The Cost of Calling Bellingham Home

Those affordability challenges extend beyond Bellingham, according to Todd Donovan, a political science professor at Western Washington University who teaches state and local politics.

“That’s not just, like, a Bellingham thing. That’s an American thing,” Donovan said. Donovan attributed the challenges to a nationwide housing shortage, years of under building following the 2008 financial crisis, and continued demand in desirable communities such as Bellingham.