Moving to WA or OR. Spokane maybe? (Seattle, South Hill: low crime, custom home)

[mndwolfe]

My family is moving from Minnesota (Minneapolis suburbs) approximately one year from now. We have three small kids (under 6). I would consider us republican, but we are not religious. The combination of crime and a very liberal state, along with the desire to try something different is why we want to move from MN.

I already know I'm going to avoid Portland and Seattle as they sound a bit too liberal / hippy / minneapolis for me, but beyond that does anyone have advice on cities? I've done some initial research and Spokane was one of the possibilities. We are looking to purchase a home (or build) in the $350 to $450k range. We'd like a nice house with a decent size yard. Preferably some privacy as our current neighbors (as great as they are) are too close.

Beyond Spokane, are there other "matches" for our type? I work in IT and have a telecommute job, so the job market isnt a huge deal. My wife is graduating law school prior to the move so she will likely be looking to catch on and work part-time initially until all of the kids are in school.

Looking for a place with great schools too. My oldest is in Spanish Immersion school and that would be ideal to find as well.

Also somewhat close to "city" type attractions - zoos, museums, airport, etc.

Thanks!

[selkirks]

You should be able to find nearly all of what you're looking for. I don't know of any Spanish Immersion schools in the area, but most of the local public schools are excellent and the privates are great as well. You seem to be a great fit for the South Hill area. I'd look around Manito and Comstock Parks. Think tree-lined streets, low crime, neighborhood block parties and such. Most of the homes in that area are older, so you won't be looking at building, but it's well within your price range. Potentially even a bit below, which could allow for some remodeling if necessary.

Spokane Public Schools is the Public School District, and the local high school would be Lewis and Clark, which has been locally- and nationally-recognized. For privates, Gonzaga Prep has an excellent community of parents, alumni, students and faculty, and it too has been recognized for its college preparatory curricula. It started as part of Gonzaga University, but has since split and is located on its own campus in northeast central Spokane. It's Jesuit Catholic, but don't let that deter you--it's very accepting of nonreligious community members. The other private option would be St. George's, which is nonreligious, but has much higher tuition costs and is located in far north Spokane.

The Manito/Comstock areas are excellent for families. They're close to Manito Park, a destination park with Japanese, Rose, and Perennial Gardens, a Conservatory, and lots of green space. Comstock Family Aquatics Center is the local public pool, which features a historic 1900s bathhouse as well as a just-gutted pool with zero-depth entry, a slide, and a 50-meter lap area. You're close to downtown shopping and dining at River Park Square and Riverside State Park is just a hop and a skip away. The Division Corridor will guide you to Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park, or take US-2 to Sandpoint, ID and ski Schweitzer. Everything is accessible via the freeway and Division, which will soon be replaced with a freeway, US-395 NSC. The MAC, Spokane's only museum, is located in Browne's Addition, Spokane's birthplace. It features both regional and national touring exhibits. The Airport is nearby via freeway and everything is within reach. I recommend the Spokane Public Market, located downtown, and frequent visits to the South Perry District, which features shops and restaurants, to satiate your desires for City life. You're not going to find hustle and bustle here, but you will find many big ceity amenities with a small-town feel.

[mndwolfe]

Thanks! Very helpful.

[CoreLysium]

I would not judge a city on it's stereotype. As you know, the way people think is much different than the two party system except for hard line partisans, which are easy avoided (by all except their type.)

That's all. Not really helpful info, but just a little advice not to prejudge cities. I live in Alabama, own shoes, and don't consider my cousins as eligible romantic interests. You can, however, get iced tea everywhere.

[buyandsell509]

Many of Spokane public schools are top notch. Very highly rated test scores, aptitude, performance, low dropout rate, etc. Of course, this can vary depending on the area. The Spokane area is very diverse in many regards. If you drive through the South hill, downtown, Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake, Mead/North Spokane, you'd think they are 4 different cities. Spokane is getting big enough that there are plenty of attractions. The Mobius science center is cool for kids of all ages, Cat Tails Zoological park has some neat animals, and there are lots of big and little museums downtown and in surrounding areas. In regard to buying/building a home in the 350-450 range, I think Spokane boasts some great bang for your buck. You'd have no problem finding a custom home with many upgrades and at least 3,000sf on a very nice lot. Heck, you could even have a custom hous built for you with same specs as above.

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