Spokane in a nutshell
-
7/2/2009
Both my wife and I have family that grew up in Spokane. I was an airforce BRAT and moved around most of my life. We settled here in Spokane my late teenage years. I have lived at all four corners of the USA.
If you like seasons, Spokane has all four but the winter is very long with grey skies.. If you can get past the winter, the spring, summer and fall are wonderful. Some of the best you will find in the US. The people in Spokane for the most part are friendly. As with any city, it depends on where you live. The nicer neighborhoods you will find on the outskirts of the city. North, top of the South Hill, East of Pines and West of Downtown. The nicest neighborhoods would have to be the South Hill (more towards the top), Wandemere, Meade, Colbert area (North) and far East Spokane (Valley). Also Eagle Ridge (West) is a great new family friendly neighborhood right off the freeway.
Spokane is revitalizing downtown with new condos, restaurants, and lots of shopping. The River Front Park is also located downtown and you will find it is one of the nicest parks in the country with a variety of family activities.
If you like biking, roller blading, jogging, etc., Spokane is also home to the Centennial trail. You can take this paved trail from River Front Park and travel miles and miles through Spokane along the river ending in Idaho.
If you like the outdoors, there are many lakes, mountains, and rivers all within an hour drive.
Cost of living is a little prices with 8.9% sales tax and housing prices shot up dramatically in the last 5 years. There is no income tax but that is definately made up with all the other tax we pay.
In all, my wife and I moved back here from the East Coast to raise our family in this environment. It is a good place for families. I hope this helps some of you who are thinking of making the move!
josh | Spokane, WA