6 Reasons You MIGHT NOT SURVIVE Living in BELLINGHAM WASHINGTON! 🤯 (Watch Before Moving!)

[@movingtobellinghamwashington]

📌Hey everyone, it’s Jeff! If you want my FREE RELOCATION GUIDE with information on all things about BELLINGHAM, WASHINGTON,, you can download it here: connect.buyorsellrealestatenow.com/bellinghamrelocationguide

[@dig494]

Whatcom/Skagit county was really cool, 40 years ago! Same with Thurston Co. down south Oly area, etc. Sorry, as much as we like the climate and the woods, mountains, etc, we all sold out and moved on. One old bro still holds out in Lynden. I get it, sell real estate but Puget Sound will never be as cool back 40-50 years ago. Shyte, have you been to Van, BC lately without 10 mills? 🤔

[@brisky__]

Coming from someone who has lived in San Antonio Texas his whole life. Bellingham’s temperatures is heavenly 😭😂

[@movingtobellinghamwashington]

Hi @brisky! What are your favorite places in the city?

[@drizzt8965]

But you know what's coming right? Moved from Arizona to here and the first two years almost killed me! Thank God for my Ps5 and cannabis...

[@RiannonBardsIey]

come one COME ALL HOMELESS PEOPLE to bellingham! we want more!

[@movingtobellinghamwashington]

Hi Rhiannon! Let me know if there’s anything local that you think I should cover in future videos. 👍

[@kpnitrl38]

Great video quality and editing. Very enjoyable to watch. Great info as well.

[@ethanfilms3877]

6:34 I do disagree with the transportation aspect of this. All the major lines that run through WWU run every 15 minutes on weekdays and it is extremely easy to get places

[@movingtobellinghamwashington]

Hi @ethanfilms3877 Thanks for sharing your perspective! I see where you're coming from-having frequent transportation options definitely makes it easier to get around. It’s great that WWU offers such convenient services! 🚍👍

[@Og_Ali_Baba]

Thank you for creating this informative video; it's greatly appreciated. I actually love the mild climate the Bellingham area has to offer - I saw your video on the Blaine area and I believe you mentioned it rains less there compared to Bellingham. The heat is becoming unbearable throughout most of America. You all are very fortunate to be living in the PNW with such wonderful maritime weather . I am gainfully employed on the east coast but have been eyeing Whatcom county recently - let's see what the future holds. Take care and thanks again for your wonderful content. ✌🏼

[@movingtobellinghamwashington]

Hi @Og_Ali_Baba.So nice of you. If you ever decide to come out, let me know if you need any recommendations.🙏

[@debiconner6377]

My dad went to college in Bellingham, and my brother was born there. That was in 1958. The weather in Bellingham isn't that much different than the rest of western Washington. "We don't tan, we rust." "When summer falls on a Sunday, we go on a picnic."

[@movingtobellinghamwashington]

@debiconner6377 - That's awesome! I'm sure a lot has changed, both on campus and in Bellingham in general since he was here. Does your family still visit the area?

[@debiconner6377]

@@movingtobellinghamwashington No, I cannot remember visiting there. My dad is over 90 years old now, and my brother is 65.

[@nellosnook4454]

1. New subscriber! 2. Excellent production values! 👍 3. I’m in Mount Vernon & regionally wouldn’t live anywhere else. 4. I commend you for informing on the possible negatives of living in Bellingham, but in my opinion the positives far outweigh the negatives. 5. I often travel there for business & always enjoy the experience. 6. Regarding the negative economic aspects of Bellingham, they would only pertain to lower income levels.

[@movingtobellinghamwashington]

You're in @nellosnook4454 Thanks for the sub!

[@drizzt8965]

We moved from there to Richland Washington, should have done this 20 years ago!!!! 4 distinct seasons, it's wonderful 🙂

[@movingtobellinghamwashington]

@drizzt8965 - Glad to hear that you're enjoying it!

