Bellingham, WA - South Hill Neighborhood
The South Hill of Bellingham boasts some of the most spectacular views and historic elegant homes in the entire city. When traveling thru the South Hill Neighborhood, your thoughts and attention are constantly drawn to the splendor of Bellingham Bay and the islands. The full time residents here truly enjoy one of the most sought after addresses in all of Bellingham.
The South Hill Neighborhood is located just north of the Fairhaven District, west of Happy Valley and Western Washington University Neighborhoods, south of Sehome and Downtown Bellingham Neighborhoods and of course fronts Bellingham Bay. Most of the neighborhood is truly part of a hill, as in South Hill. Visit the South Hill Neighborhood Association web site page for meetings and agendas.
The neighborhood yards tend to slope or terrace toward Bellingham bay. The yards are well kept with beautiful landscaping, some larger evergreen trees mixed in and even a few gardens worked into landscaping. The streets are lined with sidewalks and great for getting out for a nice walk or exercise. If I were going to tour the South Hill I would start near the top around 17th st and slowly drive along the numbered streets. When you get to the end of one, then drive down to the next street below and enjoy the long stretch of homes. You can really discover the flavor of this neighborhood and enjoy the views this way.
If your really wanting some serious exercise, try the 100+ Taylor street stairway on the back side of South Hill. When I attended near by Western Washington University, I shared a condo at the bottom of Taylor street. One of the hardest workouts, yet enjoyable was to work myself up the steps on Taylor and then a slow jog down the other side into South Hill and down to Taylor Dock below. Take a quick rest to enjoy the waterfront views and then back up Taylor Street to the Stairs. Try that a couple times a day and say good bye to the exercise gyms.
The homes on South Hill are predominantly built in an era of historic heritage. You’ll find larger elegant style homes, four square Victorians, as well as smaller character cottages and architecture of home styles mixed in over the years. A newer mix of more recent built homes and styles can be found at the top of South Hill on Highland Drive and the surrounding off streets. It seems the more expensive homes are located near the top of the hill and the lesser expensive ones scattered around the edges and bottom of the hill and this neighborhood.
Besides the single family homes, there is also a mixture of older condos and newer high end condominiums, mostly concentrated along the waterfront and the Boulevard. The Boulevard offers a well traveled road thru the area going from the Fairhaven District to the Downtown Bellingham area.
The most noteworthy park would be Boulevard Park along the water. It tends to be busy in the warmer months and offers trails for walking. You can also enjoy a little fishing here, sun bathing, summer music concerts, picnics or beautiful sunsets. During the 4th of July one could enjoy the fireworks over Bellingham Bay. The Ski to Sea festival at the end of May is a short walk away.
The shopping for South Hill residents can be found in neighboring districts like Fairhaven, Sehome Village and the near by Downtown Business Core.
Fairhaven offers Haggen Fairhaven Market, a variety of restaurants, clothing boutiques, specialty shops, book stores and cafes. There are also a couple nice upscale Hotels & Spas near. Visit this Fairhaven Guide site for more on shopping in the Fairhaven District.
The Schools for South Hill Neighborhood are close in proximity. Elementary age kids attend Lowell Elementary School located in the neighborhood. Older students on the South Hill attend Fairhaven Middle School and Sehome High School.
If you’re looking for a well kept historic home with character, in a well manicured neighborhood with a “postcard” view, then South Hill Neighborhood might be home for you.
Jerry Campbell - The Muljat Group - Bellingham, WA - Bellingham Homes For Sale