Bellingham, WA, United States

Capital City

While Bellingham touts itself as a scenic Pacific Northwest oasis, the reality is a city grappling with housing affordability - the median home sale reached $382,763 in 2017, far outpacing the county average. This university town of 91,482 people also experiences near-constant rainfall, earning the dubious distinction of having the lowest average sunshine amount of any US city. And despite a reputation for progressive politics, Bellingham has faced its share of racial tensions, including the 1907 anti-immigrant riots targeting South Asian mill workers. Overall, Bellingham may appeal to outdoors enthusiasts and craft beer aficionados, but its combination of high costs and perpetual drizzle won't be for everyone.