Questions about Spokane (Des Moines: school district, pros and cons, where to live)

[photogoddess]

mes3fils: thanks! I looked into liberty lake too, but it seems it might be a bit far for a commute to airway heights. we can certainly share any research we each have done, the family and I will be there full time by June. I am looking into some of the outlying areas of spokane because I must admit, it was not my first choice of places but we are moving to the area nonetheless. We live close enough to be able to take trips there before the perm. move. Please let me know if you have any other questions or insight and we can help each other.

[mes3fils]

http://www.scorecard.org/env-release...ode=53063#maps

http://www.scorecard.org/env-release...010305#ranking

http://www.scorecard.org/env-releases/lead/

http://www.scorecard.org/env-releases/hap/

http://www.epa.gov/radon/zonemap/washington.htm

I think, along with crime stats, this information on pollution is just as or more important than crime stats. I know I myself, would like to settle in an area that is 'healthy' and not full of carcinogens everywhere around me, my husband and children.

I don't know how current these measurements are.

[washinton native]

Originally Posted by photogoddess

washington native: maybe I am not making myself clear, or you are mis-reading what I am saying. Crime stats can be skewed because a violent crime statistic would also include those crimes labeled as violent, even if the particular crime or person committing (or convicted) of the crime did no actual harm to another person. An example being escape from prison or work farm. It is considered a violent crime in some states (I do not know if Washington falls into this) even though no one was harmed personally. If a person was convicted for this, it would show up in the violent crime stats. I realize this would be a small percent, but there are plenty of other examples, but I do not have the time or energy to argue this further. This in fact is a very valid point, and we must be informed in order to correctly translate those stats.
I understand you are not fond of Spokane, but arguing over this does not help anyone get any answers to the questions they are actually seeking. I understand your point, but beating this to death is doing no one any good. I am finished taking up room trying to prove my point on this.
If anyone has any answers on my original question, I would be grateful.

you're not getting MY point, which is: very FEW people a year are convicted of violent crimes if, in fact, a violent crime had not taken place because there simply would be no "violent crime victim(s)" to testify against said perp.

you say you know this is a "small percent," instead, i say it's miniscule, deeming the point irrelevant.

also, in 1995 there was one, count it one, gang task force gentleman on the spokane PD. isn't there something like three teams now?

[mes3fils]

Wow, you missed your calling...you should've been a lawyer!! Not being rude, I think your funny.

http://www.mead354.org/page.cfm?p=8

http://www.spokaneschools.org/Schools/

http://www.spokaneschools.org/Distri...ase.asp?id=896

http://www.homes101.net/id-schools/s...ist-81-d16593/

Here are some links. Don't know if you already saw these sites. Here is a quote from a realtor that I communicate back and forth with re:Spokane schools.....

"Spokane schools- overall. Well, Spokane was named one of the top 7 Intellegent Communities world wide because of it's embrace of technology and the schools have won national awards in almost every category, especially for technology. I know Lewis and Clark High School was featured in Newsweek 2 years in a row as one of the top high schools in the nation. Most of our gradeschools have won state and national awards for excellence in education. Here are a few links to the Spokane School District site. You can click on each school for information, a link to their individual website, and their annual academic reports. The locals tend to flock to Lewis and Clark, Mead, Shadle, and Central Valley."

HTH.

[SoupGuru]

I've been watching this thread with interest since my fiancee and I might move to Spokane after our wedding here in San Diego.

I must say, it has been hilarious watching mes3fils progress from being interested in moving to hysterical.

I think we all realize there is no perfect place on this earth. So you weigh the factors and try to get as close as you can. Are you willing to trade some graffiti for the chance to be close to so many outdoorsy activities? I, personally, might be able to make that sacrifice. As far as pollution, I think we all know it doesn't get much worse than socal, so that's a definite step up. Drugs can really have an impact on the community but it doesn't seem like Spokane has any problems that aren't apparent in other cities across the country. Can you put up with a bit of "white-trashiness" and be able to afford a decent home? I probably can.

We're not Californians and we're not excited about living here so we want to move. In our quest to find the best place to live, Spokane is on the short list even with its imperfections.

[photogoddess]

Every place has its pros and cons. Being informed of crime rates, school ratings, good and bad parts of town, entertainment, etc. etc. all help in the decision of whether or not the place is a good fit for you. I have different priorities than someone else looking into the same area. This forum is funny, depressing, frustrating, and informative. I am just trying to get a good feel for things and have some questions answered. I never meant to antagonize anyone into quoting me for 3 pages (particularly when my comment was viewed as so much more important than my questions-which were included in the quote but not once addressed), but such is life. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, and I give more weight to those who are fair in their assesment.

