An affordable apartment in Spokane (Seattle: rent, hotels, house)

[ArcticPhoenix]

Alright, I already live in Spokane, but thought the fellow board-members here could help me out here.

Here's the deal... the apartment complex I live in was bought out by new owners. They're stupid. It's a ****hole complex next to a couple of hooker hotels, several drug dealers, and a halfway house... And, the apartments aren't the greatest, either. They look... well, sucky from the outside and while the insides are decent, the 2 bedrooms are small (735-765 sq. ft.).

Right now, we pay $480/month. The new landlords are planning on raising the rent anywhere between 50-100/month. I'm assuming we're going to be paying closer to 600 since we've never had a rent increase.

Thing is, the ****hole we live in isn't worth NEARLY that much, and the only reason we still live there is because it's only 5 miles from work. However, I will be getting a new schedule that allows me to stay home an extra day, so the impact of a commute is a little bit lessened.

My biggest thing is, what can I find, that is a decent sized 2 bedroom or maybe a small-ish sized three bedroom, for under 550/month? I'm planning on moving in Spring, and I've found a few places, but would like to hear some word of mouth about some places that don't necessarily advertise online.

I'm not looking for much... just not more than say 10-15 miles from the airport, and something bigger than 750 sq. ft. for under 550 or so. I'm sure it's quite doable. Could I get a house or a duplex for that amount? I don't think I could, but I never know... So, any suggestions, fellow Washingtonians?

[vegaspilgrim]

I lived in Spokane for most of my life, until now I'm in Phoenix now (hey Arctic Phoenix, you should come down here where it's warm!), but I've never rented an apartment in Spokane before. Cost of living is going up everywhere tho so I wouldn't be surprised if other landlords are raising their rates too. I'm not sure what to tell you. If the place is next to drug dealers I would get the hell out and find a better place to live, even if it means it costs an extra hundred or so. Sometimes 100 or 150 more each month per rent can make a HUGE difference as I recently found out. I almost went with a "cheaper" apt complex here in Phoenix and then changed my mind at the last minute-- man I'm I sure happy I did that-- even though finances are a little more tight now.

[ArcticPhoenix]

I don't see how they can raise rents by a hundred bucks a month for a ****hole like this, though, and that's my point. With wages FALLING, and the housing market falling, prices should also be falling.

And I refuse to pay 600 a month for an apartment in Spokane. Period. In Seattle? Fark yeah! L.A.? God, that would be cheap. Chicago? Absolutely! Spokane? NO.

Does anybody else have any info?