Ferndale used to be known as Jam because the town was located next to a log jam on the Nooksack River, but the town's school teacher took it upon herself to give the town a more "picturesque" name. She was reported to have been inspired by the ferns that grew next to the original schoolhouse.
Ferndale is situated between the Pacific Ocean and Cascade Mountains -- so you know it isn't ugly
Ferndale used to be known as Jam because the town was located next to a log jam on the Nooksack River, but the town's school teacher took it upon herself to give the town a more "picturesque" name. She was reported to have been inspired by the ferns that grew next to the original schoolhouse.
Ferndale is situated between the Pacific Ocean and Cascade Mountains -- so you know it isn't ugly. The area has a moderate climate, and the average rainfall is about 34 inches. This coastal city was settled in 1872 and incorporated on March 19, 1907, and today it covers a little less than seven miles, so you can run from end-to-end pretty darn quick, if you like. If you prefer wheeled transportation, Interstate 5 is where you'll want to be -- it is the only main highway that serves the area. However, if you want an international adventure, Ferndale is situated just 13 miles from the Canadian border. According to the most recent census, the city has a population of nearly 12,000 people.
Despite being a smaller city, there are a variety of places to rent in Ferndale. Condo rentals, rental apartments, and townhouses for rent are easily located with an online search, or you can kick it old school and check out the local newspaper. Also, if you're in the process of moving to the area, make sure your identification documents and Social Security card are on hand, instead of tucked away in a box somewhere. Potential landlords will need access to these documents for a credit check and identity verification. Also, new residents may want to avoid moving into the area during the colder months. The weather can be bitterly cold, and frozen fingers make it hard to move all your stuff out of your moving truck.
Ferndale may not be the biggest place, but it does boast three primary neighborhoods:
Mountain View: Mountain View is located to the left of City Center and is the closest neighborhood to the coast. It's a mainly suburban area, with owner-occupied housing, although some rental housing is available.
Laurel: Laurel is located to the right of City Center. It's also filled with a lot of owner-occupied housing, but you can find some homes for rent here.
City Center: City Center is sandwiched between the other two neighborhoods. This is the most bustling area of the city, and it's also where you'll have the best chance of finding rental housing.
Ferndale is nestled on the banks of the Nooksack River. Like many small coastal cities, life is framed around outdoor activities and events. Boating and fishing are popular pastimes for visitors and local residents. There are also various festivals and events held throughout the year.
Some of the biggest outdoor activities are held during the last weekend of July. The community kicks the weekend off with the Old Settlers Picnic, followed by the 5k race and then the Grand Parade. Enjoy meeting your neighbors and those from neighboring towns at this shindig.
Another event where you can mingle and soak in the awesomeness of Ferndale takes place in August. Attendees of the Mud to Suds race are encouraged to dress up for the event, and prizes are given to participants with the most creative costumes. Onlookers cheer race participants on as they struggle to make it to the finish line while navigating a pit of mud. Don't worry about mucking up the floors of your new home when you get back; firemen are on standby with fire hoses to wash the racers off at the finish line. Massages, food, and beverages are all available during the exciting and messy race.
There are also a large number of walking trails, private parks and public recreation areas in the vicinity. This is surprising because the city isn't very large, but every spare square acre seems to hold a wealth of outdoor adventures.
There's also a large number of restaurants and eateries in the area, with seafood being the fare of choice. Residents and visitors will enjoy the flavorful mixture of foreign cuisine and local fare that is available in this tiny coastal town, from Cedar's Restaurant and Lounge to Curry House.
Public transportation is available, but many locations are within walking distance of most major areas, so you can skip the bus. Cars are common for times when you want to go a little further than your legs will take you.
Ferndale is a wonderful place to find outdoor adventure and small-town living in the northern United States. The area is well-known for its beauty and charm, and the small-town feel that is cultivated by local residents and establishments.
