Lynden...nice place for a family? (Bellingham: fit in, crime, private schools)

[trix4u]

May be moving to Lynden with my family, we have two young children. Anyone who has lived there, can you give me some insight? Schools, crime? Good place to raise kids? Thanks ☺

[StealthRabbit]

do a search, There are several threads on this issue.

Basically, yes, good spot if you are not offended by a caring community, tho potentially a bit 'ingrown'.
Many folks of a 'liberal bent' are not keen on Lyden's conservative crowd, but there is plenty of space for the liberal bias in the 99.98% of remaining We_t Side WA land mass + the 'majority rule' political leanings. You can bet Lynden is not highly represented in the passage of statewide legislation. The politics of today don't even justify advertising campaigns outside of metro populations, as the rural vote does not matter. (the lack of ads can be a good thing).

Schools are great + some good choices of private schools, I had a friend move 300 miles to Lynden from another WA location, just for the HS experience of 2 of their 4 kids (After 2 previous disasters). The family did well, and the parents moved back to 'meth-ville' after the younger kids were off to college.

I just had this discussion with my recent WWU grad today. He really misses the area, and the great food, dairy products, (Ice Cream) and people of Lynden, even tho they didn't share political similarities.

[AlexJones]

I was there several times back in the eighties. Nice area. I have no idea what it's like these days.

[j_k_k]

Lynden is pretty Dutch in many respects. If you think you'd like living in a more religious Netherlands, it might appeal to you. If you want to fit in, add 'Van' before your last name. (Although if your last name is Shaughnessy or Suzuki or Moscowitz, this will probably backfire.)

[trix4u]

Thanks everyone ☺

[bethasmom]

Hi! I've lived in Lynden almost 22 years and I will tell you, LYNDEN IS A WONDERFUL PLACE TO LIVE!! We raised our 4 kids here and they all attended the Lynden public schools, (really good schools), there are many Churches here, (we go to North County Christ the King and would like to invite you and your family to visit us!!), and it makes for a close, caring and great community! There are great trails for walking and parks for the kids. It is a wonderful, safe, and friendly community to raise your family in. Hope your move goes well!
WELCOME!!
Betsy

[tmp20]

I live in Bellingham and every time I drive through Lynden I wished I lived there. It is a great place for a family, I haven't heard of crime there at all. I was just there for the county fair the other month.

[LeavingMN]

Like you, I moved to Lynden, WA recently from MN. Having been here now 15 months, I am 1000% happy. Lynden is beautiful. The people are very kind and friendly. I was nervous about this move and even posted on this forum prior to selecting this particular community. What I found in Lynden is that it is home to anyone who wants to live in a small town in a beautiful area of mountains and grape/raspberry/blueberry fields. Everyone has a dog; everyone walks their dogs along the many, many walking trails. I wish our MN-bred schnoodle was as well behaved as these Lynden ones.

Is Lynden overly religious? I have to weigh in with a 'no' as I would define 'overly religious' as someone who is zealous in their faith demonstration or in their evangelism. We know that we are surrounded by, for the most part, reform church christians but coming from MN where evangelicals and baptists reign, I have to say that the Lynden Christian practices their beliefs in their home and in their church. There are also a bit of British Columbians living in Lynden as this town in but 4-6 miles from the border. Many BCn's bought here when the US dollar was down. I live in a new housing neighborhood of about 10 homes and four of them are peopled with BCn's.

If you are already here in Lynden, have you been visited yet by the Lynden welcome wagon? This is WAY cool. A local woman dresses in traditional dutch clothing (that lace hat thing included) and delivers a large treat basket (worth it). She also answers any questions you have on the area. When she was here, we tagged her with walking trails, hiking routes, the best ocean views, etc. You get Bread from the Lynden Dutch bakery, cheese, etc. and a lot of coupons for free food and treats locally. No sales junk either. Just a business community 'welcome to Lynden - here's what we sell'.

Once in a while I do put a 'Van' in front of our last night - the locals laugh along with you on that. Most are Dutch, but not all.

Email me if you have any specific questions. I'm glad to help a new Lyndenite.

[JustCallMeTC]

Think Stepford Wives. Ask these folks what happens if you don't cut your grass

If you are a fine upstanding Dutch Reform Christian you'll love it. If you're liberal don't bother.

[susansolin]

Lynden is VERY conservative and VERY religous but it's also a beautiful little town. The streets are lined with beautiful deciduous trees whose leaves change colors in fall, unusual around here. It is also surrounded by farms so sometimes the smell of manure gets pretty heavy in the air....