Loving Spokane!
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11/27/2018
My husband and I retired to Spokane and we're loving it! We had a list of criteria. After checking out many places in Oregon, Idaho and Washington, we found that Spokane met every one. Plus, just as importantly, when we came to visit on several occasions before moving, we had a positive emotional reaction to the beauty of the area and the energy of the city. This was our list of criteria. It's in no particular order except cost of good quality housing was a major consideration.
Affordable nice homes
Good medical care
Airport
At least one major university. Spokane has many plus a new medical school which was a big bonus since my husband is a retired medical researcher and would like to get involved part time.
Beautiful scenery and interesting places to take day trips
Forests and water (LOTS of lakes & rivers here)
Places to kayak, walk and hike
An art scene, both visual and performing
Farmers markets and good restaurants
West Coast and preferably Pacific Northwest
Relatively safe from natural disasters
We found a beautiful home on the South Hill. Just about any place we want to go is 10-15 minutes away. There are many hiking trails very close by, one we can walk to. In fact we've counted over ten major walking/hiking areas within 15 minutes of our home. And even though we're right in the city, we look out to pine, birch and quaking aspen trees everywhere. We have wonderful neighbors. We love the fact that people all around Spokane get out and take advantage of the gorgeous parks and trails - even in winter. It's a very outdoorsy town! We can do city things only allowing 15 minutes for driving and parking! We also appreciate all the old brick buildings downtown, many being refurbished. People are friendly and drivers are more courteous than we're used to. We also enjoy having four distinct seasons. Fall is especially gorgeous-wow! Maybe you have to love the PNW to appreciate winter. We actually don't like having sun year round and especially don't like the heat so the weather here suits us. Actually it's MUCH sunnier and dryer than western Oregon where we moved from so we're enjoying that. It reminds us of Bend, Oregon however it's greener; Spokane is not classified as desert like Bend. There are so many beautiful places to go in the metro area and in every direction outward we'll never get bored. There are way too many places to begin to list but if you come for a visit, definitely check out Riverfront Park, Manito Park, Bowl & Pitcher, Green Bluff (small farms), Arbor Crest Wine Cellars, The Davenport, the Centennial Trail, Kendall Yards, the art museum and Browne's Addition, Lake Coeur d'Alene......
I'm aware of all the negative reviews but don't quite get it. All places have their downsides. Choosing a place to live is very subjective as to what's most important to you and how much money you have to spend. Maybe everyone would want to live in Monterrey if they could afford it? Or maybe not. Spokane has changed a lot even in the past few years. It's definitely up & coming. In fact the great housing prices may not last long; they're up & coming too! As for the homeless problem, sadly it seems all cities and even many smaller towns have drug and homeless problems now. Yes I see it around in certain areas but nothing like Portland or bigger cities. As for property crime, it seems to us that if you choose a safe neighborhood, are reasonably cautious, it's not a huge deal. Again, check crime statistics for any town. We did and it was a real eye opener to see what goes on where. Most of the property crimes here, according to the police, are car burglaries. We park in the garage. On weather, this website shows a con of "harsh winters" yet for Coeur d'Alene says "cold winters". Hmmmm. CDA gets more rain and snow than Spokane and anyway, again, it's all relative. This isn't the midwest, or the northeast. In fact Bend, Oregon, gets colder than Spokane as per weather statistics yet there's no "con" mentioned for Bend's weather and in general Bend seems to have a great reputation for weather. Spokane on average gets more snow than Bend (although the past 2 years haven't seen it) but the winter season doesn't last any longer nor get as low temperature-wise. And some people love snow especially if they're skiers. The way I look at it is that if you want green trees, you need precipitation. That will either be in the form of constant rain like western Oregon & Washington, or snow in the eastern parts of the states. Another "con" mentioned on this website is lack of diversity. You can say that about any place in the Pacific Northwest. Actually I see more diversity here than most PNW towns possibly due to the number of large universities.
Despite the naysayers, MANY people are moving here and loving it just like we do. Everyone we've met here, from natives to transplants from Oregon, California etc, is very happy and wouldn't live anywhere else. There's a lot of positive energy in this lovely small vibrant city. We couldn't be happier with our choice. Before we made the move I asked a realtor point blank about all the negative reviews. She said "come and see for yourself" so we did and it was the best advice.
aro55 | Spokane Valley, WA