Located in the stunning Pacific Northwest, Whatcom County has something to offer everyone. Nestled within just five square miles of rugged terrain, Point Roberts, or “the Point,” as it’s affectionately dubbed by locals, stands defiantly as a peninsula jutting from the Canadian mainland into the untamed embrace of the Salish Sea. Panoramic vistas sweep across the San Juan and Gulf Islands, making this enclave a playground for the adventurous and the intrepid. Bound on three sides by the restless embrace of the sea, Point Roberts wears its maritime heritage like a badge of honor. Its shores, kissed by the ebb and flow of the tides, boast sandy beaches that stretch to the horizon. But there’s more than just picturesque panoramas here. Your adventure is waiting to be seized.
Traverse miles of winding trails on foot, bike, or horseback, carving your path through untamed wilderness. Seek refuge in its marina, a sanctuary for sailors and seafarers alike. Tee off against the backdrop of the ocean on an 18-hole golf course that challenges even the most seasoned pros. When hunger strikes you can indulge your palate at the diverse array of dining options. Not hungry? Satisfy your retail cravings in its eclectic boutiques. Despite its remote allure, Point Roberts remains remarkably accessible. Just a mere 45-minute jaunt from the pulsating heart of downtown Vancouver, British Columbia, it serves as a haven for urban escapists. For those yearning to venture further into the wild unknown, ferries to Vancouver Island are just a stone’s throw away, beckoning with promises of new adventures on the horizon. In this post we’ll uncover other Whatcom County neighborhoods and their potential for you.
History of Whatcom County Neighborhoods
The tale of Point Roberts origins is etched in the sweat and toil of Icelandic pioneers who carved a path through the wilderness in 1894. Hailing from Victoria, they braved the rugged terrain, clearing farmland from the dense forest and fashioning homes from hewn logs. For these hardy souls, a journey for mail or supplies meant a grueling seven-mile trek to Ladner, B.C.
A pivotal moment arrived in the early 1900s when the shackles of military reservation were cast aside, thanks to the intervention of none other than President Theodore Roosevelt. Homestead rights were extended to the settlers, transforming their precarious existence into amore secure foothold in the rugged landscape they called home.
Undeterred by the challenges of nature, they continued to till the land and cast their nets into the bountiful waters. Fish traps and canneries sprung up, harnessing the riches of the Fraser River salmon run. Even today, these waters yield a bounty worth several million dollars annually. This draws both commercial fleets and leisurely sports fishing enthusiasts alike. But Point Roberts wasn’t just a haven for hard work. Its long sandy beaches, sun-kissed climate, and tranquil ambiance proved irresistible to our neighbors to the north. Canadian settlers flocked here, building summer cottages despite the arduous journey via New Westminster or the aging Ladner Ferry.
The winds of change blew fiercely in May of 1959. The inauguration of the Deas Island Tunnel, slicing through the Fraser River and slashing travel time to Vancouver to less than a half-hour. Weekend visitors became enamored with the idea of becoming “summer people, “swelling Point Roberts’ population during the balmy months. But these cottages soon transformed into more than just summer escapes. With Point Roberts nestled within the same commuting area as Tsawwassen, residents found themselves spending increasing amounts of time in this idyllic enclave. The hustle and bustle of the city was quickly replaced for the serenity of coastal living. The shift towards year-round residency became unmistakable. This lead to a flurry of subdivision and the rise of more permanent homes dotting the landscape.
Birch Bay/Semiahmoo
Nestled just a stone’s throw away from the Canadian border, Semiahmoo is a hidden gem less than an hour from the cosmopolitan hustle of Vancouver, B.C. Not only that, it’s a mere two-hour drive from the dynamic energy of Seattle, Washington. Despite having two large metropolitans on its doorstep, this enclave boasts an untouched expanse of natural wonder. Azure waters meet untamed wilderness, creating a breathtaking backdrop that’s as wild as it is captivating. Spanning over 1,100 acres, Semiahmoo is a playground for those seeking adventure and serenity alike. Here, you’ll discover:
Untamed Coastlines and Biking Trails. Lose yourself in miles of rugged shoreline and winding trails, where every twist and turn reveals a new vista begging to be explored.
Premier Marina Access. Sail into the sunset or set out on a nautical adventure with ease, thanks to our state-of-the-art, 300-slip private marina. Your gateway to the enchanting San Juans and beyond.
Exclusive Community Living. A lifestyle of luxury and leisure at our Country Clubhouse awaits, where tennis matches and refreshing dips in the pool are encouraged.
Top-Tier Golfing. Tee off amidst stunning scenery at the acclaimed Semiahmoo Golf &Country Club. This 18-hole masterpiece is proudly ranked as the #1 public course in the state.
