In many parts of the country, $500,000 still buys a large suburban home with extra bedrooms, a garage, and a sizable yard. In Whatcom County? It might buy you a compact 1928 bungalow with a tiny kitchen and an unfinished basement.
That’s the reality behind a home at 403 Alabama Street in Bellingham, where a two-bedroom, one-bath home recently hit the market for $500,000 after a $10,000 price cut earlier this month.
The House Itself
The home measures 1,032 square feet and sits on a modest 3,484-square-foot lot in Bellingham’s Sunnyland neighborhood.
Listing photos show a cozy blue bungalow perched above a short concrete staircase leading to a covered entryway. Inside, warm hardwood floors run through the main living area, while the kitchen switches over to linoleum flooring.
The kitchen itself is objectively tight, with limited counter space and a small dining nook squeezed into the layout.
The home’s unfinished basement currently houses the washer and dryer and provides extra storage space, though buyers could potentially see it as future expansion opportunity.
The listing from John L. Scott leans heavily into the property’s vintage appeal.
“This charming 1928 bungalow in the heart of Bellingham’s desirable Sunnyland neighborhood blends classic character with everyday functionality,” the listing states.
The seller also highlights the home’s walkability and proximity to downtown Bellingham, Interstate 5, parks, schools, and local businesses.
The Price
The Alabama Street home last sold in 2009 for $192,000. Now, 17 years later, it’s asking more than double that amount at $500,000.
That dramatic increase reflects the broader trajectory of Bellingham’s housing market over the past decade, where rising demand and limited housing inventory have pushed prices steadily upward.
One surprising detail attached to the property: its 2024 tax bill was just $371.
What $500K Means In Whatcom County
The listing serves as a snapshot of how far — or how little — a half-million-dollar budget stretches in Bellingham today. Median home sale prices in Whatcom County have hovered in the mid-$600,000 range in recent months, with Bellingham often trending even higher.
That means a $500,000 listing in central Bellingham is now considered relatively affordable by local standards. For many buyers, especially first-time homeowners, homes like this represent one of the few remaining paths into the Bellingham market.
Why Sunnyland Remains Popular
The Sunnyland neighborhood continues to attract buyers because of its blend of older character homes, walkability, and central location. Residents are within minutes of breweries, restaurants, coffee shops, parks, and downtown Bellingham while still maintaining a quieter neighborhood feel.
For buyers moving north from more expensive parts of Western Washington, the neighborhood offers a compromise between urban convenience and Pacific Northwest charm.
Click here to view the complete listing on Zillow.
