Today Blaine is a thriving yet tranquil community. It has changed much from its beginnings as a wild border town, yet its residents remain blessed by and very cognizant of its unique and beautiful setting at the northwest corner of the contiguous United States. An award winning K-12 school district, active businesses, a diverse citizenry and a local government committed to service all network to protect and improve Blaine’s beauty and livability as the city grows and charts its path into the twenty first century.
Geography
Blaine is located at 48°59′17″N, 122°44′37″W (48.988005, -122.743741).
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 22.0 km² (8.5 mi²). 14.3 km² (5.5 mi²) of it is land and 7.6 km² (3.0 mi²) of it (34.57%) is water.
Peace Arch Park is located in Blaine at the US Canadian border, and the Canadian city of Surrey, British Columbia is adjacent to Blaine on the north side of the international boundary. The Park straddles the U.S./Canada border, allowing visitors the experience of strolling to and fro between countries amid flowers and ponds . The Peace Arch monument, located in the Park, symbolizes lasting peace between the U.S. and Canada.
Blaine is often referred to as "The Gateway to the Pacific Northwest". It lies at the northernmost point of the North-South U.S. Interstate 5 and next to Boundary Bay.
Blaine has a small airport, popular with light aircraft owners for its low fuel prices. The runway measures 2539 x 40 ft. / 774 x 12 m. The Blaine city government operates the automated fuel pumps. In the spring of 2006 the city government removed several tall trees south of the runway as a safety precaution.
Economy
Much of Blaine's economy is based on trade across the Canadian border. The eastern side of the city accommodates a number of import/export warehouses, freight and courier services and gas stations serving long haul cargo trucks. The Department of Homeland Security operates two border inspection stations in Blaine.
The Port of Bellingham operates a large marina 1 km south of the border, serving a variety of pleasure craft and fishing vessels.
School District
Blaine School District #503 serves a population which extends to the south end of nearby Birch Bay, well beyond the City limits of Blaine. The largest share of school services is consolidated on a large (quarter mile square) campus in central Blaine. Approximately 2,500 students of all grades (K-12) attend school in facilties which separately house K-2, 3-6, 7-8, and 9-12th grades respectively. Students from the small nearby US exclave of Point Roberts, Washington above 3rd grade are also bussed to Blaine to attend school. The school district enjoys very strong community support, and in return provides an array of award winning educational and child development services, including it's large, multiple-award winning Middle School and High School Band. The main campus is home to a state of a state-of-the-art tiered seating Performing Arts Center and sports facilities for all team sports.