My opinions of some cities and towns in Whatcom County, Washington (Bellingham, Ferndale, Blaine, Custer, etc.)

[j_k_k]

Originally Posted by NWLambear

Our weather here in Ferndale is more akin to what Vancouver, BC has.

Ferndale? When are you changing the town's name to Lockerdale?

[Baldy]

Originally Posted by nullgeo

I never said crime was high in Bellingham ... it is, however, statistically moderate, not low ... and it is statistically on the rise. I don't make up the stats. Anyone can look up and confirm.

Bellingham is more quiet and safe than much of the west coat and B.C.? Yes ... compared to the big cities of the west coast ... if you compare similar sized towns to Bellingham, there is nothing notably safer or lower in crime about Bellingham. I am not trashing Bellingham or calling it dangerous. I was only moderating what I considered an inaccurate sttement about it by the O.P.

I live here. Been connected for 39 years. Also lived in San Francisco and Seattle. I grew up in Detroit, Philadelphia, and Wash. D.C. I know the difference between big city crime and Bellingham. B'ham is a nice small town. But it does have real crime. And its crime is growing with increased urbanization. People reading these Forums for research purposes deserve fair and honest information. This is a real nice area in most respects — but it is not Shangri-La up here.

And I'm saying that every square inch of America is seeing a rise in crime, so it is all relative.

[rkcarguy]

I see over and over again "job market". The job market here has always been a step-or two-behind the cost of living here.
To each there own, but research carefully. This "cute" place has it's hand out for your money via inflated property taxes and cost of living compared to pitiful earning opportunities.
Geechie, I'm sure more waitress, cashier, and maid jobs have been created....almost forgot the foot masseuse..

[NWLambear]

DH and I had a "time factor" when we came up here from California..to explore different areas. We feel we were very fortunate in our final choice of Ferndale, WA..for our retirement. I can still travel the "backroads" to get to where I need to go (for the most part). I still love being able to see the fields, farms, silos, etc. But its only a matter of time before those areas are swallowed up by development. So, we are enjoying them while we still have them. I know its difficult here for the younger...working generation. It's a struggle for a lot of people to survive, to make ends meet, to even find work. The grass is not always greener..so to speak....before you move be sure you have a network of resources and/friends or family, if possible.

[NWLambear]

Originally Posted by j_k_k

Ferndale? When are you changing the town's name to Lockerdale?

[JustCallMeTC]

Your comments about the weather being the same in parts of the county north of Bellingham aren't accurate. Once you get just north of the airport, it's gets colder and windier in the county.

As for Lynden, think Stepford Wives. If you're born again or deeply religious it's the perfect place. If you're liberal, avoid it all at costs. There is a very real undercurrent of exclusion for those not of the faith. The "if you don't mow your lawn we'll mow it for you" thing is way over the top as well.

Ferndale is a nice small town, but it is also more conservative than Bellingham, as are all other towns in the county. So if that's an issue to you, be aware.

[Blindtom]

" it is very rainy in this region for 7 months of the year, but that's what keeps everything so green"

Originally Posted by poogie777

Ya it is a bit wet up here, but I have always said the same as you commented, "... but that's what keeps everything so green."

"The grass is not always greener..so to speak...."