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How would you compare Spokane vs. Boise in terms of cultural amenenties, historic neighborhoods, a vibrant downtown, and just quality of life in general for a younger professional new to the area.
You could also throw in there outdoor activities and weather.
Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but my guess is that Boise would be even more conservative then Spokane. Did a little digging and they voted over 60% Republican in the last presidential election.
Also, Boise is a little more Mormon then Spokane. About 45,000 members to Spokane's 14,000. There's seems to be a large Catholic population, too. Doesn't bother me, because I am Mormon, but I think it's only fair to warn "outsiders". lol. Especially since Spokane's conservatism has been something other people on this blog have complained about. :~) D
I have never been to Boise but have met people comparing the 2 locations to decide where to live. Spokane is more treed and varied in terrain. Boise is drier, browner and has more flat terrain than Spokane. Spokane has more to offer culturally than Boise. Those are just second hand comments that I've heard from other people who have been to both places.
I second that motion.., nothing personal...from the western to the southern to the eastern part of Washington, it's beautiful..I have lived in all parts of the state beginning in the 60's as a youth near Seattle.. presently reside in Spokane...
My DH's family lives in Boise, but when we move back west in a few weeks we're moving to Spokane. Spokane's not exactly lush, but Boise seems to be much drier. And with all the growth, Boise has some terrible traffic. Of course, after living in DC, I have to chuckle when anyone complains of traffic! But, hey everybody, why are we sharing all these great things about Spokane, we don't want everybody to move there! Shhhhh...
Boise is a bigger area (650k metro vs Spokane's 450k). With that, you have a few more activites like sporting events, cultural events, and shopping. Boise also has a better economy and, in my opinion, is a much cleaner and generally nicer city. Boise also has better weather in the spring, fall, and winter. Boise also has better access to outdoor recreation.
Spokane also has much better weather in the Summer. I think summers in MT, North ID, and WA are the absolute best. Boise is also more conservative (although not as conservative as the rest of ID), so if you're liberal you might want to consider that. Boise does have a larger LDS populaltion (if that's an issue for you), though it's mostly concentrated in the suburbs. Spokan has better traffic but neither one is that bad if you've ever lived in major city.
How would you compare Spokane vs. Boise in terms of cultural amenenties, historic neighborhoods, a vibrant downtown, and just quality of life in general for a younger professional new to the area.
You could also throw in there outdoor activities and weather.
Thanks.
Cultural amenities, historic neighborhoods and vibrant downtown I think would have to go to Spokane.
Quality of life: I'd give it a 50/50 for each area
Professional with room to grow. Boise to me has always stood out as having a great economy and I run into a lot of people transferring between the two. Both have a small town feel despite the larger populations but with those larger populations you will have good potential as a younger professional moving to the area. So for this topic I'd rate them equal.
Weather...Boise is going to have a little more mild transitions between the four seasons. If you want a less desert feel with higher mountains and trees I'd go with Spokane. Lakes, Snow Skiing, Snowmobiling, Mountain Biking etc is very plentiful in the Inland Northwest.
Boise is a bigger area (650k metro vs Spokane's 450k). With that, you have a few more activites like sporting events, cultural events, and shopping. Boise also has a better economy and, in my opinion, is a much cleaner and generally nicer city. Boise also has better weather in the spring, fall, and winter. Boise also has better access to outdoor recreation.
Spokane also has much better weather in the Summer. I think summers in MT, North ID, and WA are the absolute best. Boise is also more conservative (although not as conservative as the rest of ID), so if you're liberal you might want to consider that. Boise does have a larger LDS populaltion (if that's an issue for you), though it's mostly concentrated in the suburbs. Spokan has better traffic but neither one is that bad if you've ever lived in major city.
Just my 2 cents
Mostly good points, but I would say that you have to count Kootenai County's 130K or so people as part of the Spokane metro, so the numbers are nearly a wash. Outdoor activities are great in both places, but the summers in the Spokane area give it the edge.
As far as sports and cultural events, Spokane has plenty of both, and if you need a big city fix, you're less than 300 miles to Seattle. In Boise you're close to..... Salt Lake City.
I don't think either city is a bad choice, honestly.
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Pretty much sums it up--and I was only there for two and a half semesters. :~) D
My vote is for Spokane.
