annual Members' Meeting was very sparcely attended and not terribly impressive. The General Manager, instead of a detailed wrap-up of the Community Association's business, gave a "pep talk" that was more akin to a locker room at half time. During the storm, I sent him an email with some concerns and never received a reply, which is disappointing. The volunteer Board of Directors seemed to be knowlegable and dedicated.

Sudden Valley is not Utopia, but what is? I'm finding, in my brief time living here (thus far), that I enjoy it. It's not downtown Bellingham, but it's not a terrible drive (well, when there's not 10' of snow...). There are some good prices on property available, but one should be careful to note access concerns and hire a good inspector, as quality is uneven (as it is anywhere).

[Loriandrandy]

I've lived in Bellingham for eight years and I don't like it. The economy is depressed, there are very few jobs, small businesses and restaurants are dropping like flies, groceries are CRAZY expensive, there is virtually no culture, the middle class is shrinking (it's really rich or really poor, for the most part), there's NOTHING to do in the winter except go to a rundown theater and see a movie. all the pub/bars are college hangouts, winters are looonnng, dreary and dark, there are few decent restaurants and no really good ones...need I say more? The best thing about Bellingham is its proximity to Vancouver BC (1-1/2 hours), Seattle (same), and the San Juan Islands. It hasn't got much else going for it.

[inuitboater]

Originally Posted by Loriandrandy

I've lived in Bellingham for eight years and I don't like it. The economy is depressed, there are very few jobs, small businesses and restaurants are dropping like flies, groceries are CRAZY expensive, there is virtually no culture, the middle class is shrinking (it's really rich or really poor, for the most part), there's NOTHING to do in the winter except go to a rundown theater and see a movie. all the pub/bars are college hangouts, winters are looonnng, dreary and dark, there are few decent restaurants and no really good ones...need I say more? The best thing about Bellingham is its proximity to Vancouver BC (1-1/2 hours), Seattle (same), and the San Juan Islands. It hasn't got much else going for it.

Sorry your experience with Bellingham is so negative, so negative in fact is your portrayal that it doesn't even sound like the community in which I chose to live. Economic conditions are tough all over the country, not just in Bellingham; and I think the statistics that I've seen published show things to be not significantly worse (and even somewhat better) than in other parts of the US. I'm not minimizing the problem, but I think the above writer is overstating it.

"Nothing to do?" With the university and an active community, there seems to be plenty of choices. I see listings for clubs and classes at the community college, in my subdivision, and around town. I've found people very friendly and welcoming to a newcomer. One does have to get out and get involved, however. It's not like the welcome wagon comes to pick you up and take you to something you want to do.

I couldn't disagree more about the restaurant situation. In just a short time, I've found a wide variety of eateries with a nice range of choices and price points. I would like to find a pizza place that serves good old fashioned sausage-pepperoni-mushroom pizza, instead of the pricey "gourmet" variety; but I bet I will.

Are there lots of college students? Sure. It's a university/community college/vocational college town! If one doesn't like young people, or can't "ignore" them, one won't be happy here. However, there's an energy here that non-college towns don't have -- and believe me, I've lived there too. If you want true desolation, pick a backwards, redneck, small town.

My main complaints are drivers chatting away on cell phones (against the law) and not paying attention. There are some serious development standards issues that should be addressed, but that's not an uncommon problem elsewhere either. If the town and port authority can get their acts together, they have a huge opportunity for economic development (jobs, more cultural and educational possibilities, and a more vibrant downtown, etc.) with the redevelopment on the waterfront. THAT should be a big concern.

Here's someone who DOES like Bellingham.