Crime
With a lower than average crime rate per 100,000 people, this area could be considered a very safe place to live. Crime rates are based on both violent and property crimes.
Housing
This area has received high scores in the housing category. This could be due to a positive home affordability ratio, high appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Ratings
Local residents have positive things to say about the proximity of restaurants, grocery stores, parks, public transit, friendliness of neighbors, sense of community and overall safety of the area.
Amenities
A majority of amenities are not ideally situated within a reasonable walking distance, which may lead residents to rely on a vehicle or public transportation.
Commute
Public transportation is not readily available in this area and the average commute time to work could also be longer than the national average.
Cost Of Living
Based on the most recent cost of living data, this area is more expensive to live in. You can expect to pay more for everyday goods and services, housing, groceries and utilities.
Bellingham is a small-sized city located in the state of Massachusetts. The city has a population of 4,216 residents. At 95%, the majority of the Bellingham population is White; this is followed by 2% Black and 1% Asian. With an average age of 49 years, Bellingham residents appear to be older compared to the national average. For seniors and retirees, this city presents itself as a compelling choice. Long, unnecessary commutes can be both frustrating and inconvenient when heading to work. Nationwide, the average one-way commute time takes 26 minutes, but regrettably, residing in Bellingham entails a longer-than-average one-way commute time, averaging 35 minutes.
Living in Bellingham can be a positive experience for anyone moving to the city. Having said that, in the state of Massachusetts, there are many incredible places to live, so choose wisely! When searching for a new neighborhood, several factors play a vital role in determining its suitability. Safety should be a top priority, ensuring a secure environment with low crime rates. Proximity to your workplace or school helps minimize commuting time and allows for a better work-life balance. Availability of essential amenities such as parks, coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities contributes to convenience and well-being. Access to reliable public transportation options facilitates easy commuting and connectivity. Additionally, considering the sense of community and the overall atmosphere that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences fosters a harmonious living experience. Finding the best places to live in Bellingham and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes crime, commute, health & safety, education and other important metrics.
The livability score in Bellingham is 66/100 and the city is ranked in the 66th percentile of all cities across America. If we explore each of the categories individually, we see that Bellingham ranks well for crime (A), education (B-) and housing (B). There is at least one category that did not score well in Bellingham. The following was graded with a disappointing score: amenities (F) and cost of living (F).
Feeling a sense of safety in the area that you live in is a must for most people. Low crime rates can have a positive impact on things like home prices, home appreciation rates and can help foster positive community dynamics and social cohesion. Bellingham has a violent crime rate of 171 crimes per 100,000 residents which is far lower than the national average.
When contemplating a move, job prospects often top the list of priorities. In Bellingham, the outlook for new employment is notably brighter than in many other areas. The low unemployment rate of 2.71% points to a surge in job opportunities, the potential for higher wages, enhanced workforce productivity and increased economic growth. These favorable conditions bode well for individuals seeking career advancement and financial stability, making this area an appealing destination for those prioritizing professional opportunities and economic prosperity.
Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Bellingham market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.
Bellingham real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Bellingham. Median real estate prices in Bellingham come in at $283,200, which is 17% lower than the Massachusetts average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Bellingham, the home price to income ratio is 4.6, which is 4.2% lower than the Massachusetts average.
| Statistic | Bellingham | Massachusetts | National |
| Average one way commute | 35min | 29min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 88.5% | 71.1% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 4.4% | 7.5% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.7% | 9.9% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.0% | 0.8% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 1.8% | 4.9% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 4.4% | 4.7% | 4.6% |
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