AI-Scored Rankings • Updated 2026-04-03

Best Apartments in Bellingham, WA — Scored by AI

ListWise scores every Bellingham neighborhood on safety, walkability, schools, commute time, and rental value. See which areas actually match your lifestyle — not just what's cheapest.

$1,650/mo
Median Rent
95,067
Population
8
Neighborhoods Scored
Western Washington University
Top Employer
Local Insights

Why Bellingham? What Renters Need to Know

Bellingham's cost of living is about 15% above the national average. Median rent is around $1,650/month.

Quick Facts

Population 95,067
Median Rent $1,650/mo
Top Employer Western Washington University
Neighborhoods 8 scored by AI
Rent vs. National$1,650 vs $1,500 national median

Rent Comparison

Bellingham median rent is $150 above the national median of $1,500/mo.

Largest Employer

The largest employer in Bellingham is Western Washington University, making the Fairhaven area and nearby neighborhoods popular for commuters looking to minimize travel time.

Top Neighborhoods

Top Neighborhoods in Bellingham

Ranked by ListWise's composite AI score. Top 3 shown free — unlock all 8 for the full picture.

#1

Fairhaven

Score: 88/100
Safety A-
Walk Score 78
Avg Rent $1,800
Schools 7/10
#2

South Hill

Score: 85/100
Safety A
Walk Score 55
Avg Rent $1,700
Schools 8/10
#3

Downtown Bellingham

Score: 84/100
Safety B+
Walk Score 85
Avg Rent $1,650
Schools 7/10

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#4

Barkley

Score: 82/100
Safety A
Walk Score 42
Avg Rent $1,600
Schools 7/10
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#5

Edgemoor

Score: 80/100
Safety A+
Walk Score 35
Avg Rent $1,750
Schools 8/10
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#6

Cordata

Score: 78/100
Safety A-
Walk Score 38
Avg Rent $1,550
Schools 7/10
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#7

Sudden Valley

Score: 76/100
Safety A
Walk Score 15
Avg Rent $1,500
Schools 7/10
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#8

Ferndale

Score: 74/100
Safety A-
Walk Score 32
Avg Rent $1,450
Schools 7/10
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See All 8 Bellingham Neighborhoods Ranked

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How It Works

How ListWise Scores Bellingham Apartments

1

Tell Us Your Priorities

Rank what matters: safety, schools, walkability, commute, budget, nightlife. Every Bellingham renter is different.

2

AI Scores Every Listing

We pull real-time data from MLS, crime stats, school ratings, transit APIs, and walk score databases for Bellingham.

3

Get Your Ranked List

Receive a PDF + Excel report with Bellingham properties ranked by YOUR priorities. Delivered within 24 hours.

FAQ

Frequently Asked About Bellingham

What is the cost of living in Bellingham?

Bellingham's cost of living is about 15% above the national average. Median rent is around $1,650/month. No state income tax.

Why do people love Bellingham?

Bellingham offers stunning natural beauty (Mt. Baker, San Juan Islands), a vibrant downtown, excellent outdoor recreation, and a college-town energy.

What are the best neighborhoods?

Fairhaven is historic and walkable. Edgemoor is upscale with water views. Downtown is vibrant. South Hill has great schools.

What is there to do?

Mt. Baker skiing, San Juan Islands ferry, Chuckanut Drive, WWU events, craft breweries, kayaking in Bellingham Bay, and hiking.

How is the job market?

WWU, PeaceHealth, BP Cherry Point refinery, and a growing tech/remote work population. Tourism and recreation are significant sectors.

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Data is for informational purposes only. Verify all information independently before making housing decisions.