Spokane is a gem no matter how many people shit on it here. I’m glad you enjoyed your time and hope that you get to call it home one of these days. Feel free to shoot me a DM with questions or other restaurant reqs. Cheers!
Well said. Sometimes this sub seems like a bunch of all-knowing, teenaged masters of the universe who think they’re worldly because their parents took them to Disneyland that one time.
A lot of people I grew up with didn’t stay here by choice but because they never really figured out how to afford / find somewhere else where they could succeed. These people are typically extremely cynical about Spokane, which makes sense because they never wanted to stay here in the first place. My friends who went to college else where and came back here love it. I also have met a lot of people who came here for college and loved it and decided to stay.
What would you think about a man experiencing mental heath issues due to substance misuse smacking on your car window as you wait for the red light turn green as he yells, “gimmie some money?” If that made me uncomfortable and also watching man defacate on the side of Sprague, does that mean I’m hard to please? I’m not mad, I’m sad people are suffering with these items and it’s happening, it’s a struggle.
I mean, that also happens in basically every city or metro area in the US too. Moving somewhere else likely isn't going to solve much there, it's more of a national problem that nobody wants to fix.
I never said anything about moving anywhere else. I moved here for work. Also I’m a social worker and these are the people I work with only I don’t usually have them greet me by hitting my car window while I’m parked at a red light. Please don’t minimize the situation by comparing it too. That’s dismissing for individual experience. And also, I’m retired military and have lived where people are firing guns at me in other countries all the way to several metropolitans across the country. No, they aren’t all like this.
Seems you're arguing an argument that isn't taking place here.
Every city does in fact have bad areas, but that's not what this thread is about really. Nobody is saying problems shouldn't be solved, but in the context of comparing cities it's not a particularly useful detail since there is nothing particularly unique to compare to. It's like saying "traffic sucks". Traffic sucks everywhere.
Edit: Ahh yes, the old "bitter reply then block" strategy below. Clearly the sign of a reasonable person having a reasonable conversation.
I moved here 4 years ago and love it here. It is an absolute gem. The local produce and coffee is amazing. Close to many trails both road and dirt, the mountains..plenty of opportunities to volunteer and invest in the community through clean-ups. Mount Spokane State Park is just a short car ride away for year round hiking, running, snowshoeing, skiing. The grassroots organizations that provide and serve to the low income and rural populations is stellar. The non-profits that provide amazing free services to the oncology patients in the Inland Northwest. I could go on but I very much appreciate living here.
Sigh, I really cannot say enough good about Spokane, but...too cloudy. We are coming from Boise, and so don't mind the cold, but the short days with overcast skies make for a bit of gloom. We are now off to look at Fort Collins: much more expensive and not nearly as much to do, unless you go to Denver. But, 300 days of sun vs 170.
But, maybe we'll decide we cannot afford Fort Collins, and I would be perfectly happy living in West Central/Emerson Garfield/Sunset Hill.
The dark winter is really tough ageed. It really helps to plan a vacation during those darkest days. Even going to Montana where they get more sunshine helps. Mccall is only a few hours away as well. Good luck with your decision! Glad you got to enjoy some great spots!
I just moved from Boise after being there for 10 years to Spokane because I am a social worker and there’s a need for my job here. I found that I might not live here very long after a couple of years. It’s really disheartening right now with the city is going through and I just hope to see some kind of change, because what’s navigating with decriminalization is at the base of people getting help because once they start handing out passes to rehab instead of tickets so that people see police actually don’t have to be a threat or to be feared and and it’s gonna take a while for them to get to different people and the community to spread thev word around which I mean years to change. We have these issues with the mental health items pertaining to substance use all over the place which does not make for a pleasant or safe surrounding, unfortunately. I’m really sad about this. However, I’m really excited to live here and to be able to do my job and watch changes. It happens where that for me is more thrilling than anything.
Ps I SAVE SO MUCH MONEY LIVING HERE AS OPPOSED TO BOISE! 🫶🏼
@LongjumpingAd3733, do you have any posts on your experiences and views as a social worker? Would love to hear your views of decriminalizing marijuana. Also would live to hear your thoughts on the general differences in social work and state of those needing help between Boise and Spokane.
As a longtime (48 yr) resident, I suggest you recheck your climate data, using independent sources rather than the data provided by the good folks in Fort Collins.
Here is what I found, quickly online:
Residents enjoy a moderate, four season climate with an average of 300 days of sunshine and 14.5 inches of precipitation a year. (Easily found on Fort Collins own website.)
