Nice video about Moscow, ID. (Lewiston, Hayden: crimes, hotels, buying a home)

[nwprof65]

There are aspects of Moscow that are different from what is being "sold" by real estate people.

There are 2 state highways intersecting downtown that create a lot of traffic and stress, especially if you're slowing down to pull into a store parking lot or turning or looking for an address. This condition is out of proportion to a town this size.

There are several neighborhoods of old, ratty apartment buildings that date back to 1940's military housing. They were cheaply built then and now don't seem safe enough to house the many, many poor families who now live there. In fact, one building on 5th and Blaine nearly burned down last winter.

Around the corner on 5th and Blaine, another dilapidated building doesn't seem like it should be allowed to house people at all. For at least 4 summers, yellow jackets have built massive nests inside the eves and are very agressive toward people coming and going. There are 2 children in this building; the mother complained to us that the building owner did nothing to solve the problem.

The impression we got, while investigating for a housing journal, is that there are few housing codes, standards or regulations of the kind that would protect people. I would question there being an adequate disclosure agreement to protect an unaware newcomer.

Overall, the town has a feeling of poverty...old, old, old cars that pollute terribly....made us wonder if air quality is important to anyone in that town.

We bought bottled drinking water the entire six months we stayed in Moscow. At times, the water was kind of yellowish and brackish....tasted horrible. We assume it's run off from the farms. If you move there, we recommend you get the water tested if you are going to drink it or cook with it. It could vary by neighborhood.

There is absolutely nothing to do. There are walking trails, as mentioned and college related activities but the town doesn't promote tourism very well (what is there to promote?). Downtown Moscow dies in the summers, after students are gone.

Spring Valley Reservoir is beautiful; it's past Troy, almost 30 miles. Coeur d' Alene isn't as close as is promoted; it's almost 50 miles one way.

As to medical, it's ok for an area this size and would be a good peaceful spot for retiring, if there was more retirement housing. Spokane is far superior for advanced care, especially for heart related problems.

Alcoholism is rampant but AA meetings are stand offish to newcomers. Meth use is growing fast, according to one local doctor.

Female front desk staff from hotels to medical offices are cool and somewhat passive/aggressive; a sign of oppressed female.

The downtown book store said our ordered book would "get here, when it gets here".

At the Latah County Fair, we saw dozens of obese, teen mothers. Several locals told us these women belonged to religious cults.

There is a dark side of this local culture and the college there creates a very strange mix. Although we believe there is warmth is some of the mainstream churches, we didn't stay any longer than necessary.

[joryjim]

I doubt you lived in Moscow 6 months. Troy isn't 30 miles away and CDA isn't 50. You're not even close.

[Keim]

Originally Posted by joryjim

I doubt you lived in Moscow 6 months. Troy isn't 30 miles away and CDA isn't 50. You're not even close.

He/she does bring up some good points, though. I'll address them momentarily.

[nwprof65]

Actually, Coeur d'Alene is 83 miles via 95, as mapped on Google.

Actually, Troy is about 12 miles, Spring Valley is about 18, not 20 as I mentioned. So sorrrrrrry.

I was just making a point that water recreation is not as close to Moscow as real estate sales people want it to be; people should be told the truth always.

Did I mention the Moscow dentist who made 2 crowns for me in his office that are bad fitting and may cause me health problems? I was also told "don't make trouble". Being in a redneck community, as a high profile businesswoman from New York could be perceived as being real threatening...like, I could have put him out of business but didn't.

Did I also mention the car mechanic who told me I needed a $2,000 value job on the car and this, just after I had all the compression checks done? Freaked me out.

[Keim]

Originally Posted by nwprof65

There are aspects of Moscow that are different from what is being "sold" by real estate people.

There are 2 state highways intersecting downtown that create a lot of traffic and stress, especially if you're slowing down to pull into a store parking lot or turning or looking for an address. This condition is out of proportion to a town this size..

True, Moscow is built at the cross roads of Hwy 95 and State Hwy 8. On a busy day it takes me 10 minutes to drive from one side of town to the other. Turning can be a pain on 95, since it is divided into north and south routes. This might necessitate driving a few blocks to loop around.

Originally Posted by nwprof65

There are several neighborhoods of old, ratty apartment buildings that date back to 1940's military housing. They were cheaply built then and now don't seem safe enough to house the many, many poor families who now live there. In fact, one building on 5th and Blaine nearly burned down last winter..

Again true. Somewhat. As with most college towns I've seen, housing slips in quality the closer you get to the college. "Blaine Manor," while a bit further from UI, is particularly sub par. I think it is the worst in town. Old and dilpaidated is a good description. With that said, I don't believe there are any dangerous neighborhoods in town. Moscow also has some very pleasant neighborhoods.

Originally Posted by nwprof65

Around the corner on 5th and Blaine, another dilapidated building doesn't seem like it should be allowed to house people at all. For at least 4 summers, yellow jackets have built massive nests inside the eves and are very agressive toward people coming and going. There are 2 children in this building; the mother complained to us that the building owner did nothing to solve the problem..

Not sure what building this is. But I have to ask... Why didn't she get some wasp spray and fix the problem her self?

Originally Posted by nwprof65

The impression we got, while investigating for a housing journal, is that there are few housing codes, standards or regulations of the kind that would protect people. I would question there being an adequate disclosure agreement to protect an unaware newcomer. .

Idaho is notoriously lax on codes, and it varies by county. Latah county certainly required some disclosures when I bought my home (I've lived here nearly 20 years), and also req'd several inspections when I renovated.

Originally Posted by nwprof65

Overall, the town has a feeling of poverty...old, old, old cars that pollute terribly....made us wonder if air quality is important to anyone in that town. .

