Wondering About Lewiston (low crime, how much, homes)

[cdc1211]

Hello,

Last year I spent a week in Lewiston, Idaho for my job. I was very impressed with the city and the people. So that has me wondering a few things.

The one negative thing you continually read about on these threads is the smell from the paper mill. I noticed it, but it did not bother me. Do you think that is the main reason this area has not EXPLODED with population growth like so many other western cities? And I say that in a good way.

The climate seems really nice most of the year, so I don't think weather is the reason. The area seems to be relatively safe. I don't think it is the cost, because compared to a lot of other cities, the region is quite affordable. Some will probably say it is tied to the lack of jobs or good pay, but it also seems like that has not kept people from moving to other cities in the Mountain West (only to complain about it once they're there).

I currently live in Kentucky, another great state. I could see myself someday moving to the Lewiston-Clarkston area. So I am just wondering if there is some other reason besides the paper mill that is keeping the city from booming like other Idaho and Western cities for that matter. I relalize a lot places aren't booming like they were a few years ago, but it doesn't seem like Lewiston ever really was. Population growth since 2000 is only up about 2% in Lewiston and Clarkston has lost population.

I was also wondering about snow in Lewiston. How much do you get in an average winter, and does it stick around for a while or melt quickly? I know Spokane had a very bad snow season, about 100 inches. Was this a bad winter in Lewiston too?

Thank you in advance for any replies.

[Sage of Sagle]

We go to Lewiston for soccer even in the winter because there's so little snow. It's nearly the lowest spot in our state, and a good 10 degrees hotter. I think Lewiston suffers from a distinct lack of "eye appeal". All you see is rolling hills and plateau. Such an amazing lack of scenery. I don't want to give offense to residents, but I just find it unattractive, like staring at the Mojave Desert out by Barstow. And the smell is the converse of icing on the cake. It's just another reason not to want to move there.

To be fair, when we're there the people seem nice, they have very active competitive sports, and it has a very mild winter climate, but summers are pretty horrendously hot. I just think the city on the whole lacks appeal to an awful lot of people.

[Fisherman 100]

Mojave Desert, Barstow. Well Sage, as soon I sell my place here in Arrowhead, I will be checking out Sagle and not Lewiston. No heat for this boy.

[GrayRock]

I was born and raised here in Lewiston. I only moved away for a couple years back in the mid 90s, just to "try on the big city life"...we quickly moved back. I LOVE IT HERE! We do indeed have a large paper mill East of town that on a stagnant-air day can really put out some nasty smelling stuff. Most of us locals will tell you, quite honestly that you really DO "get used to it". People from out of town will say "oh my goodness...how do you stand that smell?!" We say "What smell?" I question how healthy it is to become "used to" such nasty stuff. Overall, life here is good. Cost of living is very reasonable. I suppose one of the biggest things they boast about here (and reflected by many national magazines lately) is the opportunities for outdoorsmen! We literally have people come from all over the nation to hunt and fish the wilderness and rivers that pass right by our homes here. The valley, at least downtown is only 738 feet above sea level, so we have a pretty nice climate. We have all 4 seasons, with a VERY mild Winter, (if it snows overnight, it's usually melted by noon) but fair warning: We have HOT Summers! Triple digits are not uncommon in July/August. I personally love the rivers! The mighty Snake and the appropriately named Clearwater cruise right on by. Steelhead fishing here is some of the best in the entire country! I have kids and the schools here are GREAT! No need for Security forces or metal detectors. Sure, you get the occasional "wannabe" gangsters, but their usually pretty harmless....just kids with skateboards that have watched waaay too much MTV. lol!! Lewiston has a relatively LOW crime rate, and really no "bad" neighborhoods. I'd take a midnight stroll in just about any area of the city without too much concern whatsoever. Our Police force is one of the State's best! I hope you don't let the negative posts on here get u down.....come spend some time here.....I think you'll love it! To me, it's a nice blend of small-town America, but big enough that you don't run into your neighbor every time you head to Walmart. WELCOME!