Blaine Washington (Bellingham, Lynden, Ferndale: rentals, condos, houses)

[washingtonbound162]

We are thinking of visiting Blaine Washington and would like to start a small business there- Internet/Cyber Cafe with Coffee Shop. What are the prospects for this. I noticed there is a building called Georgian being contructed that has retail on bottom floor and condos above. Can anyone give me any info on that. We plan on going to Blaine in mid Jan 2008.

Our other choice is Bellingham.

[allforcats]

Hi, WAbound162. I'm not an expert on Blaine, other than doing what most folks do in Blaine, which is drive right through on the way to and from Canada -- but that image might give you pause to think about a startup business in a town with a population of approximately 4,500. I'm sure that living in Blaine is lovely, but I question the viability of a coffee shop and internet cafe for the working population there.

Bellingham, on the other hand, would provide an area of much greater sophistication, and a much larger customer base, with:
1) its approximately 67,000+ residents;
2) the armies of Canadians streaming down to B'ham bringing all their higher-value Canadian dollars. It's all over the local news here that Canadians, deliriously happy for a change, are buying as though it's going out of style; and
3) WA folks out for a jaunt stopping off in Bellingham to browse.

Just some thoughts from decades of being a marketing specialist.

[washingtonbound162]

Thank you for ur reply Allforcats. It is very much appreciated.

[MelodyP]

I agree with the Previous reply. I lived in the Bellingham/Blaine area for 4 years. I think your idea is a good one, but Bellingham would be a better location. Western Washington University is located just on the outskirts of downtown Bellingham, and many students live in the Downtown and Fairhaven areas.
When I left Blaine 3 yrs ago there wasn't much there. Don't think it has changed too much. Birch Bay would be another locale to look into it is just outside of Blaine situated right on the water. It is mostly a tourist area, but you would probably do very well in the spring-fall months.

[Skytripper]

As someone who currently resides in the aforementioned area, I would NOT advise such a business in Blaine, only because there already is such a place (The Blackberry House) and like others here have stated.....the population of the town/area......is just not condusive for good business.....or enough of it for multiple ones of such.
Bellingham would definitely be a better bet.....but the competition is also already there too.
The town of Lynden could be a prospect too, but I don't know what competition you would also face there as well.
Otherwise, IMO.......it IS a great business but one which you might wish to truly find a unique......marketing technique/atmosphere/entertainment, etc.........to really get a decent customer base/regulars, etc.
Something REALLY DIFFERENT.
Just my 2 pennies....American
Or....more like a lot of Loonies and Toonies up here in Whatcom Co.
(Don't wanna forget that Canadian customer base here, ya know?)

[kwood1953]

We are considering a job near Ferndale/Cherry Point.

What area close enough to commute has the best public schools?

Have 2 kids, 3rd and 7th grades. Looked at Whatcom County schools on several websites, but the school results do not look consistent. Elem, Middle, and High Schools in each area seem to have very different ratings for the schools.

Seem weird, since in our area, the schools are pretty consistent in an area (if grade schools OK, the HS same, etc.)

Thanks for any input.
KW

[AKTuski]

I am actually the owner of Blackberry House Cafe in Blaine (my husband and I have owned it for approx 2.5 years). I googled our shop to see what was roaming around the net. :)

I just wanted to respond to the comments about businesses not working in Blaine.

We are small... but there are shops in downtown Blaine who thrive, and who have the potential to expand and improve. I'd say a few factors might help:

1. People aren't steered away from moving to Blaine, or discouraged from starting up other small businesses in Blaine.

2. Population growth.

3. 2010 Olympics, and the traffic we'll encounter.

I am optimistic, despite seeing the SLOW growth happening in Blaine. I think people shouldn't be turned away from starting businesses here, or moving here, and its sad that there are people saying Bellingham is the better option.

Blaine will never grow if THAT kind of talk keeps up!

I'd encourage you to pursue further the opportunity of opening a cafe or small shop, as Blaine needs more of that!

If you want to respond to me directly, our company email address is info@blackberryhousecafe.com

[Swede in CA]

Does Blaine have bad and good areas? Where to buy a home?

[AKTuski]

It depends on what you are looking for. The downtown neighborhoods have a lot of character with mostly craftsman style houses, but some newer styles mixed in. Living downtown is the most convenient way to go, as you're in walking distance to the restaurants, marina, etc. and you're close to the grocery store and surrounding shops.

If you head up the hill, away from the water, on H Street, you can find a bigger home (or smaller) with a bigger yard or quite a bit of acreage, or you can find a lot to build your dream home!

Head south to Birch Bay, and there are plenty of new -- and used -- developments that are great for families. Birch Bay is also great for its beach, laid back personality, and a few great restaurants.

SOUTH Birch Bay is more of a beach community feel, with lots of small condos, small houses, all packed in but really cute in my opinion. Great if you like that surfer feel (but without the waves)

And then there's Point Whitehorn and Semiahmoo... just be sure you have a significant down payment available! BEAUTIFUL houses and neighborhoods, and great for families.

[rain.city]

My sister lives up there. She works at Birch Bay which is where most of the tourists are because of the bay and camping and rentals, you might check that area out. mod cut: link removed