Questions about Spokane (Seattle, Vancouver, South Hill: best neighborhoods, sales, renting)

[metrospokane]

Originally Posted by washinton native

Uggghm, Metro, again, I lived in Spokane. Don't attempt to discount what I say as "rhetoric and broad generalizations." I also lived in the "city" as a college-aged student after moving from the Portland area and still have immeadiate family in the area.

Don't imply Spokane embraces diversity, cause ya'all live in fear of the black man. When was the last time you took a long walk through Hillyard or on the South Hill there Metro?

I'd say don't imply that we don't, based on your limited experience as a college student. Again, bring to the board some tangible evidence of the drivel you're spreading. Might I ask how much of your time here was spent living off campus? "Live in fear of the black man?" Give me a break. The last time I was in Hillyard was this summer a couple of times. On one occassion I spent over three hours in their business district observing kids and adults walking all around without a problem. The other was a fund raising event a Hillyard Business sponsored for Cancer Care Northwest. The lower South Hill? Lived there for two years in an apartment building and walked back and forth to downtown without any trouble at all (gasp )! My girlfriend currently lives there, and I'm considering buying a home there as well.

Now since you are so well versed in Spokane can you give everyone here some details and background on Mayor Chase, who was one of the most revered mayors in the history of our city? Yeah, he was an african american, and heavily involved in youth-related organizations. Ever heard of the Chase gallery or the Chase Youth Awards? Shocking. This city that you describe as having no tolerance of minorities doesn't quite add up.

Can you also tell us more about the huge eastern European population we have here? A very active and dedicated part of our community that (gasp ) are ethnic minorities? Probably not. I just hope others on this board can begin to see that your opinions are based on a very narrow and limited experience in this city.

[cindikins]

I'm currently living in Flagstaff, AZ and considering moving to Spokane because it is a more affordable city with similar attributes to Flagstaff. One day, if I hit the lottery, I might be able to afford a trailer 30 mi outside of Flagstaff! HA! I lived in Spokane as a child and liked it very much.

My son is on the autistic spectrum, so choosing the right school can be difficult. He is high-functioning and in a regular-ed classroom in a full-inclusion setting, but he has OT, ST, SpEd resource time, a FT 1-1 aide and spends a little time in "life-skills" with children who are lower functioning but older.

Is there anyone out there who has had a good experience with a public school in Spokane (or outlying area) whose staff is willing to work with autistic children?

[NWGirl31]

I have been reading this thread since page 1 because I am also considering moving to Spokane. We live in Seattle and just can't stand the prices and the crowds anymore. Our children are 6, 3, and 2 -- our six-year-old is also autistic. He is moderate, and is in a CLC classroom. I have the same questions about school districts - we can basically move anywhere so if there is an area with an exceptional program for special needs children, I would appreciate any information. I do not care much about test scores etc.. I do care about options, quality staff, and flexibility. Thank you.

[CathyW]

I can see by the previous posts that diversity is an issue in Spokane as it is everywhere.
I am currently living in an extremely rural part of Michigan. I grew up in Worcester, MA, Detroit and numerous smaller towns so I am familiar with a variety of living conditions and the pros and cons of different sizes.
My question - I am a single mom with mixed race boys. I have read the posts about diversity but I would be interested in more opinions. I know my boys will face racism no matter where they go, but I would like them to also have some positive black role models to look up to. The area we live in now is almost completely white and Native American.
Also, I am a Special Education teacher. I've read that teaching jobs are in short supply - is that the case for Special Education jobs as well? I have a Master's and experience and I would actually prefer the more "difficult" students.
I have a brother who installs security systems and is fantastic with computers - how would the job market be for him?
Thanks for your help. My other brother is stationed at Fairchild and he and his wife just found out they're expecting. I've been thinking about getting out of the boonies anyway and Spokane seems like a nice choice for me!

[mes3fils]

CathyW and others of diverse background-
I would say Spokane is not the place for you to settle. The AA population is only 2% for goodness sakes. That is pretty extreme. There are MANY other places in the lower 48 where you can live in peace and not have to even ask the question...'would we face problems in regard to diversity?' Why would you even want to take a chance on that when there are so many other cities, states where your race would NOT be an issue?

One good example is here where I live, South Fl, AA's probably comprise 30% of our population and have no issues at all! So, to say that diversity is an issue EVERYWHERE, is not accurate. Just look at the prior posts here on diversity, just the fact that the conversation is this long (and much of it on diversity) would scare me away, were I an African American....some food for thought.

Good luck in your searches for a place to settle, if you do your research, there are tons of choices out there for you.

[Jarrel]

Wow, you people make it sound like there in NO diversity in Spokane. I'm an african american who lives on the eastside of Spokane about a block from liberty park. My neighbors on BOTH sides are black average sized family's. I see at least
7 black people a day going to work. There is a NAACP in Spokane for gods sake you can't have that in a city with no minority's. There is also a large Marshall Islander population living in the Hillyard area with their own churches and significant Southeast Asian population in the Hillyard area too. Every public school in north Spokane is about 7% black, and Holmes Elementary in the west side is about 10% black. I'm not trying to say that Spokane in a Los Angles but there IS diversity in Spokane and if you think it an all white then you must be blind.

[Jarrel]

Oh and to the lady with mixed race kids, don't worry my kids are half white too and have no problem they have plenty of black and white friends who get along great. Don't listen to the people who AREN'T EVEN IN SPOKANE.

[WendyK]

Keep on posting Jarrel and Metro - I'm on your side and agree that there's plenty of diversity in Spokane, and would encourage people to look at the whole picture when making a decision to move to the area. One person's extremely pessimistic attitude on here should not discourage anyone from taking a chance on living in Spokane.

[CathyW]

Thanks for the additional opinions. At the very least, we'll add some more diversity to the area. I think I'm going to take the plunge! As long as I can find a job...
Does anybody know about the Special Ed Teaching jobs availability. I've heard that it's nearly impossible for general ed teachers but Spec Ed is usually in higher demand. I applied today for 3 jobs and I'm keeping my fingers crossed!

[coldswan]

I have looked more at the homes online around Brentwood Elementary School and although the homes are older, I love the tall trees and all the beautiful landscaped yards. Does this area sit higher up on a hill in the city? And do any neighborhoods have sidewalks? I don't know anything about Spokane as I have only looked at pictures so far but it reminds me alot of where I grew up in Vancouver,Canada. Is this area not a good choice or with a little work can we turn one of those 70's homes into a gem? Anyone out there want to share some thoughts on the subject.