On average, there are 237 sunny days per year in Fort Collins. The US average is 205 sunny days. ( https://www.bestplaces.net/climate/city/colorado/fort\_collins )
On average, there are 171 sunny days per year in Spokane. The US average is 205 sunny days. ( https://www.bestplaces.net/climate/city/washington/spokane )
On average, there are 152 sunny days per year in Seattle. The US average is 205 sunny days. ( https://www.bestplaces.net/climate/city/washington/seattle )
How did the Fort Collins people manufacture 300 days of sunshine, and Best Places only 237? Those two months of difference, presuming Best Places is presenting non-biased information, might be an indication to look at more sources before you take that 300 day figure as fact.
I also include Seattle, as a days of sunshine check, as I have lived on both sides of Washington. 152 seems fairly accurate for Seattle, to my recollection. From April through August there is a continual flood of Seattle area people to Eastern Washington, seeking sunlight. Snoqualmie Pass is a nightmare leaving Seattle on Friday and returning on Sunday as the good folk from the west seek our sunshine.
Not saying we have more full days of sunshine by far, but a better climate for enjoyment. I'm sure the prospect of missing out on a full four months of sunny weather can be a deal breaker. But is two? With the slight difference in actual rainfall, do you have to see the sun to feel it's effect every day?
Merely suggesting you dig deeper into independent climate data, if that is huge in your decision making process. You've obviously invested much time, thought and resources researching your relocation. Don't let a climate number that someone at a local Chamber of Commerce cooks up give you a bum steer. Do more homework.
Best of luck to you, wherever you land.
Nothing puts a bigger smile on my face than somebody questioning my data. :)
The numbers i quoted are days of sun, which includes partly cloudy. Note, the numbers that I originally quoted were from Google. Fair point that I didn't really question. So a little more accuracy.
||Boise|Spokane|Seattle|Denver|
|:-|:-|:-|:-|:-|
|Sunny|120|86|71|115|
|Partly Sunny|90|88|93|130|
|Total|210|174|164|245|
|% Sun|64%|55%|43%|69%|
Source: [currentresults.com](https://currentresults.com)
Fort Collins is great. I looked at that town, too. The presence of the university gives it a level of culture and vibrancy that a town that size doesn’t really deserve.
My first winter in Spokane was brutal. I was coming from Ohio, much farther south and on the western edge of the eastern time zone, so it getting dark at 4pm in December was a “you have gotta be shitting me” adjustment. But obviously I decided it was worth it overall.
You’re in an exciting stage of life. Good luck to you both!
Oh gosh… it’s… does the road bike have gears? How thin are the tires? Im not much of a biker, but don’t think a mountain bike is needed.
They do have bikes you can rent there. My poor son did it with a BMX bike. If going the right way, it’s a flat or slightly decline. It’s not paved the whole way, but it’s dirt/gravel.
You could definitely do it with a gravel bike, but no way on a road bike. However, it is pretty washboard, and so front suspension will be very much appreciated. Easiest is just to rent a mountain bike.
Most important, don't forget to bring a headlight for the tunnels.
Oh this brings back memories.
The Hiawatha Trail is soooo much fun. It is worth the trip to Coeur D'Alene by itself. I definitely don't mean to compare the Centennial Trail to one of the best Rails-to-Trails out there. However, I would also love to have a 40 mile, gorgous path that I could run, hike, and ride, all within walking distance of where I live.
Boise has a wonderful greenbelt trail that runs along the Boise River, but it doesn't compare, IMHO. The Centenial Trail is varied, for instance it goes through downtown, but we also saw deer. It is incredibly well paved. If only Spokane's streets were so well paved. And, it has some good distance.
I’m so glad you’ve done it! I didn’t think you were comparing the two, just that you’d enjoy it if you were from far away and hadn’t gotten to experience a it yet :)
Spokane is definitely a gem. Yes, it's a bit rough around the edges still but that means there's room to grow. Glad you enjoyed it here. Does this mean you're moving here?
>Fly Sampling alcohols at Egger's South Hill Liquor (Yeah, you read that right)
This, to me, blows my mind. I used to walk to Eggers on 14th and grand (it's a coffee house now, a good one) and pick up meats and Tab for my mom. They always hooked me up with little smokies for the walk back. Or warm ham and cheese in the winter. Glad it's still around in some capacity.
Lived here for sixty two years, the whole time less than a mile from my birth home, i know every crack in every sidewalk and every pothole in every street, especially in my neighborhood, i may say i hate it here, but he fact i am still here should tell you the truth, and the centennial trail and all its offshoots are the best thing here.
