The Gateway to the San Juans
Just past Bellingham is the eastern boundary of the San Juan Islands and the beginning of The Inside Passage to Alaska, home to some of the most beautiful and incredible locations in the world. Known locally as the Gateway to the San Juan Islands, Sandy Point has unobstructed views of the shipping lanes, the islands and Mount Baker. Additionally, Lummi Island and the beautiful Orcas Island are mere miles away, and it's not unusual to spot a whale pod, a few curious seals or even a family of playful dolphins.
Far from the stress of city life but close enough to get a quick city fix, Sandy Point is only 90 minutes from Seattle, and 45 minutes from Vancouver, British Columbia, the site of the 2010 Winter Olympics.
A Friendly Community
Sandy Point is an island-like oasis that offers a unique way of life to some 600 home owners. The properties range from homes for entrepreneurs, the semi-retired and the retired, to vacation getaways for people from all over the world. Years ago a system of canals were developed that zigzag through the small peninsula, and now homeowners moor their boats and yachts right in their front yards.
In addition to its breathtaking views, Sandy Point has a small marina and access to a nine-hole golf course, club house, tennis courts, swimming pool, and community center located at Sandy Point Heights. The members-only golf course, built in 1970, is located on the northeast shore of Lummi Bay. This relatively flat course has water hazards on seven of the nine holes and can be played for 18 holes from a second set of tees.
A clubhouse located next to the golf course is equipped with a large outdoor pool that is heated during the summer months, and a playground across the street contains a sports court and a jungle gym.
The Sandy Point Improvement Company (SPIC) operates the marina at the north end of the harbor and canals. The marina is equipped with a boat ramp and a fuel dock, and provides secure moorage for about 60 vessels.
Sandy Point has a very strong community feel with an active yacht club that arranges street dances, art fairs, and a full calendar of community events. Each year the yacht club hosts the Annual Bullhead Fishing Derby on the canals for children. The opening day of boating season is always highly anticipated, beginning with a large area swap meet, live music, a flag raising, and a community BBQ. The Coast Guard offers free safety inspections and decals during this event.
A Healthy Economy
The largest employer in the area is Western Washington University with over 1,800 employees. WWU maintains over 70 buildings on a 215-acre campus, including the 38-acre Sehome Arboretum, operated jointly with the City of Bellingham. U.S. News and World Report has ranked WWU one of the top master's-granting universities in the western U.S., and Yahoo! has named WWU among the nations 100 "most wired" universities.
A Comfortable Climate
Protected by a rain shadow, Sandy Point receives as little as 20 inches of rain each year, compared with almost 40 inches for Vancouver and Seattle. Sandy Point's location between Vancouver Island and the Cascade Mountains creates a pleasant and relatively dry microclimate with moderate weather patterns.