Spokane area ? (Summit, Fairwood, Riverside: rental, movers, houses)

[HanaMandamom]

Hi, I have heard the term 'west central' used for a Spokane area but what neighborhoods, streets, etc does this area actually encompass? I am searching house locations and people have said this is a bad area. True or not and where is it?

Thanks for anyone's help.

[WendyK]

West Central is an area in the lower NW side of Spokane. It encompasses the area west of Maple/Ash over to Summit Blvd. which runs above the Spokane River. There are many historical homes in this area, but unfortunately many have run down and deteriorated, too. On the north bank of the river, Kendall Yards is a new development just getting started which will help to revitalize this area, although it will take some time for this to happen. I have worked with people who bought in this area and they are very happy living there, but you really need to figure out who your neighbors are and what types of activity are taking place in the immediate area. It can vary from block to block - usually the farther west you go towards Summit Blvd. and the river are nicer homes & a safer feeling neighborhood.

[HanaMandamom]

Thanks Wendy. So the area I was more looking at is N. of Francis around Indian Trail and Salk Jr. High. How is this area? I also found a nice house near Riverside St. Park. How is that location? Appreciate your help.

More info...We have two kids 8 &10. So the usual safe, friendly area with kids around, hopefully a grocery nearby, good schools. I've read good things about the schools in this area. We are looking around 200k.

We are coming down for a drive this weekend because we are also checking out the N. Spokane area (Camelot, Gleneden, older nbrhd by Wandermere golf course) over to the area mentioned originally and then to the valley. I'm not familiar with the valley at all. I just want to feel comfortable and have amenities around for the kids too.

[WendyK]

Northwest of Francis are good neighborhoods - most homes built in the 50's, 60's and later. Camelot & Gleneden are great areas, too. We lived in Camelot for our first year here in Spokane in a rental and I liked the convenience to schools & shopping, the big yards and friendly neighbors. We then lived in a neighborhood off of Indian Trail for a year and liked that area, too. There are new shopping centers on Indian Trail, along with doctor offices, churches, McDonalds & Starbucks plus an Albertson's for groceries. Makes it very convenient for residents to not have to travel far for services.

[HanaMandamom]

Sounds great, I can't wait to check out the areas. Thanks again.

[Cahatch]

Originally Posted by WendyK

Northwest of Francis are good neighborhoods - most homes built in the 50's, 60's and later. Camelot & Gleneden are great areas, too. We lived in Camelot for our first year here in Spokane in a rental and I liked the convenience to schools & shopping, the big yards and friendly neighbors. We then lived in a neighborhood off of Indian Trail for a year and liked that area, too. There are new shopping centers on Indian Trail, along with doctor offices, churches, McDonalds & Starbucks plus an Albertson's for groceries. Makes it very convenient for residents to not have to travel far for services.

WendyK you are quite the salesperson...LOL There were two homes in the Mead/Colbert area that we liked and they both sold... guess someone else liked em too! now we are looking in the Indian Trails area... would be a tad closer for DH to work! My cousin frequents that Starbucks just about daily... have been there a time or 10 myself.. we are also considering Newman Lake area... the 'valley' looks a bit too much like where we live now... LOL takin another trip up there in the next month... our home here is on the market finally! decided to just DO IT... not much action but at least we took the first step! may have to rent it... thanks for all your good info on Spokane! much appreciated.... and heyyy Hanamandamom we may live somewhat close someday!!

[HanaMandamom]

Originally Posted by Cahatch

.... and heyyy Hanamandamom we may live somewhat close someday!!

That would be great, cuz I would know no one! We instantly have the coffee lover in common. Do you have kids? Where are you now that it is like the valley and what does that mean anyway?? I'm not so familiar with that area, more the N. end.

[Cahatch]

Originally Posted by HanaMandamom

That would be great, cuz I would know no one! We instantly have the coffee lover in common. Do you have kids? Where are you now that it is like the valley and what does that mean anyway?? I'm not so familiar with that area, more the N. end.

I'm in California...LOL we are relocating SOON... movers called today! our home has been on the market two weeks today... not much traffic.. we have been up there like 7 times I think since a year ago May!... my cousin and fam live in NMF... we are making lists of homes to go check out with our realtor... we GOTTA find something this trip... if your kids are 8 and 10... I'm a bit older than you... heehee my oldest will be 26 this coming Wed.... hahaha but I had him YOUNG... I was just a couple of months from my 22nd bday... you do the math!... my cousin is 49 and has a 10 yr old though... HA my youngest will be 23 in Oct... both boys... oldest is married and in the military... I just re-read your post... now I get what you mean by 'like the valley'.... we live in the central valley here in ca... Spokane Valley kinda reminded us of this area... just minus the garbage... and more trees...

[HanaMandamom]

We drove around nbrhds in N. Spokane yesterday. Really liked Camelot, Gleneden and Pine River Park was okay, not as nice though. We also really liked Fairwood. I liked Indian Trail more than my hubby. We both liked the upper Woodridge area there but most houses were out of our range and he wasn't as crazy about the location. We think most likely we will go for the Northend instead of valley but may still check it out just in case. Keep me posted on where you choose. Good luck.

[Cahatch]

Originally Posted by HanaMandamom

We drove around nbrhds in N. Spokane yesterday. Really liked Camelot, Gleneden and Pine River Park was okay, not as nice though. We also really liked Fairwood. I liked Indian Trail more than my hubby. We both liked the upper Woodridge area there but most houses were out of our range and he wasn't as crazy about the location. We think most likely we will go for the Northend instead of valley but may still check it out just in case. Keep me posted on where you choose. Good luck.

will do Hanamanda... we are heading that way the end of this week... will be browsing nbhds... AGAIN! will have to check out those you mentioned.. a couple of those sound familiar... we soooo love the Colbert/Mead area... but dh drives about a mi and a half now to work.. that would be about 40 mins! although he says he won't mind it.. I think after a few months he would! yikes... and with these gas prices??? so are you living there NOW??? or just visiting??? I guess I should read some more of your posts!