Does anyone here like Spokane? (Seattle, Liberty Lake: real estate, crime, neighborhoods)

[Kandy]

It appears that most people who post here don't speak very highly of Spokane. CDF is definitely not the poster child of the local Chamber of Commerce.

We are considering a move to Spokane for a great job opportunity and so far I've learned that it's dirty, depressing, crime ridden, cold, poorly educated, meth/crack addicted and completely isolated from the world. But I would really love to hear from someone who enjoys living in Spokane. I'm wondering if a move Spokane might possibly improve our quality of life?

We currently live in the extreme upper Midwest and experience very long, cold winters with plenty of snow. (In fact it's snowing right now). I do a lot of cooking and rarely go out because restaurant choices consist of a few fast food places or roughly three big chain eateries like Applebee's. Our schools aren't the best, but there are worse. People complain about the crime, but it's nothing compared to when we lived in the Houston area. It takes about an hour and a half to get to a big city, but we have most everything we need, so it's not a big deal. I can actually say that I like it here. But I feel like I could be happy living anywhere and for me, happiness is not place, it's a frame of mind. However, it would help to hear from someone who has good things to say about the area.

[glenns55]

We lived in Spokane Valley for 8 years. Retired in November '14 and moved to Arizona. I enjoyed our time in Spokane.
1. Cost of living is inexpensive. Real estate is very reasonable. No income tax in WA.
2. Lot of golf courses that don't cost more than $30-40
3. Lot of lakes for fishing, water skiing, etc.
4. A number of ski slopes within 1-2 hours. Mt. Spokane has one of the best x-country trails.
5. Winters are usually mild but can last from November to April.
6. More sun and less rain than Seattle.
7. People are very friendly.
8. Like most places you don't want to be walking around certain areas - e.g., north Spokane
9. Close to Yellowstone, Glacier, Black Hills, Bad Lands, etc.
10. Lot of outdoor activities - hiking, sports, etc.

Like most places people tend to emphasize the bad stuff. I've lived in Los Angeles, Seattle, Honolulu, Spokane and now Gold Canyon, AZ.

Overall Spokane is a very good place to live.

[glenns55]

Forgot to mention:
11. Not much traffic to speak of.

[glenns55]

Restaurants:
I thought there was not a lot of good restaurants in spokane but compared to your list of fast food places Spokane has a lot more to offer. Ones I liked: Azteca at the Spokane Valley Mall; D'lish burger and fries; Ding How sushi in Liberty Lake; Flying Goat pizza; Mongolian Grill in Spokane Valley; Hay J's Bistro in Liberty Lake; Milford's Fish House; Clinkerdagger; Mustard Seed; Dick's Burgers.

[WestCobb]

I lived in Spokane over 15 years ago, so I don't know how relevant my experiences are. I really liked the town. It has rummy parts, but it has nice neighborhoods too. The area around Manitou Park is the most desirable. I lived near Lincoln Park -- not as nice, but still nice.

[tickyul]

I like SOME things about The spokeADELPIA:

Nice weather, decent cost of living, pretty scenery, a river running through downtown, easy to drive.

[slan490]

Which state are you in?

I think you would be very happy there. I live in Seattle but grew up in WI and Spokane reminds me of the Midwest in some ways.

You'll have some decent shopping, more restaurants, tons of outdoor activities and some gorgeous scenery.

[Rust Never Sleeps]

Originally Posted by glenns55

Restaurants:
I thought there was not a lot of good restaurants in spokane but compared to your list of fast food places Spokane has a lot more to offer. Ones I liked: Azteca at the Spokane Valley Mall; D'lish burger and fries; Ding How sushi in Liberty Lake; Flying Goat pizza; Mongolian Grill in Spokane Valley; Hay J's Bistro in Liberty Lake; Milford's Fish House; Clinkerdagger; Mustard Seed; Dick's Burgers.

One of the very best airport restaurants I've experienced was the Skyway Cafe at Felts Field Airport (general aviation) in Spokane. Note, this is not the Spokane International Airport. I liked the big wide streets of Spokane and the fact it had a water runway to boot.

Rust

[Count David]

I loved Spokane.

See my posts from 2009-2011. I left prematurely, and Spokane was like a lost love or a drug to me.

[Yeledaf]

Originally Posted by David Aguilar

I loved Spokane.

See my posts from 2009-2011. I left prematurely, and Spokane was like a lost love or a drug to me.

Can't let that one slide.

Scene: crowded meeting room filled with ex-residents of eastern Washington. Thick cigarette smoke fills the air. A few half-filled cups of lukewarm coffee are sipped. The session is called to order. A volunteer is sought to begin the meeting.

A chair scrapes. A throat is cleared. "Hello. My name is David, and I'm a Spokaholic."