does Spokane "feel" like a big city? (Seattle: college, casino) - City-Data Forum

rgb123 · 09-16-2010, 02:37 PM

I've never been to the area and am trying to decide on a move for a job.

The pictures of the Spokane/Coeur D'Alene area look very lovely to me. But it also looks a little remote. I like remote, but sometimes 'too' remote can feel spooky as a single woman. I've lived in Minnesota in a small town, after awhile (I was 28 and single so that is part of it) it drove me crazy. There was nowhere to eat, nowhere to 'get away to' and overall it just felt so limiting to me.

All that said I really am yearning for some more of the outdoors and the photos look amazing.

Do you feel isolated in that area? Is the metro area enough to offset that isolation?

cjg5 · 09-16-2010, 06:04 PM

Compared to Seattle it feels small. Compared to most other areas of Washington it's fairly large. I've only been to Spokane twice the last time in 2006 but from what I've seen it's a very nice place.

Jey K · 09-16-2010, 06:32 PM

Spokane does not feel like a big city - my points of reference in actual cities I've spent time in include Seattle, Chicago, New York, Dallas, Houston, Vancouver, Tokyo and Hong Kong.

On the other hand, I enjoy the lack of traffic and relative lack of people in comparison to the above mentioned places.

If you're interested in outdoor activities, this is an OK option. It is not at all remote. It is the second largest city in WA.

Late after hours dining is always available 15 minutes or less east of downtown at Northern Quest Casino or at various bars, IHOP, etc. Otherwise, it ain't Chicago, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Vancouver or New York. Most places the kitchen closes at 9pm; There are a few nicer dining establishments that will stay open a little later.

If the job is good enough, and you've no strings then make the move. Make and save some F-U money and if you don't like it here, then move again. It's that easy.

rgb123 · 09-16-2010, 08:24 PM

FU money....lol.

skinem · 09-17-2010, 09:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jey K

Spokane does not feel like a big city - my points of reference in actual cities I've spent time in include Seattle, Chicago, New York, Dallas, Houston, Vancouver, Tokyo and Hong Kong.

Of course it won't compare to cities that size as you listed cities that are between 5 to nearly 50 times bigger.

But, if you compare Spokane to other cities of like size and have actually been to many so you can compare, I think you'll find that Spokane has more of a big city feel compared to many like-sized places. It has an actual downtown. It has more variety of businesses for a town its size than others I've been to, I think because it serves as the shopping, retail and rec center for such a huge geographical area. It's the place that many come to for miles and miles around.

I never felt it was remote. However, you don't have to travel far from the place to get that feel. Outdoor activities are plentiful and varied. You do have to travel quite some distance for any place bigger, though.

The place can be a lot of fun for a young single.

David Aguilar · 09-17-2010, 09:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skinem

The place can be a lot of fun for a young single.

I don't doubt it. I wasn't single, but I was in Spokane alone for a month and the action was tempting.

kena · 09-17-2010, 04:12 PM

As has been stated here, it is a matter of perspective. Spokane won't compare to major metropolitan areas like Seattle, Chicago or Dallas. Spokane is also not a small town either. It is very much a mid-size city. That said, Spokane functions as the "big" city for a fairly large geographical area. Unlike a mid size city that is close to a big city and therefore a bit overshadowed, Spokane doesn't really have that (Seattle is the closest equivalent if, for example, you want to see an NFL game). As a result, Spokane has city things like a symphony and touring Broadway shows and a downtown.

If you need a new restaurant/club/bar to hit every week then you will run out of options sooner or later in Spokane. If you're simply looking for a place with some city options and some outdoor options and you don't need as much as you would find in a large city, Spokane would probably fit. If you feel like Minneapolis or Seattle is a minimum for city activities, Spokane will probably feel too small.

rgb123 · 09-17-2010, 04:30 PM

Thanks all. I tend to like mid-sized cities overall the best. I think since it's the center for a large geographical area then it will not drive me crazy like the small town in Minnesota did. It wasn't really a destination and I felt isolated even though I was in college. Seems to have a great balance of outdoors and amenities, and a new place for me to explore...I'll have to see how it compares to LaCrosse, Wisconsin, as that was the closest measurable city to where I lived in Minnesota.

3~Shepherds · 09-17-2010, 04:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jey K

Make and save some F-U money and if you don't like it here, then move again. It's that easy.

Hadn't thought of it this way , too funny!!

I always thought of a finger on the back of the u-haul would express me leaving town.

rgb123 · 09-17-2010, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3~Shepherds

Hadn't thought of it this way , too funny!!

I always thought of a finger on the back of the u-haul would express me leaving town.

I've never accumulated a lot of 'F U Money' but it has a better ring to it than 'savings' so it might be the magic ticket to get me to save some money. lol. Nothing better than being able to afford to leave whenever you want!

so, does this area have bears? I'm scared of bears...