[@drizzt8965]

@@movingtobellinghamwashington Thank you. We are now entering the end of Summer, 9 months of very nice weather ahead of us. I grew up in Phoenix Arizona and the East side of Washington is the ideal dynamic for me. You're very good at what you do!

[@natureloversadventures7335]

#7 Homeless and druggies.

[@movingtobellinghamwashington]

Thanks for taking the time to comment. 👍

[@nellosnook4454]

Valid points.

[@maverick_trail]

Which is pretty much every city in western WA.

[@TheGoodDaisy]

Those are symptoms of mismanagement in local government

[@SpenceCurry]

Want more? Visit Everett. Ours mostly psaa thru. Would be lots worse if passports weren't required. Drugs and homeless everywhere even in small town. Wta excellent for this senior. This is big city for a Prosser transplant. Better scenery and weather here

[@Elsureel]

#1 is weather? I would say the lack of decent paying jobs coupled with a high cost of living. This has been made worse by people moving in from out of state with higher paying work from home jobs. Californians should expect negative comments upon arrival, as this is very common.

[@movingtobellinghamwashington]

Hi @Elsureel! I’ll definitely put that on my list. Let me know if there’s anything else you think I should cover.

[@mrmclovin6945]

Thinking of moving to Bellingham from Phoenix for retirement. Phoenix is becoming unbearably hot! A little worried about the dark days since it almost is never cloudy or rains here. Looks like your state tax is favorable for retirees.

[@movingtobellinghamwashington]

@mrmclovin6945 - As I share in a number of my videos, Bellingham and the surrounding area are a popular destination for people that relocate from placed like Arizona, California, Nevada, Colorado, and Florida, where weather is arguably better with regard to the number of sunny days, but often come with extreme heat, fires, and other unfavorable weather patterns. What we lack for in sun, we make up for in having a mild year round climate. For those living in the area full time, I think it's always a good idea to plan for one sun-filled vacation during the winter months to help you "weather" the gray and the rain. Congratulations on your upcoming retirement! How soon do you get to celebrate that milestone?

[@mrmclovin6945]

@@movingtobellinghamwashington I'm looking at 4Q2025.

[@tomtroy3792]

Where that star is located in the thumbnail is not where Bellingham is located

[@movingtobellinghamwashington]

Hi @tomtroy3792 You’re right! The thumbnail could definitely be more accurate. Thanks for pointing that out! I’ll make sure to update it to better reflect Bellingham’s location. Appreciate the feedback!

[@Thekennel177]

I can guarantee this. It only rains in Bellingham on your days off work.

[@movingtobellinghamwashington]

Haha, I know what you mean! The rain seems to have a knack for choosing the days I want to be outside.

[@stevehunter291]

Bellingham is by no means is a major metropolitan area. I doubt thta many people would expect that Bellingham would have public transportation and an arts scene commensurate with most major metro areas. Your arguments about unemployment rates falls a bit flat. How many areas of the country do not have a major employer or dominant type of employment. Earthquakes are an issue anywhere out west just as flooding is in the plains states and back east or hurricanes along the eastern seaboard.

[@movingtobellinghamwashington]

I appreciate your feedback @stevehunter291! 💯 Many places don’t have a single dominant industry. As for natural disasters, every region has its own risks. It’s good to consider all these factors when looking at a place, and it’s helpful to have a balanced view of what different areas offer and what challenges they might face

[@kpnitrl38]

Looking for a waterfront property to build a small cabin and the right to build a boat dock if the property doesn't have a dock. 1 acre or so. Thanks.

[@movingtobellinghamwashington]

@@kpnitrl38 - I’d love to help! Send me an email at [e-mail] at your convenience so I can learn a bit more about what you’re looking for. I’ve got a gorgeous waterfront lot listed on Saltsrping Drive in Sandy Point (Ferndale area) and while there’s a community marina, this particular property would unfortunately not allow for a dock.

