This family neighborhood offers a wide variety of homes, though it has been historically known for its single family homes built on extremely large lots (often over 400 feet deep), mainly toward the western portion of the neighborhood. Mature trees and in some places open fields give it an almost rural feel.

More recently, apartment complexes have sprung up along Northwest Avenue. Shopping is clustered along the Northwest Avenue retail district, particularly near the intersection of Northwest, Maplewood and Birchwood. Schools include Birchwood Elementary, Shuksan Middle School, and Bellingham technical College.