Bellingham Apartments and Rentals

Bellingham may jokingly call itself "The City of Subdued Excitement," but this city of 81,000 residents has regularly been ranked as one of the "hippest, healthiest and most adventure-packed" cities in the nation. With Mount Baker and its mesmerizing hikes just minutes away, residents here love the easy access to the great outdoors and number of cultural activities.

Whether you're a college student looking to further your education or a small family wanting a nice place to settle down, Bellingham apartments for rent offer a number of affordable options for just about everyone.

Bellingham has been the home of Coast Salish Native American Tribes for thousands of years. The tribes, such as the Lummis and Nooksack, thrived off the fish, berries and other natural plants available here. Named by Captain George Vancouver after the British Navy controller Sir William Bellingham in 1792, the area did not welcome a mass of settlers to the area until the 1800s. Bellingham was founded in 1853, and largely made its livelihood in coal mining, agriculture, fishing and forestry until the mid-1950s. At one time, the city was home to the world's largest salmon cannery.

Today, Bellingham continues to thrive, though businesses are more centered around manufacturing and trade, with the city taking advantage of its location on the Bellingham Bay for water-based trade routes. Known locally for its eclectic, liberal population, the city remains a welcoming community for all.

Bellingham offers a number of educational opportunities that provide higher learning that is catered to just about everyone. Western Washington University (WWU), a four-year public university, provides programs in a range of different fields, but is most well-known for its teaching programs. Bellingham is also home to Northwest Indian College, a school that provides bachelor's and associate's degrees in fields such as Native Environmental Science and Native Studies Leadership. Whatcom Community College provides a number of associate and technical certifications as well as educational opportunities for ambitious high school students.

Residents who are in the fields of healthcare and education have a number of educational opportunities to choose from in their hometown. St. Joseph Hospital and WWU are two of the major employers in Bellingham. Other top employers include the city of Bellingham and Whatcom County, which both provide a range of government jobs, as well as the Lummi Indian Business Council, a nonprofit organization.

Bellingham apartments are available in a wide range of price tags, providing all residents with a home that is both comfortable and affordable. According to City-Data, the median gross rent for the city in 2009 was $787, a far cry from median rent prices in such metro areas as Seattle and Tacoma.

Bellingham residents enjoy taking advantage of the many beautiful natural attractions that the area offers. A hike or bike trip up to Whatcom Falls Park is a must for any visitor or local, while a visit to Lake Padden provides families and locals a great place to enjoy the serenity of nature. Bellingham residents also enjoy taking in shows and exhibits at historic venues, such as the Mount Baker Theatre. Independent movie buffs love the Pickford Film Center, which regularly plays small, indie movies not shown at mainstream cinemas.

Rent.com® can help you get settled in a Bellingham apartment. Look through our rental listings and find the perfect home for your needs.