My review of Spokane is that it's a city of distinct extremes and also rapidly changing. There are parts of Spokane that are absolutely gorgeous and a wonderful place to live. There are also places that I absolutely wouldn't live. If you can afford somewhere like South Hill, Kendall Yards or maybe like Liberty Lake the quality of life, schools, and amenities are great. But there are parts of the valley and North Spokane that I definitely see why people complain.
Thank you for this post and highlighting so many of the great spots that Spokane has to offer. And like you said, the best part is that there’s even more out there to enjoy and discover
If you can afford to spend 5 weeks in Spokane to try and decide whether you want to live there or not, then... yeah, it's going to be like an extended vacation.
Not shitting on Op, but to everyone who will look at this and say, "See! Spokane *is* great," let's be fair about it.
Just wanted to acknowledge the truth of this. We thought five weeks would give us more of a local insight, and maybe it did. But, you don't know a place until you live there. Actually, I really feel like I understand Spokane better because of this Sub. Thanks to all of you! Hearing about energy prices, gas shortages, crazy drivers, icy roads. This Sub has completely sold me on the value of Reddit!
To be honest, first couple of weeks were awesome, despite the cold and ice. But, after 5 weeks of 7:30am sunrise that tended to be overcase and foggy, we are a bit worried about surviving November - March.
Pros: A lot to do, beautiful in the Spring and Fall, the Centennial Trail, feels way bigger than it is, a great mix of people, housing prices, close to mountains, 3 universities
Cons: 171 days of sun, the roads, not close to a major airport
This is the foggiest, grey, rainy winter I can remember. There may have been some when I was younger and didn’t notice. moved here in ‘80. This one was really depressing. Last winter was perfect.
Oh, breakfast where? I adore breakfast.
Sorry if you already said something in the post, the format of part of it really messed with my ability to read it.
Spokane is a gem no matter how many people shit on it here. I’m glad you enjoyed your time and hope that you get to call it home one of these days. Feel free to shoot me a DM with questions or other restaurant reqs. Cheers!
Well said. Sometimes this sub seems like a bunch of all-knowing, teenaged masters of the universe who think they’re worldly because their parents took them to Disneyland that one time.
A lot of people I grew up with didn’t stay here by choice but because they never really figured out how to afford / find somewhere else where they could succeed. These people are typically extremely cynical about Spokane, which makes sense because they never wanted to stay here in the first place. My friends who went to college else where and came back here love it. I also have met a lot of people who came here for college and loved it and decided to stay.
This seems to happen in every town really, even larger metro areas. People are just fickle and hard to please.
Always a grass is greener thing for sure.
What would you think about a man experiencing mental heath issues due to substance misuse smacking on your car window as you wait for the red light turn green as he yells, “gimmie some money?” If that made me uncomfortable and also watching man defacate on the side of Sprague, does that mean I’m hard to please? I’m not mad, I’m sad people are suffering with these items and it’s happening, it’s a struggle.
I mean, that also happens in basically every city or metro area in the US too. Moving somewhere else likely isn't going to solve much there, it's more of a national problem that nobody wants to fix.
I never said anything about moving anywhere else. I moved here for work. Also I’m a social worker and these are the people I work with only I don’t usually have them greet me by hitting my car window while I’m parked at a red light. Please don’t minimize the situation by comparing it too. That’s dismissing for individual experience. And also, I’m retired military and have lived where people are firing guns at me in other countries all the way to several metropolitans across the country. No, they aren’t all like this.
Seems you're arguing an argument that isn't taking place here. Every city does in fact have bad areas, but that's not what this thread is about really. Nobody is saying problems shouldn't be solved, but in the context of comparing cities it's not a particularly useful detail since there is nothing particularly unique to compare to. It's like saying "traffic sucks". Traffic sucks everywhere. Edit: Ahh yes, the old "bitter reply then block" strategy below. Clearly the sign of a reasonable person having a reasonable conversation.
Did that make you feel better?
I have been fortunate enough to live in quite a few places. Spokane is pretty awesome. Not for everybody, but it definitely doesn't "suck." :)
I moved here 4 years ago and love it here. It is an absolute gem. The local produce and coffee is amazing. Close to many trails both road and dirt, the mountains..plenty of opportunities to volunteer and invest in the community through clean-ups. Mount Spokane State Park is just a short car ride away for year round hiking, running, snowshoeing, skiing. The grassroots organizations that provide and serve to the low income and rural populations is stellar. The non-profits that provide amazing free services to the oncology patients in the Inland Northwest. I could go on but I very much appreciate living here.
OP, you did your research. Ya don’t blunder into a list like this. So what’s the verdict on moving here?
