Lettered Streets Bellingham: What Relocation Buyers Should Know
Colleen Thorsen, REALTOR® | John L. Scott, Bellingham
If you're moving to Bellingham and walkability is high on your list, Lettered Streets deserves a serious look. Located just north of downtown, this historic neighborhood combines early-20th-century homes, mature trees, sidewalks, parks and easy access to downtown restaurants, coffee shops and the waterfront.
For buyers who want character and location rather than a newer suburban feel, it's one of Bellingham's most distinctive neighborhoods.
Where Is Lettered Streets?
Lettered Streets sits immediately north of downtown Bellingham, close to Cornwall Park, Whatcom Creek and the waterfront. The neighborhood is part of the city's historic core, with much of its housing dating from the late 1890s through the early 1900s.
Its location is one of its biggest advantages. You're close enough to downtown that many everyday destinations are accessible without getting in the car, while the neighborhood itself feels distinctly residential.
A Grid Unlike Any Other in Bellingham
The neighborhood gets its name from Streets A through J, which run lengthwise through the grid. The area was platted in the 1890s as Bellingham's early neighborhoods began to develop.
The cross streets have their own history. After the communities that eventually became Bellingham consolidated, street names were changed to eliminate duplication. Many of the streets were given names associated with historical figures, creating the alphabetical pattern you'll find today.
The result is a neighborhood that's easy to navigate once you get your bearings. Mature trees, sidewalks and a mix of historic homes give the streets a strong sense of place—and block-to-block, there's plenty of architectural variety.
Walkability: The Main Draw for Relocation Buyers
For many relocation buyers, this is the big one.
Lettered Streets is one of the few Bellingham neighborhoods where you can realistically build much of your daily life around walking or biking. Walk Score currently gives the neighborhood a Walk Score of 88, making it Bellingham's most walkable neighborhood.
Downtown restaurants and coffee shops, the farmers market, parks and waterfront areas are all within easy reach on foot or by bike.
That's worth emphasizing for people moving from a larger city. "Walkable" can mean something very different in a smaller city. Here, you're not simply walking around the neighborhood—you can walk from your front door into the heart of downtown Bellingham.
If being able to leave the car at home for at least some of your errands is important to you, Lettered Streets is one of the strongest options in Bellingham.
What Kind of Homes Are in Lettered Streets?
This is another major part of the neighborhood's appeal.
Housing is predominantly older construction, with Craftsman bungalows, Foursquares and Victorian-era homes mixed throughout the neighborhood. Many have the architectural details buyers are looking for when they specifically search for a historic Bellingham home:
Original built-ins and trim work
Front porches
Hardwood floors
Interesting architectural details
Mature landscaping
Individual character that is difficult to replicate in newer construction
You'll also find a wide range of renovation levels. Some homes have been carefully preserved, others have been extensively remodeled, and some are still waiting for their next owner to bring them into the 21st century.
The trade-off with an older home
Historic character comes with responsibility.
Older homes can have older electrical, plumbing, roofing, insulation and other systems. A house can look absolutely charming and still have significant deferred maintenance hiding behind those beautiful built-ins.
Colleen's take: With homes this age, a thorough inspection isn't optional—it's how you separate "charming and sound" from "charming and about to need a new roof." Budget for the inspection and the possibility of repairs, especially if you're buying a home that hasn't been extensively updated.
What About Parking?
Parking is another detail buyers should consider before falling in love with a Lettered Streets home.
Because much of the neighborhood was developed before modern car-oriented construction, parking situations vary from property to property. Some homes have garages or driveways, while others rely more heavily on street parking.
If having dedicated off-street parking is important to you, look at the individual property rather than assuming the neighborhood will provide it.
What Do Homes Cost in Lettered Streets?
Recent market data puts the median listing price in the upper-$600s, although individual homes can vary considerably based on size, condition, lot, architectural character and level of updating.
As of May 2026, Realtor.com reported a median listing price of approximately $677,000 for Lettered Streets.