Set against the backdrop of the majestic Semiahmoo Spit our community beckons with an allure that’s as timeless as it is irresistible. Here, history mingles with modernity, as the iconic M/V Plover ferry continues to ferry curious adventurers across the harbor, while a new chapter unfolds with the exclusive enclave of Semiahmoo Shore, boasting gated waterfront homes nestled between pristine beaches.
Perched along the spit, Marin offers 54 meticulously crafted beachfront condos. Each once boasts awe-inspiring views that stretch as far as the eye can see from the tranquil waters of the Georgia Strait to the snow-capped silhouette of Mount Baker looming majestically over Drayton Harbor.
Real estate opportunities in Semiahmoo
Real estate opportunities in Semiahmoo have garnered accolades far and wide. Whether you’re drawn to sprawling oceanfront estates, chic beachfront condominiums, or bespoke homes overlooking Arnold Palmer’s legendary golf course, Semiahmoo stands as the undisputed #1 choice for those who crave the pinnacle of Pacific Northwest living. Ready to embark on your Semiahmoo adventure? Dive into a world where every moment is infused with possibility, and discover why we’re the beating heart of the Northwest’s finest living. For more information and to immerse yourself in all that Semiahmoo has to offer, visit us at the Blaine Welcome Center:
Ferndale & Sandy Point
Step into the allure of Sandy Point. Here, the winds whisper tales of history and the land extends its embrace into the untamed beauty of Rosario Strait. Now, gaze upon the enigmatic Northern San Juan Islands. But Sandy Point is more than just a name. It’s a mosaic of vibrant communities and hidden gems, each adding its own hue to the tapestry of this coastal paradise.
Begin your journey at Slater Road, marking the northern boundary of this captivating expanse. Follow its winding path westward, where it seamlessly morphs into Beach Way, leading you into the enclave of Neptune Beach. Venture further, and the road intertwines with Sucia Drive, passing Germaine Road, a gateway to the Neptune Heights development. The transition from Neptune Beach is subtle, blurred by the presence of Tribal and United States Department of the Interior-owned lands to the south.
As Sucia Drive unfurls before you, a sign emerges, heralding your arrival at Sandy Point Shores. Here, amidst the embrace of the Sandy Point Improvement Company (SPIC)development, a vibrant community thrives. With a marina, clubhouse, tennis courts, water system, and swimming pool, life at Sandy Point is a symphony of leisure and tranquility. And with minimal dues, owning property within SPIC grants you access to these luxurious amenities. SPIC’s infrastructure boasts Lummi Sewer, PSE, and Comcast services, while propane stands ready in lieu of a gas line.
But Sandy Point’s story runs deeper than its modern allure. South of Slater Road lies the Lummi Indian Reservation, a testament to the ancestral ties woven into this land. Here, ownership is “Fee Simple,” a legacy of deeded ownership tracing back through millennia. Long before the arrival of European explorers, this land was home to indigenous tribes, their presence spanning countless generations. From the first encounters with Russian, Spanish, Japanese, and English voyagers to the signing of the Treaty of Point Elliot in 1855, the Lummi Nation’s legacy endures, anchoring Sandy Point in a rich tapestry of cultural heritage.
For those drawn to the echoes of history or seeking to unravel the secrets concealed within Sandy Point’s shores, we invite you to delve deeper. Contact us to unearth copies of the original documents that chronicle this land’s storied past and discover the essence of Sandy Point for yourself.
Lynden
Lynden sits just 15 miles (24 km) north of Bellingham, the county seat, and key hub of the Bellingham Metropolitan Area. As the second largest city in Whatcom County, Lynden boasts a strategic location approximately 5 miles (8.0 km) south of the Canada–US Border.
Positioned along the picturesque Nooksack River and State Route 539, Lynden offers both natural beauty and convenient access. At the 2020 United States Census, the population stood at 15,749, reflecting its status as a vibrant community. Notably, Lynden hosts the renowned Northwest Washington Fair annually, drawing visitors from far and wide to experience its rich culture and attractions.
Lynden’s rich history traces back to the 1870s when Phoebe and Holden Judson established it near the Nooksack Indian village Squahalish. Inspired by the riverside town in Thomas Campbell’s poem, “Hohenlinden,” Phoebe named the budding settlement Lynden. The spelling has been modified for visual allure. The city gained its official incorporation on March 16, 1891, with Phoebe Judson’s legacy commemorated by a statue at Front and 6th Street, close to the Lynden Chamber of Commerce.
Nestled within the expansive valley shaped by the Nooksack River, Lynden enjoys a picturesque setting with its proximity to Bellingham Bay. The region flourishes with dairy farms, as well as fields of raspberries, strawberries, and blueberries. Dutch immigration in the early to mid-1900s catalyzed the growth of dairy farming, leaving an indelible mark on the city’s culture. This Dutch influence is evident in the architectural style of buildings. You’ll see this along Front Street and the prevalence of “Dutch” themed businesses.
