Teachers or Mommas? (Spokane, South Hill, Palouse: rent, new home, transfer) - Washington (WA) - City-Data Forum

lisacav · 12-16-2009, 06:43 PM

I need some "insider" tips from teachers and/or momma's!

My family and I will be moving to Spokane in January. Brrrrrrr! I have NO idea (aside from what I've found on the internet) what life is like in Spokane. We've managed to purchase winter jackets, gloves, boots, etc. So I think we are set in that department.

However, I am panicing about finding the "right" place to live. I want to purchase a home in a good area with a good school district. So far, we are looking at Mead. My husband will be working close to the airport and I know that will be quite a commute! ugh! Any other suggestions?

I am also looking for a good preschool or Mother's Day Out program. Any suggestions? Playgroups or MOPS groups out there? Any good children's activities? Preferrably free

Thanks for your help!

Count David · 12-16-2009, 07:19 PM

Don't rule out anywhere, especially Spokane Public Schools, they have high scoring schools as well.

Use internet resources (like greatschools) to find schools, you can even do a radius around the airport's zip code (99224). But, take the info there with a grain of salt of course.

We did some work out of the airport ourselves, and we lived in Sunset Hill. Mead would be prohibitively far.

lisacav · 12-16-2009, 07:27 PM

Thanks David! Not trying to rule out anywhere. Just want to get a feel of what locals think about the schools and neighborhoods. We are moving from Memphis, TN and there are DEFINATE areas you DON'T want to live (as well as schools). greatschools.net is where I've gathered most of my information. My husbands office is north of the airport. Just trying to do what's best for our family and our kids future.

Getting a little overwhelmed and want to have a good feel for areas that we should look at once we get there.....and things to do with my girls while we are there too.

mistyriver · 12-16-2009, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David Aguilar

Don't rule out anywhere, especially Spokane Public Schools, they have high scoring schools as well.

Use internet resources (like greatschools) to find schools, you can even do a radius around the airport's zip code (99224). But, take the info there with a grain of salt of course.

We did some work out of the airport ourselves, and we lived in Sunset Hill. Mead would be prohibitively far.

I don't know why Mead would be prohibitively far. Depends on what you're used to as a commute and how far you want to drive but prohibitively far? What is it...like 40 minutes to the airport from Mead?

Count David · 12-16-2009, 08:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mistyriverranch

I don't know why Mead would be prohibitively far. Depends on what you're used to as a commute and how far you want to drive but prohibitively far? What is it...like 40 minutes to the airport from Mead?

Prohibitively far, meaning that something reasonable housing/school wise can be found much closer than that.

Husband would drive home, past other good neighborhoods on the way to Mead. It doesn't make much sense.

And just because one is used to commuting for 40 minutes, doesn't mean they have to in their new hometown.

IMO 40 minutes is too far to commute, especially in Spokane, there's no need.

mistyriver · 12-16-2009, 11:20 PM

From what I understand, Mead is one of the best districts and is an attractive area with more trees (less "high deserty")than the areas farther south or closer to the airport. I would definitely consider living there worth the drive.

Deena160 · 12-16-2009, 11:46 PM

Did you happen to read the recent thread about the family coming from Hawaii? Long-time Spokane Residents and Teachers, please help! You have a very similar post. I'm with David. We've been to Spokane 3 times in the last two years looking at the neighborhoods in anticipation of moving there(and we're still waiting for that transfer...) from Western Washington. My husband would be working by the airport, too, and I'm very concerned about school districts since I have two special needs children. Areas in Mead and Indian Trails are lovely, but they seem like a pain to commute from. I know, people will argue that it's not that bad, but we don't want to sacrifice personal/family time for a long commute. We really liked areas of South Hill and South Valley (south of about 16th) and they have some really good schools, too. These are far more accessible due to the freeway corridor running east to west. Yes, there is one being built from south to north, but it's gonna be a heck of a long time before it gets to the Mead area. :~) D

Count David · 12-17-2009, 12:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mistyriverranch

From what I understand, Mead is one of the best districts and is an attractive area with more trees (less "high deserty")than the areas farther south or closer to the airport. I would definitely consider living there worth the drive.

Yes, Mead is an attractive area, but so is Sunset Hill, Latah Valley, South Hill, etc. The only places in/near Spokane that are devoid of trees are the more urbanized areas of the north side of Spokane, the area immediately surrounding the airport (yet, there are even trees within sight out there), and of course, the Palouse.

You don't have to go far from the airport to be "at one" with nature and the trees and still have good schools.

RetiredChef · 12-17-2009, 05:40 AM

Welcome to the board,

We moved close to the Mead area (we are in the Mt. Spokane school district) for 3 very important (to us) reasons.

We were able to get a large house on acreage with beautiful views of the mountains in a rural setting for a very good price.

Mt. Spokane HS was 'one' of the best in the area.

Commutes to just about anywhere are nominal. (I worked PT right beside the airport for 3 years, average commute time was about 30 minutes, 25 on great days, 45 on heavy snow days.) Those times are nominal to us because we moved from LA - enough said.

My advice is if you want a rural setting on acreage than Mead would be awesome for you, if you are thinking of a tract style home in a development (mead has those too) look at the south hill area. South hill has more activities for people and kids, better commute times and the schools are very good.

The best would be to move to the area and rent while you get to know it and then purchase a home, I understand the problems of moving twice possibly ripping the children out of school, but you would really get to know the areas and make the right choice with some knowledge rather than a guess.

WendyK · 12-17-2009, 07:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RetiredChef

Welcome to the board,

The best would be to move to the area and rent while you get to know it and then purchase a home, I understand the problems of moving twice possibly ripping the children out of school, but you would really get to know the areas and make the right choice with some knowledge rather than a guess.

I second this idea -- if you are not sure about any areas yet, then you need to find a temporary place to live while you check out the possible places for a permanent home. We did that for our first 2 years here, and I recommend that action to other clients who are not sure about where they want to live. Much better than making a costly mistake and regretting your choice.