Relocation advice for the Spokane area (Orchards, Veradale: real estate, crime, homes)

[BA2WA]

We're retired and are looking for a place to spend the rest of our lives. Our situation makes it impossible for us to physically visit before moving, so we're hoping to get some sound, solid advice online.

We've been to most of the U.S. EXCEPT the Pacific Northwest, but after month of researching every part of the country, the Spokane area seems to be what we're looking for. We hope what we've read online actually reflects the reality of life there.

What we're looking for, among other things, are:
-Natural beauty, perhaps with green rolling hills, a place peaceful and quiet.
-Four seasons with not-too-cold winters (let it snow!) and summers with low humidity
-Not in an urban area (possibly suburban if with privacy), but close to a grocery store and within 20-40 minutes of the city.
-Someplace nearby for walking or hiking (we love to walk for hours), lakes/rivers to explore and for fishing. Winter sports are unimportant except the occasional snowball fight
-Jobs and schools are irrelevant, but moderately-priced real estate is important.

We are open to ideas and suggestions, and will greatly appreciate any information that might help us.

Thanks!

[ProfDG]

BA2WA,
My wife and I are interested too. I'm retiring in 3 years but she still wants to work. We have a daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter relocating there in the next 9 months. I am looking for housing that is not too large. We just don't need 3000 sq ft anymore. 2000 would be perfect with an acre or two.
Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[WendyK]

You are both describing the outlying areas of Spokane perfectly. There are many smaller towns/communities that are just outside the city limits where you can find acreage properties and a more rural feeling. Shopping & services are usually no more than 20 minutes away, unless you really get out in the boonies. If you don't need to worry about school district or other "kid" type activities, your options are pretty open as far as location. To the south of town, the land tends to be more farm like but there are still some treed areas. The north side has a variety of terrain from flat farm type land to hilly, treed property. West plains is a little more rocky & treed, the valley/east side is more rolling type land. You will find varieties of all types of property within these locations.

As far as towns to consider, Deer Park, Chattaroy, Colbert, Mead, Nine Mile Falls, Cheney, Otis Orchards, Veradale are some of the smaller towns just outside Spokane that might be appealing to you. Most people decide what they want to be closest to and go from there as far as deciding where to live.

[BA2WA]

Many thanks Wendyk, we appreciate all the information. It's good to know we're looking in the right area.

Much is made here of crime in Spokane. While I'm guessing it actually isn't any worse than similar urban areas, are the smaller towns and outlying areas less affected? Are there smaller towns to avoid if we're looking for reasonable security?

[WendyK]

there's less to worry about the farther away from the city core that you live. But in looking at rural areas, you would most certainly want to look at what types of homes are neighboring anything you consider. Some areas don't have any restrictions so you'll find some trashy, run down trailers with 20 junk cars parked in the yard not far from homes that are very nice & well-kept. I wouldn't say there's any particular small towns to look out for or avoid.

Here's a link to the Spokane Sheriff's Dept. crime map and you can see which areas have the most problems. Spokane County SCOUT

[Count David]

You guys are going to be absolutely floored by the beauty of the Northwest. You're going to love it.

[BA2WA]

A different post posed a question I wanted to ask - Is there a crime problem in Spokane Valley (i.e. is it a safe place to live)? Although the responses said there isn't anything to worry about, the Sheriff's crime map seems to indicate a LARGE number of incidents in the area. Why is that?

[Count David]

Originally Posted by BA2WA

A different post posed a question I wanted to ask - Is there a crime problem in Spokane Valley (i.e. is it a safe place to live)? Although the responses said there isn't anything to worry about, the Sheriff's crime map seems to indicate a LARGE number of incidents in the area. Why is that?

Link?

Crime is usually centered on major intersections.

[BA2WA]

[quote=David Aguilar;35010226]Link?

Spokane County SCOUT

[Count David]

Originally Posted by BA2WA

Spokane County SCOUT

Wow, that map makes everywhere look pretty horrible. However, I wouldn't take the lack of crimes in Spokane proper as anything, as they have their own police department, which wouldn't report anything to the Spokane County Sheriff website.

I would suggest you check out the areas yourself, outside of a few areas, I didn't find Spokane County to be overwhelming (as the map paints) in regards to crime.