 The second oldest neighborhood in Bellingham, the Columbia neighborhood is a quiet, mostly residential haven. Situated on a bluff above Bellingham Bay, the neighborhood boasts several tree-lined streets, turn-of-the-century homes and multiple parks.
The portion of the neighborhood nearest the bay includes many homes recognized by the Eldridge Historical Society. Plaques bearing the names of original owners and years the homes were built hang by the front doors of many of these homes. The northern portion of the neighborhood consists of wider streets and newer developments, mostly from the mid-1900s.
Columbia Elementary School sits in the middle of the neighborhood, serving the many children in the family-friendly community. Elizabeth Park covers two city blocks and has stately trees, a restored water fountain, tennis courts, a playground, and large, open grassy areas. A gazebo in  the park hosts several concerts during the summer months. The smaller Carl Lobe and Lorraine Ellis Parks also offer playgrounds and lawns.
Shopping areas are located primarily on Northwest Avenue and Elm Street, offering furniture and convenience stores, a motel, restaurants and other independent businesses. More shopping is available on the edges of the neighborhood along Meridian and Broadway.
The Eldridge Society has a site that would provide more useful information on the area. The Columbia Neighborhood is actually served by The Eldridge Society web site. This neighborhood could easily be called the Eldridge Neighborhood and often thats the case with locals.
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