Columbia Neighborhood Profile

The Columbia Neighborhood is one of Bellingham's oldest areas, featuring many homes of historic nature, large lots, mature landscaping, and along Eldridge Avenue, views of Squalicum Harbor and Bellingham Bay. 90% of the homes in the Columbia Neighborhood over 20 years old, with many dating back to the 1880's. Along Eldridge Avenue, large 19th century homes line the street where many of Bellingham's early and prominent citizens lived. It is not uncommon to see plaques with the names of the original owners on many of the homes in the Historic Eldridge District.

St Paul's Episcopal Church is one of the more prominent buildings in the Columbia Neighborhood, located at the end of Eldridge Avenue, at the intersection with Broadway Ave.

Many of the homes in the Colombia Neighborhood were built by the coal miners who worked in the areas north of Squalicum Creek in the northwest section of the neighborhood. As one moves north, newer homes can be found around Utter Street and Williams Street, as well as between Northwest Avenue and Meridian Street.

Shopping in the Columbia Neighborhood is concentrated around the Fountain District, located along the edge of the Columbia Neighborhood, at the end of Meridian St. Many independent businesses, furniture stores, restaurants, and strip malls are located along Meridian St and Northwest Avenue. Yeager's is a locally owned outdoorsman store along Northwest Ave that has been open for many decades. There is also a Haggen grocery store on Meridian St.

Elizabeth Park is about 2 blocks long and offers grassy areas, playground equipment, tennis courts, and a gazebo. During the summer, several outdoor concerts are held, attracting neighborhood residents and those from all around Bellingham.

Another playground area can be found along Eldridge Ave at Carl Lobe Park. Lorraine Ellis Park is to the north and also features playground equipment.

Students living in the Columbia Neighborhood attend Columbia Elementary School. Shuksan Middle School, and Bellingham High School.

Columbia Neighborhood Association

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