Because this is a relatively small neighborhood with a wide range of older homes, I wouldn't use the median as a substitute for a property-specific market analysis. A beautifully renovated Craftsman and an untouched early-1900s home may have very different values even if they're only a few blocks apart.
For buyers, that variation can also create opportunity. Turnkey homes may command a premium, while properties that need updating can offer more room to put your own money and vision into the home.
What Should Buyers Consider Before Buying in Lettered Streets?
Lettered Streets is appealing, but it isn't the right fit for everyone.
Before buying, I'd pay particular attention to:
The age and condition of the home. Don't let cosmetic updates distract you from the condition of the roof, foundation, electrical, plumbing and other major systems.
Parking. Off-street parking varies, so make sure the property works for your household.
Renovation history. Two homes that look similar from the street can have dramatically different levels of updating.
Lot and home size. Historic neighborhoods don't necessarily offer the larger lots, garages or open floor plans found in newer developments.
Location within the neighborhood. Being close to downtown is a benefit, but buyers should consider the amount of activity, traffic and noise that comes with living close to an urban center.
Who Is Lettered Streets Best For?
Lettered Streets tends to appeal to buyers who value location, historic character and walkability over having the newest home with the largest garage.
It may be a particularly good fit if you:
Want to walk or bike to downtown
Love older homes and architectural character
Want a neighborhood with a strong sense of place
Enjoy being close to restaurants, coffee shops and the waterfront
Don't mind taking on some maintenance or renovation
Prefer an established neighborhood over a newer subdivision
It may be less appealing if you:
Want a large newer home
Need substantial garage or storage space
Prefer a quiet cul-de-sac
Want a low-maintenance property with newer systems
Need a large amount of private outdoor space
Is Lettered Streets Right for You?
If you're relocating to Bellingham and want to feel connected to the city rather than simply live near it, Lettered Streets is worth putting on your list.
The combination of historic homes, mature trees, walkability and proximity to downtown is difficult to duplicate elsewhere in Bellingham.
But the same characteristics that make the neighborhood appealing—older homes and an established urban setting—also mean buyers need to look beyond the pretty porch and original woodwork.
My advice is to choose the neighborhood first, then choose the house carefully. In Lettered Streets, the right home can give you the historic character and walkable lifestyle you're looking for without turning your purchase into a never-ending renovation project.
FAQ
What does "Lettered Streets" mean?
Lettered Streets refers to the historic Bellingham neighborhood organized around Streets A through J. The area was originally platted in the 1890s, and many of the cross streets were later renamed as Bellingham's early communities consolidated.
Where is Lettered Streets in Bellingham?
Lettered Streets is located immediately north of downtown Bellingham, near Cornwall Park, Whatcom Creek and the waterfront. Its close-in location makes it one of Bellingham's most walkable neighborhoods.
Is Lettered Streets walkable?
Yes. Lettered Streets is one of Bellingham's most walkable neighborhoods, with downtown restaurants, coffee shops, the farmers market, parks and waterfront areas all within easy walking or biking distance. Walk Score currently rates the neighborhood at 88/100.
What kind of homes are in Lettered Streets?
The neighborhood is primarily made up of older homes dating from the late 1890s and early 1900s, including Craftsman bungalows, Foursquares and Victorian-era homes. Properties range from largely original homes to extensively renovated residences.
What's the median home price in Lettered Streets?
Recent market data puts the median listing price in the upper-$600s. Realtor.com reported a median listing price of approximately $677,000 as of May 2026. Individual home prices can vary substantially depending on size, condition, renovations, lot and architectural character.
Is Lettered Streets a good neighborhood for relocation buyers?
It can be an excellent fit for buyers who prioritize walkability, historic character and proximity to downtown. Buyers who prefer newer construction, large garages, newer systems or a more suburban setting may want to consider other Bellingham neighborhoods as well.
Colleen Thorsen, REALTOR® John L. Scott, Bellingham 206-423-3361
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