Spokane Valley and the surrounding areas
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3/1/2019
Let me begin by saying that I am proud to live in this area the majority of my life. I have lived in other places outside of here and I truly love living where I do. We are in an area where you are literally surrounded by natural beauty. Forests, lakes, smaller communities (Coeur d'Alene, Hayden, Sandpoint, Otis Orchards, Greenacres, etc). We are 10-30 minutes approximately from Spokane, which I will include in the review as well, and Coeur d'Alene, ID.
Regarding commute and travel, we have an international airport hub, Spokane International Airport, a decent bus system, Uber, Lyft, a bus and train station as well as many areas that are walkable, depending upon which part of town you live in.
Culturally, we have ballet, opera, symphony, art and history museums, outside music festivals, fantastic restaurants, wineries, breweries and celebrate Hoopfest, which people come from all over the country to join in on. Also, we have some incredible areas to hike, fish, beautiful and plentiful parks that are well maintained, and walking trails that run from Spokane all the way to Liberty Lake.
The cost of living in Spokane and the surrounding areas are a quarter of Seattle, Portland, and Vancouver. What it costs for a months rent in an apartment in Seattle literally is the same amount or more that it costs me to pay my entire monthly expenses. For instance, I live in almost 1000 sqft, 2 bedroom apartment, with a washer and dryer in unit, for $825. Yep. Read that again, you didnt hallucinate. A 4 bedroom apartment with all amenities is what people in the Seattle area pay for their studio/one bedroom...between $1200 and $1400 a month!
Crime and homelessness exist everywhere, and one must expect that in any big city, and now even in smaller towns. I personally have lived in the Seattle area and let me be clear...they have homelessness and are a prime source of illegal drugs as well...its just not talked about. Just because we acknowledge the issues with it and we dont sweep it under the rug, doesnt mean it's an unsafe place to live. Just like ANY heavily populated city, there is going to be issues with crime and homelessness. Some places, like in the Spokane Valley, the South Hill, Greenacres, Otis Orchards and Liberty Lake, it is not as prominent.
Political views are more split in our area here. Spokane itself is more liberal minded than say, Spokane Valley. The split is fairly healthy honestly.
In the city of Spokane and the surrounding areas, we are also home of Gonzaga University, Spokane Community College, Spokane Falls Community College, ITT tech, Whitmore University, Eastern Washington University, as well as other technical and trade education organizations. The option for education is available here for many different things and the opportunity for success is available here as well.
Samantha | Spokane Valley, WA