Point Roberts USA, a unique city

Point Roberts, Washington, is a little known and unique American city. Even most realtors in Whatcom County leave Point Roberts properties to those agents who are based at Point Roberts. Point Roberts, if you have not heard of it,  is an enclave (meaning a part of a country that is mainly surrounded by another country). It is part of Whatcom County, WA but heavily influenced by both the USA and Canada. Point Roberts became a part of the USA in 1855, after high level negotiations between the US and Great Britain. Even though one has to pass, by land at least, through Canada to get there, the USA ended up with Point Roberts because it is below the 49^th parallel, where the two countries were divided. Point Roberts is 22 miles south of the major city of Vancouver BC and it takes about an hour, or less, to get there from Bellingham, WA depending on the border crossing and traffic. The difficulty in accessing it, from the USA, is one of the things that makes it private. From the USA, one crosses the port of entry, usually at Blaine, and goes into Tsawwassen BC. From there one has to enter back into the USA at Point Roberts. Obviously, serious crime is not much of an issue: Any criminal mastermind realizes that he or she would not only have to flee the scene of the crime, but also successfully make it back across the border crossing at the city limits.

The city is small with a population, according to the 2000 census, of just over 1300 people. It is a scenic and quiet city, with a few businesses, it is certainly not bustling. It has some gorgeous real estate, in the woods or at the water. Some of the most beautiful beach-front and water views I have ever seen are at Point Roberts. Real estate is a hot commodity at Point Roberts and it is a desirable locale for retirees from both the USA and Canada. I have included with this blog a map, showing the location of Point Roberts, and a few photos of the waterfront views. Not only is there beach-front, but the scenic homes around the marina are wonderful as well. It is a very quiet and interesting place to visit!

Inspector view, roof to the beach                     Marina view

Beach front lot                                                 Water view

Thanks for looking,

Steven L. Smith

www.kingofthehouse.com