1/3 of the population are college students. Not a group known for fancy cars and lush living. With that said, I believe the down town and most business areas are well kept and attractive. Same with most neighborhoods. I find your environmental comment interesting. People certainly are interested. Witness the large Palouse Clearwate Environmental Institute nonprofit that provides education in schools, stream clean-up and much more. Also notice the many bike paths, recently reclaimed stream at UI, large recycling center in the heart of town, headquarters of a nationally known magazine pushing environmentalism (MaryJanes Farm).

Originally Posted by nwprof65

We bought bottled drinking water the entire six months we stayed in Moscow. At times, the water was kind of yellowish and brackish....tasted horrible. We assume it's run off from the farms. If you move there, we recommend you get the water tested if you are going to drink it or cook with it. It could vary by neighborhood..

This can be true. The water at my house is very good. It depends on where you live in town. The older well draws from a different, more shallow aquifer.

Originally Posted by nwprof65

There is absolutely nothing to do. There are walking trails, as mentioned and college related activities but the town doesn't promote tourism very well (what is there to promote?). Downtown Moscow dies in the summers, after students are gone..

I have to strongly disagree with this. Lots of festivals in the spring and summer. If you are an outdoor type, Moscow is nearly heaven. We have everything but an ocean within an easy drive. When 1/3 of the the population leaves from the summer Moscow does slow down. But dies? No way. Several festivals, music in the park every week, movies outside at the UI. If you can't find anything to do, it's cuz your eyes are closed.

Originally Posted by nwprof65

Spring Valley Reservoir is beautiful; it's past Troy, almost 30 miles. Coeur d' Alene isn't as close as is promoted; it's almost 50 miles one way..

Spring Valley is about a 20 minute drive. The south end of lake CDA can be reached in about 45 minutes. The town of CDA takes about 70 minutes.

Originally Posted by nwprof65

As to medical, it's ok for an area this size and would be a good peaceful spot for retiring, if there was more retirement housing. Spokane is far superior for advanced care, especially for heart related problems.

Alcoholism is rampant but AA meetings are stand offish to newcomers. Meth use is growing fast, according to one local doctor..

I would hope Spokane would be superior in med care. It is many times bigger. It's also an easy drive for any needed specialist appts. The local hospitals can handle most run of the mill issues. I work in the area of Substance use disorders. Alcoholism isn't rampant, and meth use isn't growing fast. The fastest growing drug issue is actually misuse of prescription drugs. Latah county tends to have lower drug and alsohol rates than the rest of Idaho. Additionally, Moscow's crime rate is markedly lower than the national average.

Can't speak to the friendliness of local AA meetings.

Originally Posted by nwprof65

Female front desk staff from hotels to medical offices are cool and somewhat passive/aggressive; a sign of oppressed female...
At the Latah County Fair, we saw dozens of obese, teen mothers. Several locals told us these women belonged to religious cults..

We must run in to different people. I haven't noticed a big problem with oppressed females. Moscow does have a large LDS population (about 10% of the pop), and also another large ultra conservative church. Perhaps you are referring to them.

Moscow certainly isn't a perfect town. What is? I think you have overly accentuated the negative.

[AnnieGetURGun]

nfprof65, Can you explain what you mean by your statement that Moscow would be a good place for retirement if they had more retirement housing? I'm curious since we are planning to retire in Idaho. I found there to be plenty of smaller properties at decent prices all throughout NID. Is there something we are missing? We are both in very good health and being from the west we are used to hour or more long drives to see medical specialists.

[nwprof65]

Thanks for your perspective and for answering each comment so well and you can have Moscow.

All I wanted to do was balance out the romanticized, oversell that many, many real estate companies do throughout this country. A good community can sell itself, with it's natural beauty and the truth can be spoken without shame that real people do live there and real people have problems. It depends on what you want to live with.

The yellow jacket infestation is beyond wasp spray; one of the many nests inside the roof is nearly the size of a large watermelon and the single mother could hear loud buzzing through the bathroom vent. In fact, some insects were coming through the plumbing, while the children were taking a bath.

The excuse the landlord gave was that a professional exterminator would cost hundreds of dollars. I do hope you will investigate this. If not building codes, health department?

I want to leave this discussion on a very positive note that the buses in Moscow are excellent and service both sides of town. The drivers are the most patient, smart, helpful and represent the best qualities of public employees.

The snow removal in town is also excellent; they are right on it and keep the roads very clear, even going out in the middle of the night.

We're going to review Orofino next; will let you know.

[Keim]

I'll look forward to your comments on Orofino. Interesting little town.

[nwprof65]

Originally Posted by AnnieGetURGun

nfprof65, Can you explain what you mean by your statement that Moscow would be a good place for retirement if they had more retirement housing? I'm curious since we are planning to retire in Idaho. I found there to be plenty of smaller properties at decent prices all throughout NID. Is there something we are missing? We are both in very good health and being from the west we are used to hour or more long drives to see medical specialists.

When I mentioned retirement housing, I was referring to independent living single or apartment style with rent based on income. Maybe you are talking about buying a house?

Are you planning on shoveling snow in the winter? I'm not. But if you can afford it, there are independent small tractor owners that go around and clear your property as needed.

A well maintained senior housing project takes care of all of that, salts the ice on the sidewalk, is located near the bus and makes available other services. Because retirement income into a community is thought to help create a healthy economic environment and jobs.

As to driving to medical in the winter on black ice? Any direction you go from Moscow is icy, even if the roads are clear of snow. One Moscow bus driver told us he has to drive to and from work to Lewiston and he gets nervous...and he's a professional.

There is a Northwest Trailways bus that, with chains, may be safer. But that is the main concern I would have about driving long distances to medical. However, if you only had to go several times a year, may not be an issue.

Be well.

[joryjim]

nwprof65, I have a feeling you will focus on the negative no matter where you are.