Snow In North Washington (Bellingham, Birch Bay: environment, real estate, for sale)

[coltoncity]

I was wondering if it snowed a lot in northern Washington. If it does it should brighten things up during the winter. I am inquiring in particular around Bellingham up to the border.

Thanks so much!

[scirocco22]

I wouldn't say it necessarily snows a lot in the Bellingham area. Whatcom county does get more snow and colder temperatures than the rest of western Washington because of the bitter cold winds and temperatures that come down from the Fraser River Valley.


--'rocco

[coltoncity]

thanks for the info. I was looking at homes for sale in Blaine and they have snow on the ground. I was kinda hoping some of that precipitation was snow.

[WA2TN]

We live in Bellingham, in a place called Sudden Valley. We have beautiful trees, a lake and a golf course. We get a little more snow than Bellingham because of elevation. It usually sticks for a few days to a week. We had 3 different snowfalls this year. Mostly during the holiday season. We love it up here, the amount of snow we get is perfect...just enough to enjoy, but not enough to bother. And the summers are unbeatable!

www.suddenvalley.com

[coltoncity]

Sudden Valley is really cool! I am trying to find a map and home prices.
Thanks I need to have a thought about what places to visit when i go check the area out.

[ejmatl]

Snow in the area is sporadic. In the six years I lived there, we had a few "normal winters" (one or two storms that lasted through the night, cancelled school the following day - then melted). We also had a few really "wow, where did that come from" winters (like this past one). My dear ex, who still lives in BC, even had multiple "snow days off from work" this year and last.

If you're looking for "winter wonderland" every year, this area isn't for you. If, though, you can manage a few "normal winters" in anticipation of the rough ones we've had recently, then it might be worth considering.

Oh, be forewarned especially if you end up in Birch Bay/Blaine area: Snowplows don't exist. You'll need to learn to drive on packed down snow over ice.

eileen

[Destiny77]

I too am looking for nice annual snow to move to in WA. Sudden Valley sounded great but then the next post said it is not "winter wonderland"? It's hard cause I'm in Florida so what exactly is a "normal winter"? I just want some community/town life not too far away for daily commute, mountains, 4 seasons, good area for 8 year old to grow up with some nature and 4 seasons instead of 12 months of sunshine and not much visual change to the environment. Would like snow in the yard to play in every year. Coming from Fla though I dont think it will take much for us to appreciate and enjoy. It's not like we're coming from Colorado. Just dont want to move somewhere and only have 1 inch of snow every 2 years or something like that. Want to live where there is snowboarding/sking not too far away.

[Skytripper]

A typical winter up here in the Bellingham area DOES consist of a little snow.....but there are definitely other times when we get dumped on in a big way.....like last November/December. 18 inches of snow in one storm right before Thanksgiving '06 in Birch Bay (and that's AT sea level)! The snow messed up the roads pretty good for a full week.
Ususally though.....snowstorms consist of 2"-5" and melt fairly soon, but there are times when northern Whatcom County in particular......really get some serious snow and bitter cold from winds that come down from the northeast....from the Fraser River Valley of lower British Columbia.
All and all.......you GET your 4 seasons here.
Others would agree though.....you get only 2.....WET and DRY.

[dcgirl]

Originally Posted by WA2TN

We live in Bellingham, in a place called Sudden Valley. We have beautiful trees, a lake and a golf course. We get a little more snow than Bellingham because of elevation. It usually sticks for a few days to a week. We had 3 different snowfalls this year. Mostly during the holiday season. We love it up here, the amount of snow we get is perfect...just enough to enjoy, but not enough to bother. And the summers are unbeatable!

Sudden Valley Community Association -

I get real estate information since my husband and I are looking to retire to the Western Washington area in a couple of years. There always seems to be quite a few houses for sale in Sudden Valley. Is there a reason for this? Also, looking at the covenants, it seems pretty restrictive. Do they really make you submit flowerbed plans or ask permission before installing, say, an exterior door light?

[Skytripper]

I have other postings on this board pertaining to Sudden Valley.....and like I have mentioned there ARE negatives to living there.
It IS very beautiful....BUT.....
I believe there are issues with the water....or supply.
More mold, clogged gutters, etc.
MANY evergreens that keep it quite dark much of the time.
MORE rainfall.
Lots of propane heating tanks at many homes.
Quite a variety of homes.....ranging from VERY pricey to a bit above the poverty level....all in fairly close proximity. Although....the more expensive, nicer and newer homes tend to be along the lake for the most part.
Hilly, winding, often narrow streets which CAN become treacherous in the winter, etc. etc.
As far as the sheer number of homes "For Sale" goes......this is true in ALL areas of Whatcom Co. at this time as the RE market here IS about like many other parts of the country right now....definitely a buyers market!
Many homes under 400k.....are just NOT selling here.....even more so.....if they are older homes, IMO.
Other than that....Sudden Valley.....IS nice.