Nice article about Bellingham in the current issue of the Seattle Weekly.  It says Seattleites are moving to Bellingham in droves.  Well, more specifically it interviews older people who have recently moved here because Seattle is losing its charm.  Younger people are staying in Seattle because it is too hard to make a living here.  But those who are retired find lower cost of living and housing prices here. 

Fairhaven is featured quite prominently in the article.  Some comments marvel about the ambience.  And, indeed, Fairhaven deserves respect for being a relaxed location.  Little known - and not mentioned in the article - is the fact that every business in Fairhaven is locally owned and managed.  Even the Haggen grocery store.  Not a single Starbucks, Gap, Applebee's or any such.  There are a couple bank branches that belong to larger banks.  

The reason for this local control is that different property and building owners have, over the decades, declined to rent or sell to chains.  Starbucks has tried more than once to open in Fairhaven.  And someday this will end with some food chain opening on a corner.  But for the past 40 years, Fairhaven - with locally owned Village Books leading the way - has been an example of an urban village with local control.  

For a taste of Fairhaven ambience, check out these photos.