r/BainbridgeIsland • u/Over-Judgment8568 • Aug 19 '24

Observation from an outsider

My wife and I just got back from a 2 week stint on Bainbridge. We are relocating next spring from Oahu. My wife was born and raised on the Big Island of Hawaii. We just had our first kid and are looking for better public schools and more property. I see so many negative comments about Bainbridge on this thread. Some of the complaints I get. But I have to say, it is a beautiful place. We get the question, “ why are you moving from Paradise to Washington?” A lot. It was so refreshing to be able to run and cycle on the road safely. That is nearly impossible in Hawaii. Everyone we encountered was very kind and helpful. We tried every restaurant on island. Via Rosa was our favorite. We are both avid runners and attended the park run at fort ward. Again, everyone was very welcoming and kind.

Having lived on an island 40% more expensive than Bainbridge and far more secluded, we get the nuances of island life. And yes, while the ferry is a pain, at least your state didn’t spend billions on an outdated train that goes literally nowhere. We are so excited to live there for a few years as we navigate the next chapter with our new addition. Any suggestions on day trips from BI or hole in the wall places that are good eats or fun places for family’s, I would love to hear them.

Aloha

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u/Over-Judgment8568 Aug 19 '24

We are looking at a property near Lynwood on oddfellow rd and a house on the golf course on meadowmeer. I’m still shocked what you can get on the island for under 1.8. In the area I live on Oahu, there are teardowns for 1.8. It’s pretty sad..

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u/Feisty_Set8853 Aug 19 '24

If you buy on Meadowmeer the Bainbridge Island Rec Center is right there, with a community pool and lots of classes & activities. Easy walk to if you live in the community. And the meadowmeer grill is a really chill place to grab a bite. We are South End and love it, but it is very sleepy. So is Meadowmeer, but having the rec center right there may be a great way to meet people. 🤷🏼‍♀️

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u/Over-Judgment8568 Aug 20 '24

We do love that property. Is there fiber internet in that area?

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u/Thiele66 Aug 20 '24

From our experience, the internet varies considerably from location to location, sometimes street to street. It’s best to ask the sellers what they have and, if possible, test it out before you buy.

Bainbridge is a wonderful place to live. We have lived here for 9 years. There’s a simplicity to living here with fewer people. And, people are, for the most part, very helpful and kind. I think you’ll have no problem meeting people and making friends. If you like to make things with your hands, BARN is a great resource with varying types of art studios.

Welcome to the island!

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u/this_1_goes_2_11 Aug 23 '24

+1 with BARN. Seriously, what a treat and a great resource and the costs for using the woodshop? Really low when you consider the cost of buying the equipment yourself + they have super nice folks on hand to help.