Lynden’s population underwent significant growth in the early 21st century, with Dutch ancestry prominently represented. However, the city’s history is not without intrigue. In 2005, a remarkable discovery was made: a drug smuggling tunnel constructed by Canadian smugglers was unearthed in Lynden, highlighting its position along the Canada–US border.
The city’s political landscape also made headlines in 2016, as Lynden became the focal point of national attention during the general election. It marked the first occasion that a presumptive presidential nominee of a major U.S. political party, Donald Trump, visited Lynden.
Everson
Everson boasts a population of 2,888 as per the latest 2020 census, making it the fifth-largest city within the vibrant Bellingham Metropolitan Area.
Situated amidst the picturesque foothills of the Cascade Mountains in Northwest Washington, Everson and its neighbor, Nooksack, enjoy a scenic locale along the banks of the Nooksack River. This idyllic setting supports a thriving economy fueled by local businesses catering to the area’s robust farming and logging industries.
With a rich heritage shaped by Dutch settlers, Everson’s landscape is dotted with dairy farms established on fertile flood-prone lands. Additionally, fruit orchards and berry fields contribute significantly to the town’s economic landscape.
Everson’s quaint downtown area offers essential services, including dining options, a pharmacy, a grocery store, auto-repair facilities, and agricultural supply outlets. Visitors and residents alike can unwind at the city park, conveniently located just a half-block south of W. Main St., or explore Riverside Park, nestled along the serene banks of the Nooksack River.
Throughout the year, Everson and its surroundings come alive with various small festivals, including summer and the celebrated harvest festival, offering residents and visitors ample opportunities for community engagement and cultural enrichment.
Explore Everson’s charm and vibrant community, where natural beauty meets small-town charm, making it an ideal destination for residents and investors alike.
Glacier
Located in the picturesque North Fork Nooksack River Valley, Glacier stands as a serene census-designated place. Nestled at an elevation of 906 ft. With its proximity, merely 10 miles northwest of the awe-inspiring Mount Baker Summit, which majestically towers nearly 10,000 ft above sea level, Glacier is a hidden gem in Whatcom County, Washington, United States. At the time of the 2010 census, Glacier boasted a population of 211 residents.
Glacier is the primary hub for those seeking the natural splendor of Mt. Baker. This makes it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Positioned just a scenic 20-mile drive away from the renowned Mt. Baker Ski Area, Glacier offers unparalleled access to year-round recreational activities amidst breathtaking alpine landscapes.
Moreover, the Glacier Public Service Center serves as a vital resource for both locals and visitors, conveniently situated less than a mile to the east. Operated by dedicated personnel from the United States Forest Service and the National Park Service, this center provides invaluable information and assistance for exploring the surrounding wilderness and ensuring a memorable experience for all.
Experience the charm and tranquility of Glacier, where majestic mountains meet pristine landscapes, inviting you to embark on unforgettable adventures in the heart of nature’s playground.
Sumas
Welcome to Sumas, a quaint city nestled in Whatcom County, Washington, USA. With a population of 1,583, Sumas offers a unique blend of natural beauty and rich history. Strategically located adjacent to the Canada–U.S. border bordering Abbotsford, British Columbia, Sumas provides easy access to American and Canadian experiences.
Sumas’ rich heritage dates back to the millennia when the Nooksack Indians called this land home. The name “Sumas,” meaning “land without trees” or “big flat opening,” pays homage to the region’s indigenous roots. Established in 1872 by the first permanent settler, Robert Johnson, Sumas was officially incorporated as “Sumas City” on June 18, 1891. Since then, it has evolved into a thriving community deeply connected to its past.
Once a bustling railroad hub, Sumas briefly experienced the excitement of the Mount Baker Gold Rush. Today, remnants of this golden era remain, with ongoing gold mining operations like the Lone Jack Mine. Sumas’ cultural significance extends to its famed “Sumas Roundup,” a renowned rodeo that captivated audiences in the early 20th century.
Sumas ‘ proximity to the Fraser River brings both beauty and challenges. Floods from the Nooksack and Fraser rivers have played a significant part of its history. Despite facing natural adversities, Sumas has always emerged resilient. This unity was tested on November 15, 2021 in the face of catastrophic flooding, showcasing the strength of the community.
Whether you’re drawn to Sumas’ historical landmarks, outdoor adventures, or community spirit, this charming city offers something for everyone. Start planning your visit to Sumas and discover the hidden treasures of the Pacific Northwest.
Living in Whatcom County
Whatcom County is steeped in history, culture, and natural beauty, making all neighborhoods desirable for living. If you’d like to know more about these Whatcom County neighborhoods, we’d love to help you settle in. Get to know us better to see if we’re the real estate professionals for you. Welcome home!
