Lake Liberty/Spokane area relocation info? (Seattle, South Hill: crime, lawyer, homes)

[CaSea4Me]

I'm somewhat shy about even saying this for fear of the possible negitive "local" feelings about people from CA invading their homeland of WA. I'll take my chances and hope for the best.

I'm a Southern CA native and finally ready to leave it to the masses invading from parts unknown. Looking at the Lake Liberty area. I've seen all the google offerings and would now like to hear what those with experience living there have to say. Positive and negative. Let's hear it

[the dufferz]

CaSea4Me

We welcome one and all as long as you agree to learn two things.

1. How to drive in the snow.
2. How to drive in the rain.

I hope a few folks from over that way respond. I have only visited this area and not recently. If the option arises to visit the area prior to committing, I would recommend doing so. Tons of farming and small communities rule the day in that area, (other than Spokane) probably quite a change from someone who's screen same mentions the sea.

[CaSea4Me]

Thank you for ur welcome. Driving in the snow? Got that covered; My wife is from up state NY outside of Buffalo. Yes, leaving the open horizon of the sea will be a big change. I grew up here and have always looked to the ocean as my relief valve. The influx of people and building has now made it imposssible to enjoy. I see land that was once virgin green grass and trees, now turned into homes, stores, traffic, etc. . I think that's why I'm very sensitive to local feelings in other areas. Again, thanks for ur reply and welcome. I hope to hear more

[RodFarlee]

Originally Posted by CaSea4Me

[I see land that was once virgin green grass and trees, now turned into homes, stores, traffic, etc. .

That is indeed a very apt description of Liberty Lake! Liberty Lake itself has more than doubled in the last five years, and appears set to do so again in the next five.

There is a certain irony in your posting... I, at least, can detect little anti-growth or anti-Californian sentiment among long time or native residents. This reflected in zoning that encourages development and puts low priority on preservation of open space, parks, etc. But there is a vocal minority against growth and the taxes required to pay for new schools, roads, fire, police, and medical services which will allow more of their former neighbors to move in, and I will leave it to you to discern just where those vocal new residents are from!

[KidBlue]

What if I promise to buy a home that is already built (in fact most of the homes I've found on the Web have been there a long time) and only replace someone who is leaving the area? Actually, I'm looking at the Elma/Montesano area so I only have to learn to drive in the rain. I have a Subaru, so that's a start.

[CaSea4Me]

If not Liberty Lake "centeral" area, out-laying areas u'd recomend that aren't too far out but still somewhat open still? I'd like to find 1/4 to 5 acres w/ enough flat space to put a modular on.

[RodFarlee]

Originally Posted by CaSea4Me

If not Liberty Lake "centeral" area, out-laying areas u'd recomend that aren't too far out but still somewhat open still? I'd like to find 1/4 to 5 acres w/ enough flat space to put a modular on.

I think you'll find land more readily available a few miles north. Generally, the further one gets from I-90 and easy commuting distance from town, the more readily available land one could expect to find.

Note that there are now zoning restrictions on subdividing land into lots of less than 5 acres unless it is within an area which is (or will soon be) served by a community sewer district. This is to preserve the Rathdrum aquifer. This limits the availability of lots in the size you're seeking. This is true in the valley and surrounding hillsides on both the WA and ID sides of the state line. Even on previously subdivided lots, you'll have a difficult time getting a septic permit unless it is within an existing or planned sewer district. And there are as yet few areas outside of city limits where these are planned, and hook ups will be expensive.

There is good reason for this. The entire valley (from Lake Pend Oreille to Spokane) is filled up to a few hundred feet deep with glacial gravel, with only a thin layer of soil on top. So this aquifer is particularly vulnerable to pollution.

[Eliz]

Hi, I have lived in both San Diego and in Spokane, my in-laws live in Liberty Lake (I live in Seattle currently). My husband grew up in the Spokane Valley & Liberty Lake.

If I were to live in Spokane, I would live in Spokane's South Hill area rather than liberty lake. There are beautiful older & rebuilt homes and generally better educated people. However, at least a perception of higher crime in South Hill (I am a woman and ran almost every evening by myself for 4 years & never, ever had a problem on South Hill, and for that reason say that it is merely a perception of higher crime).

I am a lawyer and find that Liberty Lake's demographic is native Spokane people who tend to be salesmen or policemen (the men) married to teachers (the women). My sister-in-law (a teacher marreid to a pharm. rep of course) has a lot of trouble with her neighbors in LIberty Lake because of the "old" versus "new" Liberty-Lakers... apparently the neighbors are not that pleased to have young people in their golf-course side neighborhood.

It will be very, very, very difficult to meet new friends because people tend to stay in Spokane and remain friends with high school friends, not really meet new people.

However, it is extremely affordable.

Do not move there without a job; professional jobs are almost impossible to find.

[CaSea4Me]

I'm planning on retiring (from teaching) so job is not really a big problem. Looking to get into a small pc. of land approx. 5 acres to do some speciality organic veggie farming to then sell as extra income. Spending cash so to speak Again, ur thoughts welcomed and encouraged!

[RodFarlee]

Irrigation water will be a determining factor. Currently, no new water rights are being granted in the Rathdrum Prairie aquifer, including its lakes and rivers. So unless the land comes with existing irrigation water rights (and most small plots don't), it'd be limited to the exempt domestic well water right of 5000 gallons per day, or 1.3 acre-inches per week.
If one really wanted to farm 5 acres on that, most of it would have to be in drought tolerant or spring seasonal crops, or use drip irrigation. Drip irrigation takes a lot of time and money to install and operate. It is practical on fruit, nuts, berries and perhaps melons, but is probably not practical for most vegetable crops.
If you are able to buy irrigation water rights, life'll be a lot simpler!