Reviews & Comments
Spokane, WA
Everything, Really. -
2/17/2011I highly recommend not moving to Spokane, or anywhere on the Eastern side of the state. I moved here for college in 2007 and cannot wait to leave.
First of all, I hate the weather. It is far too variable for my tastes. It's gotten to -20 in the winter and up to 110 in the summer, neither of which is agreeable to me. I like moderate climates with less drastic changes. The spring and fall seasons here are also very short, which is unfortunate.
The cost of living is much lower than in Seattle or any other major city in the state, but you do get what you pay for. The roads are atrocious and are only getting worse. People consistently vote down ways to improve the education systems. The standard of living is much lower than in the other large cities in Washington. There is a ridiculous amount of drunk driving and drug use. If you look at a crime map of Spokane, you'll find that murders and rapes are very rare, but DUIs and assaults are at the top of the list. There are large parts of the city where it is not advisable to go out at night, especially alone.
Culture and recreation...things that are very hard to find here. There's a nice park downtown (can't go after dark) and Manito Gardens (absolutely wonderful). There's the MAC, which is nice, and a couple of smaller museums. There are without a doubt some great areas to hike over here, some nice camping, and the Spokane river is beautiful (but too polluted to swim in). However, the hiking and camping on the peninsula is better, and that's about all you've got. There are 4 WalMarts, I believe, so there's great people-watching.
The unemployment rate of Spokane is worse than the state/national averages, but only by a couple of percent. The median income is lower, as is the standard of living and property value. There are a lot of people here on SSI, disability and welfare. I won't take a stand on whether businesses do well here or not as I'm sure my opinion would reflect recent trends rather than overall tendencies.
1/3 of high school students drop out. This is about 6% more than the state average. Eastern, the local public university, has a 42% retention rate and a 72% graduation rate. People here do seem to be average or below (generally, not everyone is) when it comes to IQ, critical thinking, and reasoning.
Religion and politics here are pretty one-sided although it is improving quite a bit. The county is 60-70% Republican and overwhelmingly Christian. There is a Buddhist temple and one or two synagogues, but it's very much like moving a bit of the Bible belt up to the Northwest. I've been insulted and physically threatened for wearing pro-Obama and atheist gear. That said, most people who disagree just give me disparaging looks or make snide comments about Obama supporting welfare, after all. Pointing out that I've never received assistance and do, in fact, own my own home usually quiets them. And, as I said, that's slowly changing.
The horrible quality of roads aside, transportation here is pretty good. There are some bus routes that are always late, but most are on time. They have good coverage, nice drivers, and reasonable fares. I wish they ran later and earlier, but they're a great resource. There aren't many bike lanes and people here do not generally like bicyclists. Walking is also a challenge in some areas because drivers ignore crosswalks. That said, pedestrians frequently ignore them, too. The lack of courtesy goes both ways. Also, the drivers here ARE IMPOSSIBLY TERRIBLE. Speed limits, lane lines, red lights, stop signs...it's beyond at least 1/3 of them. Also, per Enterprise Rent-A-Car, about 40% don't have insurance. I recommend the bus.
Things I like about Spokane: Spring here is nice. There is good hiking. The cost of living is low. I bought a house at the worst of the recession in a neighborhood that is being built up. In 2 years the value has gone up $14000 over what I paid, and I still have 3 years of school left. A da Vinci exhibit is coming to the MAC! A lot of locally owned businesses are opening up and doing well. There are some GREAT local restaurants. Spokane Valley is pretty nice. The South Hill. Lots of farmers means a wonderful farmer's market. The interest in organic food is growing! There's a growing community of progressive, sustainable-growth focused citizens who are trying to help Spokane realize its potential. Great views of the mountains!
Where I come from: I was born in Virginia, then raised in Mississippi, Florida, and Seattle. I would rather move back to MS than stay in Spokane. At least I could afford horses there. I moved here for college, as I said earlier, and have no intention of staying here after I finish my master's. I would not raise a family here.
Hopefully that helps!