The changing face of Whatcom County: who is coming to Bellingham, and why?
Throughout history, people have moved into a community because there are jobs and opportunities available for them. In Whatcom County, however, jobs may not be the main motivation for its newcomers. In fact, many are bringing their jobs with them. “Most of the people I’m seeing that are buying real estate in Whatcom County are those who are either planning to telecommute, have a business elsewhere that they can check in on every day, or are retiring 10 years early and can choose where they want to live,” said Mike Kent, a real estate agent at Windermere. “This phenomenon is creating some interesting changes in this community.” Kent said most of these first changes he has noticed have been beneficial. “What I’ve seen from the people who have moved here recently is they are providing a huge resource for volunteerism,” Kent said. “They have the time and the energy to devote toward charities and the community. Many of them have come from communities that have seen the quality of life go do
