Can you tell me about living in the Spokane WA--Coeur d'Alene ID area?

[jimsmith]

I know the Spokane / Coeur d'Alene area has much to offer, including beautiful country and a nice mid-sized metro area.

And for this single healthy retiree: affordable smallish houses. I've seen a number of nice 700-1,000 SqFt houses [online] for sale in Spokane under $170k.

But I wonder about two things: crime in Spokane; and whether the snow restricts one's activities. Are you frequently snowed in? What's it feel like? The objective figures--inches/yr, days of snow/year, etc--don't really convey a sense of what it feels like--can you tell me?

[Glenstache]

I have some good friends that live in Spokane and like it. Like any town, crime varies by neighborhood. All of the people I know live south of 90 and the areas seemed very nice and safe. Check wunderground or similar site for snow and weather stats. It certainly won't be like the northern Midwest if that is what you're imagining.

If that is the type of town you are considering, you may also consider Wenatchee , WA.

[Telecaster]

My wife is from Spokane, so we're over the all the time.  AFAIK, crime rate is normal for a town that size.  Some neighborhoods are better than others, like everywhere.

I'm not quite sure how to answer the question about snow.  Some winters are a lot snowier than others.  But most of the time snow doesn't really restrict what you do.  You just work around it.  Being snowed in is a lot like sitting at home watching TV. 

[jimsmith]

Thanks for info--fr/info I've seen, the South Hill neighborhoods seem great--Zips 99203, 99204--

Hard to tell how one might react to being snowed-in for an extended time--

[Zamboni]

That part of the country has a robust system for snow removal and you will not be snowed in for an extended period of time . . .

[jimsmith]

That part of the country has a robust system for snow removal and you will not be snowed in for an extended period of time . . .

Great point--and related: I've read that property owners are responsible for clearing sidewalks in front of their houses--

But for lazy bums like me, a lot of neighborhood kids make a little extra $$ by taking care of that task--

[BigHaus89]

Thanks for info--fr/info I've seen, the South Hill neighborhoods seem great--Zips 99203, 99204--

Hard to tell how one might react to being snowed-in for an extended time--

South hill is an awesome area. The Perry district is really gentrifying(brewery, farmers markets and the like). Manito park is also amazing. I really like Spokane. I would live there if I had to live in a bigger city. As for snow, it really isn't an issue. The city deals with it pretty well. I would just recommend getting studless snow tires for winter.

[jimsmith]

Thanks for info--fr/info I've seen, the South Hill neighborhoods seem great--Zips 99203, 99204--

Hard to tell how one might react to being snowed-in for an extended time--

South hill is an awesome area. The Perry district is really gentrifying(brewery, farmers markets and the like). Manito park is also amazing. I really like Spokane. I would live there if I had to live in a bigger city. As for snow, it really isn't an issue. The city deals with it pretty well. I would just recommend getting studless snow tires for winter.

OK, so snow removal is an established and adequately funded city service, so during snow season the streets are plowed regularly? Meaning one isn't stuck inside for too long--??

Yep, would definitely budget for snow tires--

[lkc4863]

I live in Spokane currently and went to college here. I'm moving to Minneapolis since I want to be in a bigger city with a larger single-young-professional population, but Spokane is pretty great.

Snow - don't worry about it. The last time people were seriously snowed in was in 2008. The weather isn't as mild as the west side of the state (grew up in Seattle), but it's drier and sunnier.

Crime - Spokane is fairly high for property crime, lower for violent crime. It is, of course, dependent on the neighborhood. I'd agree with everyone else that you should stick with the south hill. It's not ideal for biking, but lots of cute houses and nice neighborhoods.

One of my issues with Spokane is that people here tend to marry young and stay very family-oriented. That makes it difficult to build a social circle if you're a single adult. Even at 25, the majority of my friends are married couples and dating is very difficult. If you're moving on your own, I'd be aware of that. However, the outdoorsy community here is super active. I'd recommend Spokane Mountaineers if you're at all interested in that sort of thing, people seem to make great friends there.

Spokane is really beautiful and has everything you could need - a small downtown, all the chain stores you're used to, plenty of coffee shops, restaurants, breweries, and affordable housing (which is why I didn't and won't move back to Seattle). It's still pretty small, you'll never drive more than 15 minutes to get somewhere. The pace of life is fairly easy - you won't have a painful commute, parking downtown is fine, COL is low. I'd describe Spokane as a very comfortable place to live, moving to excellent if you are big into camping/hiking/rock climbing.

My complaint comes down to the fact that the city isn't big enough to make room for the "niche" things you might get involved in somewhere else. For example, I love swing dancing. In most big cities, you can go dance with a whole community of people 3-4 nights a week, easily. Here, it's kind of a dinky dance once a month.

In summary, it's a lovely town and I'll be sad to leave. Hope it's right for you!

[Dicey]

Cd'A has a bitchin' library. Just sayin'.

[beel]

You will be just fine there.  I lived in Seattle for years and traveled to Spokane quite often.  I have also lived in Southern California and currently South Florida..... crime is nothing to worry about in Spokane.  Try moving to Miami or East LA.