[backtowashington]

Hi everyone,

I have been reading these posts and found them highly entertaining. A little about me first. I was born in Pasco, WA and grew up in WA for most my younger years. Military brat so moved around but WA is where we always ended up. I moved to Arizona 12 years agoa and loved it here until about 4 years ago. Started getting homesick, the lack of season sucks and the allergies make you sick year round. I have never been sick as often as I have been down here. (tucson, AZ)
I grew up in Bothell, WA mostly then on to Bremerton and have lived in many different areas of WA and been to alot places throughout the US.
I have found that everywhere you go there are good and bad things. It is about what you are able to handle and what your preferences are. Spokane is similar in size to Tucson, but older. I have two sons who live with their dad in Post Falls, ID so Spokane is a big huge ray of sunshine for me. The rest of my family lives over in the Tacoma, Sequim, Port Angeles areas and that is a huge big ray of sunshine for my husband, but close enough for me to go spend a weekend here and there.
I have been checking out the schools in the Spokane area and have found that there are some really awseome schools there. Considering Arizona is ranked 48 worst or is it 49 out of 50 it's not hard to beat.
The one thing that worried me was the crime. But I checked out other cities to and they far exceed Spokane so it's just a matter of getting in the right area.
Does anyone know anything about any of the hose/rubber companies in Spokane, like spokane house of hose, or any other. My husband owns a business like this that if we make this move he is going to sell. He was wondering if there is any work in this field. He has 12+ years experience.
I'm not worried about the restaraunts, we hardly ever eat out. I will be a OB/Surgical Tech when we move and I have found that healthcare jobs anywhere is always available.
Can anyone recommend a GREAT realtor that is really good at relocations. I don't want any pressure, but want someone that is willing to work when the time does come.

Oh we are looking to move in about 2 years. I CAN"T WAIT...

Wendy

[washinton native]

Originally Posted by backtowashington

Hi everyone,

I have been reading these posts and found them highly entertaining. A little about me first. I was born in Pasco, WA and grew up in WA for most my younger years. Military brat so moved around but WA is where we always ended up. I moved to Arizona 12 years agoa and loved it here until about 4 years ago. Started getting homesick, the lack of season sucks and the allergies make you sick year round. I have never been sick as often as I have been down here. (tucson, AZ)
I grew up in Bothell, WA mostly then on to Bremerton and have lived in many different areas of WA and been to alot places throughout the US.
I have found that everywhere you go there are good and bad things. It is about what you are able to handle and what your preferences are. Spokane is similar in size to Tucson, but older. I have two sons who live with their dad in Post Falls, ID so Spokane is a big huge ray of sunshine for me. The rest of my family lives over in the Tacoma, Sequim, Port Angeles areas and that is a huge big ray of sunshine for my husband, but close enough for me to go spend a weekend here and there.
I have been checking out the schools in the Spokane area and have found that there are some really awseome schools there. Considering Arizona is ranked 48 worst or is it 49 out of 50 it's not hard to beat.
The one thing that worried me was the crime. But I checked out other cities to and they far exceed Spokane so it's just a matter of getting in the right area.
Does anyone know anything about any of the hose/rubber companies in Spokane, like spokane house of hose, or any other. My husband owns a business like this that if we make this move he is going to sell. He was wondering if there is any work in this field. He has 12+ years experience.
I'm not worried about the restaraunts, we hardly ever eat out. I will be a OB/Surgical Tech when we move and I have found that healthcare jobs anywhere is always available.
Can anyone recommend a GREAT realtor that is really good at relocations. I don't want any pressure, but want someone that is willing to work when the time does come.

Oh we are looking to move in about 2 years. I CAN"T WAIT...

Wendy

i'm sure, with the amount of people who have such great things to say concerning the hell-hole called spokane, you will find plenty of help finding a realtor. i'm sure 3/4 the people here defending what a great city spokane is are spokane realtors.

[mes3fils]

I must say, it has been hilarious watching mes3fils progress from being interested in moving to hysterical.

Nice that you found it necessary to 'point me out' in your post. A personal attack. Gee, what a nice person you must be.

And.....hysterical??? I don't ever recall feeling 'HYSTERICAL' and I think if I did ever feel hysterical, that I WOULD know.

Sorry if most of my research has maybe brought up some doubts where you're concerned, or shone a not so fluffy feeling in re:Spokane. However, it's reality. Of course there is no 'utopia', I am not an IDIOT.

But, good for you. Sounds like you have the ability to 'overlook' a cities many (and not so unimportant) downfalls and still say 'I can live with that'. Hope you're happy there!!!!!

Given your nasty dig towards me, I am not so sure you'll fit in with the supposed 'humble and down-to-earth' ppl that are known to flourish there.

[mes3fils]

backtowashington...

Hi,
I know of a wonderful woman named Jaime Morlin. She sends me email listings on a daily basis. She seems very knowledgeable about the whole area and answers my questions in a very thorough fashion.

As soon as I get the next email from her, I will post it here.

I am with you on moving, I cannot wait till we can relocate...not for another 3.5yrs!! =(

All good things in time, right?

HTH.