Why am I moving to WA??????

[orygun]

In Spokane, I don't think you would want to live downtown. I asked my landlord about it and he said it was very bad. Although...I think they are going to be redoing it and putting in some condos and trying to shape it up. Right now, walking alone in downtown Spokane would be a very bad idea from what I have read in the paper and heard from other people. The local paper here always announces when a sex offender is released here and usually they are moving downtown. The most recent one was a scarier one, young man after very young children.

We all only have our own perspective to go on. I came to this site often before we moved here and heavily relied on it for information since I didn't know much about Spokane. I saw nothing about any of the things I have experienced so I want other people to know what I wish I had known before. And my perspective is Missoula, Montana and Eugene, Oregon as far as cities go. Maybe just being so much larger is what makes Spokane seem so bad to us.

I figure there must be something positive in moving around, being able to share with other people. It's funny now when I look at posts in Montana and all the talk about problems with growth and crowding. From their perspective Montana has become crowded but that comes from a basis of 5 people per square mile in the state. Once a person has gone somewhere more crowded the viewpoint changes.

[orygun]

Originally Posted by jrmontag

Visit Detroit. That will convince you it's not awful.

Amen to that! I bet that is SO true. I have neighbors who came from California and talk about how much better Spokane is. It is really all in what a person likes too.

[thisismemaria]

Washington is awesome.
There is water nearby.
There are mountains nearby.
There are a lot of activities for just about every hobby out there.
Yeah there are negatives but that is true of any city and state.

[PencilMeIn]

Originally Posted by jrmontag

Visit Detroit. That will convince you it's not awful.

Detroit...funny (lol)....think I'll pass on that one.....maybe for a super bowl. I would like to see Mackinec, though, heard it's really pretty.

[StealthRabbit]

WA is quite diverse in climate, economy and population. It is probably one of the most 'accepting' places, tho your mileage may vary.

You should be able to find a place in WA that fits, but it will be rare to find one that is unbearable (which is quite possible most places). Spend some time on the other forums and you will find WA forum to be pretty accepting also. The forum to the south is pretty polarized and has a 'protectionist' stance. (as in - be careful on that forum, or your toast - as so many ex- great posters with a wealth of information to share have found out...)
This is similar to WA difference, just look around and find a spot that fits, take advice, and be wary; as crime / meth can be a problem anywhere. If you keep your eyes and ears open, you will find a spot that fits, and be pretty happy AND accepted. The PNW does not often have the social warmth of a close community, but it also does not often have exclusive nature, or racial / social problems. It is fairly well represented politically, but pretty left in general, due to the majority of vote living on the left side of the Mtns. It's a struggle for the right leaners (and business owners / farmers), but they tough it out (and pay most of the state taxes). It is much easier to be an employee in WA than an employer. (having just survived another 'reporting' quarter , My crime-inee, how's a person supposed to have time to work, filing all these forms?

You'll be fine

[PencilMeIn]

Thanks to everyone for all the positive WA feedback...now I can't wait to get out there and have alook around!