Bellingham is the largest city in Whatcom County. Bordered by the Puget Sound waters of Bellingham Bay, marked by dramatic hills and dotted by three lakes, Bellingham is a breathtakingly beautiful place to live and work. Throughout the city, there are neighborhoods that reflect the area's history. Bellingham's downtown is filled with specialty shops blending into an updated landscape of trees, colorful awnings, food and flower vendors, and inviting cafes and fine dining establishments. There, the Whatcom Museum and the Mount Baker Theatre define the cultural district, home to antique malls, boutiques, music and bookstores and galleries. At Bellingham's southern end is the historic Fairhaven district. Many of the original buildings and brick-paved streets still exist from Fairhaven's exciting turn-of-the-century years. The Fairhaven Station & Cruise Terminal, located at the foot of Harris Avenue, offers ferry service to Alaska, Victoria, and the San Juans. Amtrak and Greyhound bus connections are also available there. There's a great deal of civic pride in Bellingham. This is a city where it's easy to get involved in the community, whether through business or the homefront. It's and area that offers so much in the 'Lifestyle' category category that newcomers are often overwhelmed with the abundance of choices. And, it's not just local lore that, once someone moves to Bellingham, they rarely leave.
