When Anna Truong and her husband started the hunt for a new home, New Westminster was a "natural" choice for the couple.
The city is right between Truong's family in South Vancouver, and her husband, Justin Hofmarks' family in Surrey.
"We are actually 16 minutes away to my family and 17 minutes away to his family, so you can't get more in the middle than that," Truong says, laughing.
So they took the plunge, bought a bungalow in the city's west side and are carving out a comfortable life in their new home.
Previously, they lived in Surrey - where Hofmarks grew up, but Truong worked in New West at Senior Services Society, so she knew the city.
"I got to know New West really well over the years. I like the community feel of it. The small-town feel of it. So that's where I've always wanted to live ever since (I started) working here," she says.
The move means they were able to give up a car, but there has been a couple of challenges they've noticed since settling here last year. Hofmarks doesn't like the traffic he has to deal when shuttling through New Westminster during rush hour to his job in Surrey. The other downside is that there aren't many nearby shopping options, she says.
"The well-known thing is that there isn't too much within walking distance ... there's the 7/11 and that's really about it unless you want to walk to 12th Street and even then there isn't much either," she says, then, with a laugh, adds, "there's a 7/11."
What do you like about living in New West?
I really like the west end - everybody takes care of their property, so you get the charm, you get the character homes ....
How have you integrated here and what do you bring to New Westminster?
For me it was a natural fit. For Justin, this was the first time he had lived outside of Surrey, so that's a big change. We're probably the youngest homeowners in our neighbourhood (She's 29, he's 36).
I worked in the city, so for me I see a lot of value in living and working in the same city. I like to be involved in the community.
What has been the most pleasant surprise?
Like I've said, I've known New West for quite a while, so nothing is new to me. I like all of the festivals and all of the events that go on here. I think last week there was like eight craft fairs that went on - not that I went to anyone of them, but I could have.
Any advice for newcomers?
If you are to migrate to New West, get close to SkyTrain because it saves a lot of money, (and) time. (To be able) to commute quickly has been very good for us, and that's something that when we were shopping we didn't really think of. We put an offer down on a house on 18th and London (streets), we didn't get that house, but now that I think of it, that's an extra five minute walk up the hill to get home, that makes a difference when you are walking every single day.
What's you favourite thing about the city?
The walkability - how nice it is to walk around the different neighbourhoods.