[@kpnitrl38]

Will do. FYI, having a dock is non-negotiable. Thanks.

[@thinkabouthelogic]

Look at Lake Whatcom ($$$$$$$) or a bit south around Lake Samish ($$$) if you want a big lake in the B'Ham adjacent area. But as I am hinting, be prepared to pay a LOT for dock access directly adjacent to house.

[@thinkabouthelogic]

Anyone comparing B'ham to SF or Vancouver has no idea where they are moving,-- B'ham is not in the same urban category as those major cities, and even more than that, it sits in its own isolated bubble, contained by geography and... I-5.I really feel that your negatives about it, for the most part, aren't true, but you then didn't cite to any of the ACTUAL negatives, many of which really ARE killing Bellingham right now. So first, the things actually killing B'Ham, and then I responded to your 6, because I think it only fair to hear "the other side." Major issues: 1. Homeless population: people can pretend it is not an issue, they can try to ignore it. Whatever you want to do, but it has seriously rotted out the downtown core and has caused the overall "feeling" of B'ham to dramatically change since the start of the pandemic. Millions have been pumped into B'Ham to solve the key issues, but where has the money gone? In addition, the RV cities, like down Cornwall, State St by the trail, etc. really started to give a black eye to the community. Yes, this is a nationwide issue, yes it needs to be addressed, yes, there are humane and good ways to address it. No, B'Ham hasn't done it. 2. Influx of condo owners: B'Ham for some reason gave the approval for high-rise condo/apt buildings everywhere. So now there are high-rises all over Sehome and other places where there used to be gorgeous trees and a nice, low line of sight. It completely destroyed the entire character of the neighborhood. With the builds have come even MORE out of towners who are using the units for weekend crash pads. We know this because the roads in Shame, South, and Fairhaven are so clogged on the weekends, you no longer dare to drive unless you want to sit in traffic for 20 min -- ACTUAL traffic. 3. B'Ham was not made for the number of people that are now here. Period. Infrastructure size, support services... nothing. And nothing has kept up with the growth. That means things like medical care, etc. are very difficult to obtain in a timely manner because evvvveryone is just overloaded with people now. Also, things that used to have the personal service touch simply don't because... numbers (I am not talking about automation). 4. All these changes have pushed the actual locals out, so B'Ham has quickly, and continues to quickly, bleed out its unique culture. And that..... truly sucks. Your 6: 1. Your weather data is a bit out of date. The summers have been much warmer recently, with mid-summer being frequently in the 80s many days. Most homes don't have A/C -- never needed it before-- this is a consideration because it's $10k+ to install it for most people. It is grey-ish a lot of the late fall through early spring, but the highs slide down from 50s in fall to about 20s mid-winter and back up again. A few years ago, we got that massive Christmas dump of snow, and other than last year, there's been a massive snow dump every year. 2. Job market really depends what industry you are in. Health care? Booming. We have the refineries as well. Education is booming. If you are in IT? Not as much, no. 3. Public transportation CAN be great around the core, but peters out as you go further out. And the buses come as frequently as every 15 min in the core. WTA has done a lot of work to improve. 4. Entertainment: This point is bogus. There is SO MUCH incredible entertainment, AND if you are desperate for city-level entertainment ,get season tix in Vancouver (an hour away) or SEA (90 min away). People do that all the time. I worked with people who have Seahawks season tix, etc. Also? The Bellingham Belles minor league baseball team are a big summer favorite in town, so not sure why you are so dismissive of them. The Mt. Baker Theatre has brought in huge names as well. All THAT said... B'ham's greatest draw is the outdoors, so THAT is its entertainment. 5. Earthquake: Grew up in CA. Survived Loma Prieta, Napa, etc, and house straddled two major fault lines. You get house insurance for it, you prep, and ... you move on. You can't obsess about these things. Everywhere in America there are natural disasters of some kind waiting to gobble you up. Actually, I am surprised you didn't mention the wildfires, which are devastating the entire PNW this year and the last few years. MUCH bigger threat to B'Ham -- look at all the trees everywhere. 6. Truth.

