Tell Me More About Spokane! (South Hill, Palouse: daycare, buying, YMCA)

[poohbaby518]

My husband is considering a job opportunity in the Spokane area and I have a few questions before we decide whether or not to make the move. We currently live in Cleveland, Ohio.

I work for a major healthcare system. I work in Human Resources and I would be looking for a full-time position. Are there several major health systems in the Spokane area?

Are there any discount grocers that offer good deals? We currently shop at Aldi stores, but they don't have any locations in Washington state.

We have a 2 year old son. What is the average cost of full-time daycare?

I've read that the South Hills area has good schools. Would this be a good area to consider to be close to nice schools, good daycare, local branch of the YMCA, and a major hospital? How far is this area from Spokane Valley (where my husband would work).

Thanks so much for your advice!

[kena]

Health care is one of the strongest professional fields in Spokane. Providence is a big player (Sacred Heart will soon be the largest hospital in the state) but there is a new wrinkle with Community Health Systems recently buying Empire Health Services (who ran/runs Spokane's second largest hospital). In addition, there is a Shriner's hospital in Spokane, the University of Washington is starting first year medical school classes and there is a large new nursing building/program at the joint Washington State/Eastern Washington University campus downtown. There are multiple health care related organizations and businesses around town (KMC is also a good sized hospital across the boarder in Idaho).

I believe there are a few discount grocers around, I think local store company URM has an outlet. Costco is also a popular warehouse club store.

The south hill does generally have good to excellent schools, good daycare options and would be close to any of the downtown hospitals/university programs (think 5-20 minute drive depending on how far up the hill you are, on surface streets, no freeways invovled). The closest Y would also be downtown so the same time frame would apply.

Getting from the south hill to the valley would not be too bad depending, of course, on the particulars. He could head downtown and take I-90 or go the 'back way' along the Palouse Highway which is probably a bit slower but very scenic.

Good Luck!

[Deena160]

My favorite discount food store would be The Grocery Outlet. http://www.groceryoutlets.com/home.aspx
I believe there are two in the downtown area. This is more akin to a liquidators. It's the kind of place that you can never be quite sure what you'll find, but there are great bargains to be had (especially on stuff like junk food, cereal, and lunch meat). I always go there first before heading to Fred Meyer(food/department store owned by Kroger's) and Costco. Of course, there is Walmart. I think there's a Super Walmart in Airport Heights. I don't live in Spokane yet, but have visited several times and talk to anyone I hear who has lived there--including everyone on this thread! You've come to the right place. :~) D

[tankratt]

My wife's friend has a son in daycare for a half day and it is around 400 a month. Good luck on your move

[BethAnnSpokane]

I am a lifelong resident of Spokane, and I have raised 5 kids here. I live on the South hill and love it!
Health care is huge here.
I mainly go to Costco wholesale, and there are a couple other good discount grocery stores such as Rainbow Foods.
Spokane is a wonderful place with four very distinct seasons to enjoy! Best wishes
BethAnn Long

[kaimik]

We moved here from the Cleveland area just over a month ago, and my dh works in healthcare. If we can answer any specific questions, feel free to send a pm.

Good luck!