With a population just over 3,000, the Silver Beach neighborhood is being sought after for its schools and environmental assets, which include Big Rock Garden, Bloedel Donovan Park, and Lake Whatcom. These combined factors contribute to the value of living in the neighborhood for prospective homebuyers.
Offering the amenities
The neighborhood has features that potential homebuyers are looking for. “For a lot of buyers it’s going to be that they have a lake view, an established neighborhood near an elementary school and Squalicum,” said Aryn Robinson, an agent for Windermere Real Estate. “It’s a neighborhood to raise a family in. It’s a little bit outside of downtown Bellingham, but not too far.”
Location is the key for families according to another Bellingham agent. “Selling features for Silver Beach are the schools and the location in regard to access to Bloedel [Donovan Park] and the lake,” said Julie Just, an agent with John L. Scott Real Estate who currently has property listed in Silver Beach. “Number one is the school. Right now people with families look at school districts when they’re shopping for a home.”
According to Lori Larkin, the Silver Beach Education Association president, Silver Beach Elementary is unique because it has a very dedicated group of parent volunteers and teachers who work in the classroom and on large school events to ensure students have a well-rounded educational experience.
Ranging from one-bedrooms to one-of-a-kind views
The Silver Beach neighborhood offers a wide range of homes, from waterfront properties to smaller one-level houses. Just said a home in Silver Beach can cost anywhere between $199,000 and $1.4 million.
According to Robinson, the bulk of homes in Silver Beach are priced between $300,000 and $600,000 with a lake-view property costing more. In Bellingham, the average sale price of a home through Windermere Real Estate is $325,000.
Just said that the median price of a Silver Beach home is $449,000 and the market appears to be fairly stable in this area. “From what I’ve seen on market and what has sold, I haven’t really seen any short sales or foreclosures,” said Just. “And for buyers, interest rates are low and instant equity is available.”
In addition, now that the first-time homebuyer’s tax credit is no longer valid, there is renewed interest in the higher-priced homes. Just said people looking to make purchases prior to the tax credit expiring wanted to buy under the $300,000 price range, but now it appears that Silver Beach homes in the $350,000 to $550,000 are gaining buyers’ interest again.
Welcoming people to the neighborhood
The Silver Beach neighborhood highlights unique features in a family-friendly setting. “I think Silver Beach is one of the more popular neighborhoods on this side of the freeway,” said Just. “Otherwise, I think that the competition is Geneva, Fairhaven, Barkley and South Hill.”
Robinson agreed, adding that there is a subdued quality to Silver Beach that sets the neighborhood apart. “Silver Beach is definitely one of the more desirable neighborhoods,” she said. “There’s not a ton of stuff that comes up there.”