[@movingtobellinghamwashington]

Hey @thinkabouthelogic! Thanks for taking the time to comment. I really appreciate all the insights you shared with us. 👍

[@floydharden8315]

I live in Arizona 6 month's of pure heat 🥵 hell the weather here would be great we get zero rain maybe like 10 percent this summer

[@movingtobellinghamwashington]

@floydharden8315 - I've spent a lot of time in AZ, mainly the Phoenix/Scottsdale. Fall and winter are amazing. Summers leave a bit to be desired for a guy who grew up in the PNW. 😂

[@repriser9876]

Rain by inch is meaningless. How many sunny days in a season is a key. Seattle gets same annual rain amount as Houston. Houston gets it in 5 days pouring Seattle gets it in 30 days drizzle, just an example of numbers. Please redo, try again.

[@movingtobellinghamwashington]

I appreciate your feedback @repriser987. Is there anything else you'd like to see more of in future Bellingham videos?

[@hgfhfg6865]

I’m completely fine with all of these :)

[@movingtobellinghamwashington]

@hgfhfg6865 - As am I!

[@bonniegarrison9741]

Like the weather can be controlled. Geez. Get REAL!!!!!!!!!

[@movingtobellinghamwashington]

Hey @bonniegarrison9741, you’re righ! Weather isn’t something we can control. Just trying to understand all aspects of living in different places. Everyone has their own perspective on what factors are important when considering a move or lifestyle change. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

[@garfield8900]

Very depressing weather on that side of the state, I could not live there. Eastern WA, much more sunny.

[@movingtobellinghamwashington]

Hi @garfield8900 Yeah, the west side definitely gets its share of rain! Each side has its own vibe, and it really depends on what you’re into. Thanks for watching!

[@SwayinUSC]

Avoid at all costs? That's your thumbnail headline? Give me a break. I moved here almost 30 years ago and would never live anywhere else. FWIW, Bellingham was just voted the #1 adventure town in the WORLD by the Matador Network.

[@movingtobellinghamwashington]

Hi @SwayinUSC! I hear you! Bellingham definitely has its great qualities, and it’s awesome to see it being recognized as a top adventure town. It’s all about perspective, and for some, it’s the perfect place to call home. What do you love most about living there?

[@dionclark6581]

Whats so bad???

[@movingtobellinghamwashington]

Hi Dion! I'm always happy to answer any questions.

[@captretired159]

Democrats, otherwise western Washington is great.

[@SpenceCurry]

Bellingham. Bellingheaven. Bellinghome. If you have the money or if you dont have the money. I retired here but i waited five years senior housing. Worth it. It was a goal realized and a dream come true

[@movingtobellinghamwashington]

@spencecurry - Congratulations on your retirement! I'm very glad to hear that you're loving the area!

[@user-bs1qk2ku7b]

Just say snow, not "snow event".

[@movingtobellinghamwashington]

Hey @user-bs1qk2ku7b, thanks for the feedback! I’ll keep it simple and just say 'snow' in the future. Appreciate the tip.

[@joeyx60629]

You forgot to mention that the best tasting food here is actually just mediocre. It's mostly just bland. After awhile, it sucks. There's only one place in town that has decently flavored food, Cafe Rumba. For example, good luck trying to get decent fried chicken. Bantam sucks and is overpriced. Want Dim Sum? Good luck just trying to find it. Fresh seafood? We're right on the bay and it's hard to even find that!! If you're willing to spend an arm and a leg hit up Anthony's! I love the weather here, the scenery, the outdoorsy activities, but seriously, the bland food, it's wearing me down.

[@movingtobellinghamwashington]

Hey @joeyx6062! Will take a look at that Cafe Rumba thanks for the tip! Glad you also love the weather here.

[@rodperysian4145]

They got a Texas Road House now, every time I drive by long line tho