The number of people moving to this very northwest corner of the Pacific Northwest, Whatcom County, is ongoing and the numbers are impressive. This is, to a large degree, the result of our geographical location -- the proximity to the USA-Canada border.
We have major border crossings in the county -- Blaine (two crossings), Lynden and Sumas. The Department of Homeland Security, over the last several years, has been moving more personnel to this part of the country. That includes U.S. Border Patrol, Customs, Immigration and all of the staff that guards or manages the border. The other phenomenon that we are seeing is a huge influx of Canadians who are taking advantage of the strong Canadian dollar and moving their primary residences to the U.S.A. or they are establishing second homes in Whatcom County.
Another group, that I am seeing a lot of, is oil refinery staff. Between migrating Canadians, Homeland Security personnel and ConocoPhillips and BP staff, I am finding a large and reliable customer base. These people all have friends, and talk among one another, so it is not uncommon for me to do three or four inspections a month for refinery and Homeland Security personnel. And, overall, I would estimate that 35% or more of my business is comprised of Canadians who are buying properties in the United States. The Whatcom County photos below, courtesy of Curtis Brown, show that we have lots to offer here in the northwest corner.
Below is a version of several videos that I have produced that are doing a good job of targeting folks who want to move to the Land of Louie Louie. If you are not a Washingtonian, you may not know that we hold a special place in our hearts for the old garage band song. The first hit versions of it were recorded in the northwest and it has become a secondary state anthem. You here it at professional sporting events, performed by marching bands at parades, etc.
Check out "This Day In History" -- music and vintage television from the 1950's through the 1980's. I enjoy writing these articles because they take me back to my days in radio broadcasting. Click on Elvis' gold record, below, to revisit those golden hits of yesteryear.
