The 9 Best Assisted Living Facilities in Bellingham, WA

Located between Seattle and Vancouver, Bellingham is a medium-sized city that is experiencing growth among its retiree population. It retains its legacy as a seaport for forest products and active paper mill, yet is transitioning to more steady forms of economic activity. While it may not initially seem like a typical retirement destination, there are a number of reasons that Bellingham is an attractive location for seniors to spend their golden years. 

The climate in Bellingham, like much of Washington State, is milder than other parts of the country, with pleasant summers and temperate, albeit rainy winters. These weather conditions are ideal for active seniors who enjoy exploring the many beautiful natural areas. The San Juan Islands, North Cascade mountains and numerous local parks offer limitless opportunities for walking, picnicking, hiking or biking. Some of the best hospitals nationwide are close by in Seattle, including University of Washington Medical Center and Virginia Mason Medical Center. Bellingham is also home to Mount Baker Theatre, and the city hosts numerous social and cultural events throughout the year.  

The average cost of assisted living in Bellingham is $4,650 a month, although this price will vary depending on the specific facility and its amenities. This cost is moderately higher than the national average of $4,000 but also less than the state average of $5,500. 

Note: Information for Bellingham was not available, so data from the next closest city, Mount Vernon, was used.

Check out our list of the top 10 assisted living facilities in Bellingham to see which ones are right for you. 

Brookdale Fairhaven

2600 Old Fairhaven Parkway

Bellingham, WA 98225

(360) 205-3076

Brookdale Fairhaven is located near Bellingham Bay’s Old Town, close to distinctive shops and unique restaurants. Regular and scheduled transportation is available for a scenic outing to nearby Lake Whatcom or to take a ferry ride to Vancouver for a day of shopping. Brookdale Fairhaven’s indoor activities are equally numerous; residents can take yoga, gardening and arts and crafts classes. The staff works with individuals and their families to create a custom plan that places the residents’ comfort and living experience at the top of the priority list.  We included Brookdale Fairhaven because it ranks highly for amenities and quality of care.  

• On-site library, beauty salon and barbershop
• Pet-friendly

Rosewood Villa Senior Living

702 32nd Street 

Bellingham, WA 98225

(360) 676-9193

Rosewood Villa Senior Living is a multilevel care facility around the corner from Sehome Hill Arboretum, a nature park with over five miles of trails for walking or bird-watching. Residents can expect to receive caring, personalized support with customized care plans that include medication management and individually tailored dining options. Living arrangement options include a choice of either a studio or one-bedroom apartment that can be made to feel like home. Residents are welcome to bring a small furry friend to live with them at this pet-friendly community. 

• Game room, cafe and comfortable common areas
• In-house occupational and physical therapies

Spring Creek by Bonaventure

223 East Bakerview Road

Bellingham, WA 98226

(360) 684-1731

Spring Creek by Bonaventure offers seniors a rich array of amenities in a homelike, comfortable setting. There are a variety of floor plans to choose from, and all come with microwaves, kitchenettes and one or more fully-accessible bathrooms. In addition to 24-hour personal assistance and laundry services, residents have access to scheduled transportation and anytime dining, with up to 12 menu options at each meal.      

• Amenities include a movie room, beauty salon and barbershop, library and fitness gym
• All-inclusive rent

Cordata Court

4415 Columbine Drive 

Bellingham, WA 98226

(360) 276-9604

Cordata Court is close to Route 5 and historic downtown Bellingham, ideal for seniors wishing to take a day trip when family visits. Residents may also easily schedule transportation to nearby parks and attractions or enjoy the many in-house amenities. There is a beauty salon for getting styled and a movie theatre for relaxing. Living arrangements come in various sizes and can include wall-to-wall carpeting, kitchenettes, cable hookups and walk-in closets. Small pets are welcome too, to make residents' spaces feel even more like home. 

• Companion suites, studios and one or two-bedroom apartments
• 24-hour licensed nursing staff 

Summit Place Assisted Living

2905 Connelly Avenue

Bellingham, WA 98225

(888) 603-9945

Situated close to Bellingham’s waterfront and Fairhaven's historic district, Summit Place Assisted Living is a family-owned and operated facility that emphasizes loving, patient-centered care. Its proximity to Mt. Baker Care Center, an adjacent skilled nursing facility, means residents have access to caregivers and therapists specially trained in healing if needed. We included Summit Place because of its emphasis on fostering intergenerational relationships: a childcare center operates on its ground level. Residents can start their day with an exercise class, followed by a home-cooked meal designed by a certified dietician. The remainder of the day can be spent taking a cooking or gardening class, then enjoying an evening cocktail at the weekly happy hour.

• Hair salon
• Integrated, on-site therapies

Orchard Park

844 West Orchard Drive

Bellingham, WA 98225

(360) 647-3708

Orchard Park is located midway between Bellingham Golf and Country Club and Cornwall Park, perfect for seniors who want to work on their golf swing or take a stroll out in nature. It is also near the Bellis Fair Mall and the shows and entertainment at Mount Baker Theatre. There’s also plenty of activities to enjoy at home, including movie nights, card games, puzzles and pet therapy. Residents can invite guests to enjoy a home-cooked meal in the congregant dining area. Small pets are welcome to live at Orchard Park. 

• Access to an on-site movie theater, beauty salon and activity room
• Outside caregivers available for companionship or mobility assistance

Woodway Assisted Living

1712 East Maplewood Avenue

Bellingham, WA 98225

(360) 603-9762

Woodway Assisted Living is located between two parks and a golf course, making access to nature easy and convenient. Studio, one and two-bedroom apartments are available and all include weekly housekeeping, laundry and linen service and emergency intercom call systems. In addition to standard care services, residents can opt for medication delivery and additional assistance with bathing and bed-making. Woodway provides daily activities, special holiday events and homemade, chef-prepared meals three times a day.

• Salon, barbershop and common areas
• Scheduled transportation to shopping, events, dining and medical appointments

Highgate at Bellingham

155 East Kellogg Road

Bellingham, WA 98226

(360) 671-1459

Highgate at Bellingham is a senior community offering multiple levels of care to Bellingham seniors. The daily event calendar includes games, music, sing-alongs, sports and exercise classes. There are also comfortable common areas where residents can relax and drink a cup of artisan coffee with friends. Highgate emphasizes a customized approach to their senior care services; they offer plans for individuals as well as plans that accommodate couples who have differing care needs. The personalized attention means residents have access to a single preferred care partner who gains an intimate knowledge of each individual’s emotional, physical and mental needs.

• A variety of apartments and floor plans that come standard with kitchenettes and emergency two-way call systems
• Three home-cooked meals daily

The Willows

3115 Squalicum Parkway

Bellingham, WA 98225

(360) 671-7077

The Willows is a senior retirement community surrounded by three scenic tree-lined acres of land. Its emphasis on individual care and personal services enables its seniors to live their most active, fulfilling lives. Residents can dine at the time of their choosing, and chefs create customized meals to match personal preferences and dietary restrictions. Studio, one and two-bedroom apartments are available in a variety of layouts, and all are pet-friendly and include cable television. We included The Willows because it ranked highly for its unique amenities, including a resident-staffed gift boutique and weekly on-site, seasonal farm stand. 

• Guest accommodations for special events or overnight stays
• Personal assistance available for companionship, errands and medication reminders