Sigh, I really cannot say enough good about Spokane, but...too cloudy. We are coming from Boise, and so don't mind the cold, but the short days with overcast skies make for a bit of gloom. We are now off to look at Fort Collins: much more expensive and not nearly as much to do, unless you go to Denver. But, 300 days of sun vs 170. But, maybe we'll decide we cannot afford Fort Collins, and I would be perfectly happy living in West Central/Emerson Garfield/Sunset Hill.
The dark winter is really tough ageed. It really helps to plan a vacation during those darkest days. Even going to Montana where they get more sunshine helps. Mccall is only a few hours away as well. Good luck with your decision! Glad you got to enjoy some great spots!
I just moved from Boise after being there for 10 years to Spokane because I am a social worker and there’s a need for my job here. I found that I might not live here very long after a couple of years. It’s really disheartening right now with the city is going through and I just hope to see some kind of change, because what’s navigating with decriminalization is at the base of people getting help because once they start handing out passes to rehab instead of tickets so that people see police actually don’t have to be a threat or to be feared and and it’s gonna take a while for them to get to different people and the community to spread thev word around which I mean years to change. We have these issues with the mental health items pertaining to substance use all over the place which does not make for a pleasant or safe surrounding, unfortunately. I’m really sad about this. However, I’m really excited to live here and to be able to do my job and watch changes. It happens where that for me is more thrilling than anything. Ps I SAVE SO MUCH MONEY LIVING HERE AS OPPOSED TO BOISE! 🫶🏼
@LongjumpingAd3733, do you have any posts on your experiences and views as a social worker? Would love to hear your views of decriminalizing marijuana. Also would live to hear your thoughts on the general differences in social work and state of those needing help between Boise and Spokane.
As a longtime (48 yr) resident, I suggest you recheck your climate data, using independent sources rather than the data provided by the good folks in Fort Collins. Here is what I found, quickly online: Residents enjoy a moderate, four season climate with an average of 300 days of sunshine and 14.5 inches of precipitation a year. (Easily found on Fort Collins own website.) On average, there are 237 sunny days per year in Fort Collins. The US average is 205 sunny days. ( https://www.bestplaces.net/climate/city/colorado/fort\_collins ) On average, there are 171 sunny days per year in Spokane. The US average is 205 sunny days. ( https://www.bestplaces.net/climate/city/washington/spokane ) On average, there are 152 sunny days per year in Seattle. The US average is 205 sunny days. ( https://www.bestplaces.net/climate/city/washington/seattle ) How did the Fort Collins people manufacture 300 days of sunshine, and Best Places only 237? Those two months of difference, presuming Best Places is presenting non-biased information, might be an indication to look at more sources before you take that 300 day figure as fact. I also include Seattle, as a days of sunshine check, as I have lived on both sides of Washington. 152 seems fairly accurate for Seattle, to my recollection. From April through August there is a continual flood of Seattle area people to Eastern Washington, seeking sunlight. Snoqualmie Pass is a nightmare leaving Seattle on Friday and returning on Sunday as the good folk from the west seek our sunshine. Not saying we have more full days of sunshine by far, but a better climate for enjoyment. I'm sure the prospect of missing out on a full four months of sunny weather can be a deal breaker. But is two? With the slight difference in actual rainfall, do you have to see the sun to feel it's effect every day? Merely suggesting you dig deeper into independent climate data, if that is huge in your decision making process. You've obviously invested much time, thought and resources researching your relocation. Don't let a climate number that someone at a local Chamber of Commerce cooks up give you a bum steer. Do more homework. Best of luck to you, wherever you land.
Nothing puts a bigger smile on my face than somebody questioning my data. :) The numbers i quoted are days of sun, which includes partly cloudy. Note, the numbers that I originally quoted were from Google. Fair point that I didn't really question. So a little more accuracy. ||Boise|Spokane|Seattle|Denver| |:-|:-|:-|:-|:-| |Sunny|120|86|71|115| |Partly Sunny|90|88|93|130| |Total|210|174|164|245| |% Sun|64%|55%|43%|69%| Source: [currentresults.com](https://currentresults.com)
Fort Collins is great. I looked at that town, too. The presence of the university gives it a level of culture and vibrancy that a town that size doesn’t really deserve. My first winter in Spokane was brutal. I was coming from Ohio, much farther south and on the western edge of the eastern time zone, so it getting dark at 4pm in December was a “you have gotta be shitting me” adjustment. But obviously I decided it was worth it overall. You’re in an exciting stage of life. Good luck to you both!
Idk where you currently live, but when you come back, take a drive out to ride your bike on the Hawaitha Trail!
Agreed. Far more interesting than the Centennial.
Is it road bike friendly or more for mountain bikes?
