PNW Mid-Sized Metros: Spokane WA vs Boise ID (live, best, largest)

[DJKirkland]

Which of these two cities do you think is best? They are the most evenly matched in the Northwest as far as populations go; right around 600,000 each. Boise has a newer sunbelt/northwest hybrid feel to it, while Spokane has an older rustbelt/northwest vibe going on. Both are the central cities in their metros and boast about 200,000 residents each. Compare based on:

-location
-education opportunities
-transportation
-downtown
-urban vibe / built environment
-neighborhoods
-economy
-future outlook


BOISE IDAHO



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SPOKANE WASHINGTON



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Boise used to be only half the size of Spokane, and caught up very quickly and has recently surpassed Spokane in size. That has slowed considerably, so while Boise seemed as though it would not stop growing, it has, and the two remain evenly matched in that regard. Boise is by far the largest city in Idaho, whereas Spokane is a distant second in Washington, though center of a trade area well over 1,000,000.


I think both are great mid-sized cities. It's a toss up for me.

[northstar22]

I'll take Spokane. I like the older, established vibe, and the weather in eastern Washington. Plus, I'd rather be associated with Washington than Idaho (not that Idaho is bad).

[arianiah]

I've lived in both...and hands down I would live in Boise over Spokane in heartbeat. Live there now-moved here from Spokane in 08. But this is coming from a mother of 4 kids. The only thing I would stay in Spokane for is the education in the k-12 schools. As for colleges-it's really a toss up-both cities I think are equal in what they can offer. The neighborhoods here are awesome-friendly. Boise is just cleaner.
BTW-I was born in Spokane and was raised in Eastern Washington (so def. an unbiased opinion)