Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism

Bellingham makes headlines
5/3/2006

Publications and organizations that have recently shone a favorable light on Bellingham:

• May 2006, Inc magazine rates Bellingham as fifth hotest boomtown under 150,000 in population, based on recent job growth.

•February 2006, Where to Retire magazine did a story on Bellingham as a place for active seniors to live.

•November 2005, Dog Fancy lists Bellingham as one of the top ten dog-friendly cities in the USA.

• September 2004, National Geographic Adventure magazine names Bellingham in the top ten "Adventure Towns" in the nation.

• May 2005: Bellingham is among 11 cities with the cleanest air nationwide in a study by the American Lung Association (fifth year in a row).

• CNN and Money magazine rates Bellingham among the eight best places to retire. The online article says Bellingham offers "the great outdoors and a sophisticated community all at your doorstep," and has "metropolitan ambitions without big-city hassles."

The article lauds the city's trails and natural beauty, Western Washington University's drama department, Fairhaven district and the city's close access to snow skiing.

• Spring 2003: AARP The Magazine lists Bellingham second among 15 "dream towns" for boomers looking to settle down in a new locale. Citing the city's "natural charm, affordable neighborhoods and recreational opportunities," the May/ June issue rated Bellingham second only to the Fort Collins/Loveland area of Colorado.

• May 2003: Men's Journal calls Bellingham one of the 50 best small cities in which to live.

Bellingham ranked 33rd among the "hippest, healthiest, and most adventure packed" small cities in America.

• September 2001: Outside magazine calls Bellingham one of its 10 "Dream Towns," noting its close access to shorelines, rivers, the San Juan Islands and the Cascade Mountains.

"Don wool socks and sandals for a night on the town; plant rhododendrons in your yard; shoot your own indie film," advised the magazine.

•Beyond the media accolades, Bellingham is also home of two time Oscar winner Hillary Swank and TV's "Whose Line is it Anyway?" comedian Ryan Stiles.

Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism