Do Not Move To Bonney Lake Top 5 Reasons You Might Reconsider Moving To Bonney Lake Washington

Hey there, future Bonney Lake resident! If you're contemplating a move to this beautiful suburban gem in Washington State, you've come to the right place. I'm Austin Robertson, your friendly real estate broker in the greater Seattle-Tacoma area. I understand that Bonney Lake might not be the most talked-about place, but it certainly has its unique charm and its share of both pros and cons. In this comprehensive guide, we're going to explore what the people of Bonney Lake love and, well, what they might not love so much. So, let's dive right in!

The Beauty of Bonney Lake

Bonney Lake, with its population of around 20,000, offers some of the most stunning views you'll ever find. The majestic presence of Mount Rainier and the serene Cascades will be your everyday companions here. With picturesque spots like Lake Tapps and Victor Falls, you'll be surrounded by natural beauty at its finest. Moreover, compared to the bustling metropolis of Seattle, housing costs in Bonney Lake are significantly lower, with the average home priced at around $600,000, as opposed to Seattle's $850,000. Additionally, crime rates in Bonney Lake are considerably lower than in more densely populated areas like Tacoma, making it a safe and family-friendly community.

Now, let's get into the nitty-gritty of what you should know before making the move.

1. The Water Bill Challenge

One consistent gripe among Bonney Lake residents is the infamous water bill. Why? Well, a substantial part of the issue can be attributed to Bonney Lake's unique topography. The town is nestled amidst hills and valleys, requiring an extensive and costly water infrastructure. In fact, Bonney Lake boasts more lift stations than most towns in the area, each of which costs over a million dollars. Furthermore, the fallout from the 2008 recession hampered revenue generation and stunted development in the town.

Back in 2018, Bonney Lake had one of the lowest water bills in the nation, coming in at under $30, while the national average was around $46. However, in November 2018, the Bonney Lake City Council passed a tax hike aimed at raising $33 million by the end of 2023 to fund vital infrastructure improvements. Starting in 2019, water rates increased by 8.5% annually, with sewer rates rising by approximately 8% each year. Consequently, by 2023, residents faced an estimated 50% increase in their water bills and a 40% increase in their sewer bills, resulting in an approximate monthly cost of $170.

For perspective, the average water bill in Kansas City is around $117, and even in Dallas, Texas, it remains below $100. So, yes, $170 is undeniably high. However, it's worth noting that Bonney Lake prides itself on having some of the best-tasting drinking water around.

2. The Missing Downtown

One aspect that's frequently lamented by Bonney Lake residents is the absence of a proper downtown area. Unlike nearby towns like Puyallup, Tacoma, and Sumner, which boast vibrant and charming downtowns with coffee shops, restaurants, boutiques, and more, Bonney Lake falls short in this department.

Bonney Lake did lay out a vision for its downtown in 2001, but achieving this vision has proven challenging. While the city has made some improvements, such as constructing the Main Street building and the Justice and Municipal Center, the dream of a bustling downtown gathering place remains unrealized. Consequently, many Bonney Lake residents often find themselves traveling to neighboring areas for dining, shopping, and entertainment.

In Bonney Lake, you can find the basics – strip malls with stores like Target, Walmart, Fred Meyer, Safeway, and Costco lined up one after another. However, if you crave the vibrant culture and unique shopping experiences of a true downtown area, you'll need to venture beyond Bonney Lake's borders.

3. The "Bonney Lake Freeze"

You may have heard of the "Seattle Freeze," a term used to describe Seattleites' perceived reluctance to form new social connections. Well, Bonney Lake has its own version of this phenomenon – the "Bonney Lake Freeze." Some residents have reported that people in Bonney Lake are not always the warmest when it comes to welcoming newcomers into the community. As Bonney Lake is just a short drive from Seattle, which is known for the Seattle Freeze, this may not come as a complete surprise.

However, it's essential to note that experiences can vary widely. While some newcomers have found it challenging to make friends initially, it's not an insurmountable obstacle. Like anywhere else, building a social network in a new town takes effort and a bit of strategy. Joining local groups, such as the Chamber of Commerce, Rotary, or community organizations, can be an effective way to meet people and become part of the community.

4. The Traffic Troubles

Traffic in Bonney Lake is a topic that can raise some eyebrows. It's not necessarily the traffic jams or congestion that you might associate with larger cities, but rather the frustratingly slow pace at which traffic moves. Some drivers here seem to have an aversion to speed, which can be exasperating, especially if you're used to faster-paced roads.

Speed limits in Bonney Lake are often quite low, with many streets capped at 25 miles per hour, even for open stretches. Moreover, the city's infrastructure struggles to cope with the rapid growth it has experienced. Communities like Tehaleh, large planned developments, find themselves with only one way in and one way out, leading to traffic bottlenecks, particularly during school drop-off and pick-up times.

Highways like State Route 167 also struggle to handle the traffic flow, causing backups during peak hours. Fortunately, there are plans to expand and improve these roadways, with a three-phase expansion of SR 167 scheduled to be completed by 2028. In the meantime, learning the local back roads and avoiding peak traffic times can be a wise strategy for Bonney Lake commuters.

5. Dining Dilemmas

Lastly, let's talk about restaurants in Bonney Lake. Some residents have expressed a desire for more dining options in town. While there are certainly some local gems like Glow, the Martini Lounge, Trapper Sushi, and the ever-popular Chick-fil-A, the town may not offer the variety and abundance of dining choices that you'd find in larger cities.

Bonney Lake residents who enjoy dining out frequently might find themselves heading to nearby cities like Tacoma or Auburn, where they can explore a wider range of culinary experiences. For those who enjoy the occasional date night or special meal, venturing beyond Bonney Lake's borders can be an appealing option.

In conclusion, Bonney Lake is a unique and picturesque community with its own set of quirks and charms. While it may have its share of challenges, such as high water bills, a lack of downtown vibrancy, and traffic issues, it also offers numerous benefits, including stunning natural beauty, affordable housing, and a sense of safety.

When considering a move to Bonney Lake, it's crucial to weigh these pros and cons against your own preferences and priorities. No place is perfect, and every community has its unique character. If Bonney Lake aligns with your lifestyle and values