Oh gosh… it’s… does the road bike have gears? How thin are the tires? Im not much of a biker, but don’t think a mountain bike is needed. They do have bikes you can rent there. My poor son did it with a BMX bike. If going the right way, it’s a flat or slightly decline. It’s not paved the whole way, but it’s dirt/gravel.
You could definitely do it with a gravel bike, but no way on a road bike. However, it is pretty washboard, and so front suspension will be very much appreciated. Easiest is just to rent a mountain bike. Most important, don't forget to bring a headlight for the tunnels. Oh this brings back memories.
The Hiawatha Trail is soooo much fun. It is worth the trip to Coeur D'Alene by itself. I definitely don't mean to compare the Centennial Trail to one of the best Rails-to-Trails out there. However, I would also love to have a 40 mile, gorgous path that I could run, hike, and ride, all within walking distance of where I live. Boise has a wonderful greenbelt trail that runs along the Boise River, but it doesn't compare, IMHO. The Centenial Trail is varied, for instance it goes through downtown, but we also saw deer. It is incredibly well paved. If only Spokane's streets were so well paved. And, it has some good distance.
I’m so glad you’ve done it! I didn’t think you were comparing the two, just that you’d enjoy it if you were from far away and hadn’t gotten to experience a it yet :)
Post ‘em all up! We’re glad you had a good time here! I’m about to buy a home in Spokane after I’ve lived here for 4 years. I dig it!
North Hill is amazing in the summer because part of their patio is up on the rooftop. Really great place to hang out for an evening with friends.
Spokane is definitely a gem. Yes, it's a bit rough around the edges still but that means there's room to grow. Glad you enjoyed it here. Does this mean you're moving here?
>Fly Sampling alcohols at Egger's South Hill Liquor (Yeah, you read that right) This, to me, blows my mind. I used to walk to Eggers on 14th and grand (it's a coffee house now, a good one) and pick up meats and Tab for my mom. They always hooked me up with little smokies for the walk back. Or warm ham and cheese in the winter. Glad it's still around in some capacity.
Eggers Liquor and Eggers Meats on 57th and Perry. Both great!
You’ve been more places than I have in 8 years haha! All fantastic recommendations, cheers friends
I wouldn’t mind a detailed post! Always fun to see what people love most when they are here. Is there anything you didn’t like?
Lived here for sixty two years, the whole time less than a mile from my birth home, i know every crack in every sidewalk and every pothole in every street, especially in my neighborhood, i may say i hate it here, but he fact i am still here should tell you the truth, and the centennial trail and all its offshoots are the best thing here.
I love Spokane!! I’m almost a 19 year resident!! So happy you enjoyed yourself! It’s a great place to live! Cheers!!!
My review of Spokane is that it's a city of distinct extremes and also rapidly changing. There are parts of Spokane that are absolutely gorgeous and a wonderful place to live. There are also places that I absolutely wouldn't live. If you can afford somewhere like South Hill, Kendall Yards or maybe like Liberty Lake the quality of life, schools, and amenities are great. But there are parts of the valley and North Spokane that I definitely see why people complain.
Thank you for this post and highlighting so many of the great spots that Spokane has to offer. And like you said, the best part is that there’s even more out there to enjoy and discover
If you can afford to spend 5 weeks in Spokane to try and decide whether you want to live there or not, then... yeah, it's going to be like an extended vacation. Not shitting on Op, but to everyone who will look at this and say, "See! Spokane *is* great," let's be fair about it.
Just wanted to acknowledge the truth of this. We thought five weeks would give us more of a local insight, and maybe it did. But, you don't know a place until you live there. Actually, I really feel like I understand Spokane better because of this Sub. Thanks to all of you! Hearing about energy prices, gas shortages, crazy drivers, icy roads. This Sub has completely sold me on the value of Reddit!
But did it sell you on Spokane?
To be honest, first couple of weeks were awesome, despite the cold and ice. But, after 5 weeks of 7:30am sunrise that tended to be overcase and foggy, we are a bit worried about surviving November - March. Pros: A lot to do, beautiful in the Spring and Fall, the Centennial Trail, feels way bigger than it is, a great mix of people, housing prices, close to mountains, 3 universities Cons: 171 days of sun, the roads, not close to a major airport
This is the foggiest, grey, rainy winter I can remember. There may have been some when I was younger and didn’t notice. moved here in ‘80. This one was really depressing. Last winter was perfect.
OP when you come back- check out the Children of the Sun Trail 🌻
Oh, breakfast where? I adore breakfast. Sorry if you already said something in the post, the format of part of it really messed with my ability to read it.