Where in Bellingham? (apartments, to rent, utilities)

[Yensu]

Where in Bellingham should I look for a place to live?

For those of you that want to post something like, "Just don't, don't move to Bellingham." please move along to another post.

And for those of you that are still reading:
I want to move to Bellingham. I have always wanted to move to Washington. When I read about what Bellingham was like, I knew it was what I'm aiming for.
I have only been doing a few days of research on it, but from the majority of what I have, I believe I would like it. The weather would not be something I would consider 'oppressive'. Even if the people are shy or reserved, well, that's what I am. I am confident that I can be happy wherever I am and for my own reasons I have chosen Bellingham.

Naturally, I think I would rather be in what would be considered the friendlier parts of Bellingham, but I still don't see it as a huge issue.

The big questions is where I should aim to move within Bellingham.
(I'm 23, male, for those that are curious)
So, for those of you that know from personal experience, where are the cheaper, yet still acceptable places to rent?
I would be renting alone(as of now), unless I can find a roommate.
Space does not bother me. I could rent a studio apartment, or even rent a room of someones house(Though this seems less ideal for me).

If you were in my position, KNOWING you were moving to Bellingham, but knew no one, what would you do?
Should I look for a roommate to cut costs, or simply try for a cheap place alone?

Assume that I can get a job, or already have a job waiting. (I have never had an issue getting a job when I need one. And I don't plan on it happening now.)

I wouldn't be moving for another ~3 months so I'm trying to plan ahead and maybe finding contacts so that I do have a roommate.

[Blindtom]

Budget? Transportation?
Downtown close to Railroad Ave. would give you walking access to a lot.

[Yensu]

Originally Posted by Blindtom

Budget? Transportation?
Downtown close to Railroad Ave. would give you walking access to a lot.

I'm aiming for somewhere 400-500 a month including utilities. (roommates are fine)
I'd like to estimate cost of living around ~1k a month. But... that is just a guess from what I've seen. Of course, I'll plan for a higher cost of living. I'd guess 1.5k is more accurate.

I own a car, but would be happy to bike when I can.

[Pahn]

I up and moved to Bellingham back in '08. I got a 1BR apt off of Lakeway Dr for $600/mo. That was 5+ years ago. Count on that being at least $650 now, not including utilities. Either way, it was a 15 minute walk to the greater downtown area, less on bike obviously. It was a great area, close to multiple grocery stores and other amenities.

If you had moved here a few weeks ago, you could have rented a room from my buddy for $400 a month, but alas.

[Yensu]

Yeah, I've looked at some prices. Finding a roommate always seems like the cheapest. But there are downsides to it as well. But.. it would also help me get to know someone so that'd be nice.

[Lamplight]

I live in Fairhaven and absolutely love it, but there's no denying this is the expensive part of town. Still, with good timing and a little luck you might be able to find a shared apartment within your budget. I believe 2 bedroom apartments in my complex are about $880, and the water bill is included in that. You might also want to look in the Sehome area. May be slightly cheaper, near numerous bus lines if you want to forgo the car, and there's a nice shopping center right in the middle of everything.