Should I move to Spokane? (Seattle: sales, apartments, homes)

[Locolady]

Hi, I'm thinking about relocating to Spokane from Albany, NY. (I just found out about a transfer offer at work). Will I like it?

I'm a nature freak, love mountains, don't care for big cities.

Also, what are some good areas to look at for apartments (with 2 cats?) Nothing too city-fied, I don't mind a 20 minute drive. Work would be right downtown.

The reason I'm thinking about the move is I just got back from a vacation in Mt. Shasta, CA, and fell IN LOVE with how everything felt. I'd never really been out west before, and I totally loved the mountains, lakes, etc. I know Spokane is nowhere near Mt. Shasta - but it looks like there are still nearby mountains & lakes?

Also, I've heard it's cloudy & rainy in WA a lot - is that just Seattle? Cloudy/rainy all the time would really depress me!

Thanks, any help appreciated.

[WendyK]

Loco - I can relate to your feeling about seeing the west for the first time. That's how I ended up here with my family, too, after growing up in CT and then living in FL for 20 years. The western terrain and scenery are unmatched on the east coast. Spokane does have lots of varied landscape with mountains, hills, lakes, rivers, farmland and rock outcroppings. The best part about living here is that within 20-30 minutes from downtown, you can feel like you're out in the country.
You should check Craigslist and the local newspaper (spokesmanreview.com)classifieds to find apts or homes that will allow your kitties. You probably will have to pay a pet deposit in addition to security deposit.

[scirocco22]

Spokane is drier than Seattle. It doesn't have nearly as much rain and cloudiness as the west side of the Cascades.

You might find that Spokane will be a good fit for you. Keep us informed.

[Locolady]

Hey - thanks for that tip about Craig's list - I've never checked it out before, and it looks like just the ticket for finding a place that takes cats!

[photogoddess]

Be aware that the Rants and Raves section of the Spokane CL is pretty negative. My judgement was partially clouded by giving the posts there more weight than I should have. The apartment section should be a good start-it is where I found mine! Good luck!

[rickers]

Spokane is the westernmost boundry of a region including north Idaho and western Montana. The west slope of the northern Rocky Mountains starts right at Spokane. Western Wa. is a whole other citified world with rainy weather and all. This "inland empire" is covered with pines and other conifers and has many lakes and shallow clear running rivers. If you need higher pay Spokane is ok but if you are looking for a retirement location parts of N. Id. and W. Mt. are lower in living costs, less crowded with similar countryside. No sales tax in Mt !

[Woof_]

It's not near a dreary as the west side (seattle). In fact its been sunny and hot here for pretty much the last month. 95 to a 100 the last couple days.
Good luck with your search

[gallo]

Locolady

Might I suggest looking at Coeur d'Alene, Idaho? It’s in the metro Spokane area, and it’s absolutely beautiful. Look it up, I think you would love it.

[scirocco22]

gallo is right, Coeur d'Alene is beautiful but the daily drive one-way from Coeur d'Alene to downtown Spokane is still about 40 mintues so that's double the time you mentioned.

[Locolady]

Hey all, thanks for the feedback. I'll look into Coeur d'Alene - I LOVE mountains. I just want to keep my commute under 1/2 hour, and work would be right downtown.

By the way, can anyone tell me any areas I should stay away from? (Bad parts of the city, etc.) My job would work nights, and I saw someone in another thread say to stay away from downtown at night. Would I have a problem coming and going from work?