A few questions about Spokane area (Seattle, Tacoma: mortgage, house, buyers)

[caitlinsmom]

We decided that we are moving to Spokane this summer so I am trying to get a lot of info so I am prepared.
We are coming from a small town of 3000 so Spokane is WAY bigger than we are used to. What are some fun things to do with the little ones? What homeschool groups are available and fun to be in? What are the options for local eating, farmers markets, and the like? Herb shops? Is there a moms group that gets together or something that I could do to meet other moms?

What is the best small town outside of (within 40 miles) Spokane to live in? We want to be able to get a house on at least .5 acre more like 1 or more though? We have a sizeable down payment, what are some local mortgage companies that are reputable? What are the schools like? (dh is a teacher) Are there any charter schools available?

what about traffic? If we find a place 30 miles outside of the city will the comute be okay?

Thanks for any info you can give.

[kena]

What age range are the little ones? As far as local eating, Spokane has a mix of locally owned restaurants as well as many of the standard chains. Luckily, there seems to have been more of a focus on local places using local ingredients. For farmer's market info check out the following link: Spokane Farmers' Market, Spokane, Washington

I think there are several mom's groups out there, such as: MOMS Club of Spokane

There are quite a few choices for the type of place you'd like to buy a home around Spokane. There have been several threads about outlying areas but I might defer to others on this one. In general, I don't think traffic will be much of an issue with the two potential slow spots being I-90 heading downtown from the valley in the morning/from downtown to the valley in the evening and getting from the far north to downtown in the morning/downtown to far north in the evening. Even then, it won't be like rush hour in Seattle or LA type of traffic.

[tankratt]

Deer Park is around the 3000 population is about 25 miles north of Spokane is a great area. Hey its a buyers market right now so you should do great, lots of school districts within 45 min drive too. Good Luck

[kwcmlc]

We are moving to the Spokane area in May of this, and I must admit that I wasn't thrilled, but we are moving from Honolulu and that is like a pray being answered in itself. My question is about how the local communities see or view the military personnel and the base in the area? Can anyone fill me in on if they are accepted or if it's like total anti-mililtary, anti-war?Thanks!P.S. - After doing extensive research, I think I will like it!

[natman]

I feel that Spokane is proud to have a military base. You will be welcomed here.

[WendyK]

I second that - there's a big military presence here in Spokane with Fairchild AFB, a VA hospital, as well as Army, Navy & Marine reserve stations. I think you'll be more in shock with the climate change than anything else!

[vette-dude]

I think you will be comfortable to know this is city is positive in regards to the military personnel..ofcourse being a military retiree I definately notice any negativity toward military and I must say have not seen any in and around the city, for that matter on the west side of the state either "not that you are asking," just sharing..the area of McChord AB and Fort Lewis....Tacoma...

You're coming at a nice time in regards to the weather in May....Good luck on your move to WA from the Island....