Spokane is a city in eastern Washington known for its beautiful natural landscape, thriving community, and diverse cultural attractions. With a growing economy, four distinct seasons, and proximity to other major cities and tourist destinations, live in spokane Offers residents a unique quality of life that is hard to find in other urban centres.
However, like any city, Spokane has its share of pros and cons that may influence a person’s decision to call it home. whether you are considering Renting an Apartment or House in Spokane Or buying a home in the areaIn this article, we’ll explore 11 pros and cons of living in Spokane to help you decide whether it’s the right place for you. From outdoor activities and cultural attractions to traffic and public transportation, we take a look at what life is like in Spokane to help you make an informed decision about whether this is a great place for you to call your next home. Yes or No.
Benefits of Living in Spokane
1. Access to External Opportunities
Spokane is an outdoor paradise, offering a wide array of activities that are sure to satisfy any outdoor enthusiast. Whether you’re looking to hike, bike, ski, fish, climb, or simply enjoy nature, Spokane has it all. The city is surrounded by beautiful lakes, rivers, and mountains, providing endless opportunities for outdoor recreation. During the summer months, residents can take advantage of the many hiking trails in the area, including Iller Creek Conservation Area, Mika Peak Conservation AreaAnd Beehive Lakes, The city is also home to several great parks, including Riverfront Parkwhich offers views of the carousel, skate ribbon, playground, river, concerts in its pavilionAnd Riverside State Park, which offers views of the Spokane River. For water lovers, Spokane is the perfect destination, with nearby lakes, such as Lake Coeur d’Alene and Lake Pend Oreille, offering a range of activities such as boating, fishing, and swimming. During the winter months, residents can hit the slopes at nearby ski resorts such as mount spokane, 49 degrees northOr schwitzer mountainwhich offer a variety of skiing and snowboarding options.
2. Central Location
Spokane’s central location is one of its greatest assets. The city is located in the eastern part of Washington state, making it a convenient base for exploring the Pacific Northwest. Residents can reach many major cities like seattle, portlandAnd Vancouveras well as popular national parks such as Yellowstone National Park And Glacier National Park,
3. Four Different Seasons
Spokane’s four distinct seasons are just one of the many reasons people are drawn to the city. Each season offers unique weather patterns and activities, providing residents with a wide variety of outdoor experiences throughout the year. The warm summers are perfect for hiking, biking, and exploring the local lakes and rivers. The fall season brings cool weather and stunning foliage displays, making it a great time for outdoor festivals and events. Winters in Spokane are cold and snowy, providing ample opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports. The spring season is known for its mild weather and beautiful flowers, with many parks and gardens coming alive with colorful flowers. Overall, Spokane’s Four Seasons offers a variety of activities, events, and scenes to keep residents busy year-round.
4. Less traffic
While Spokane is a growing city, it has managed to maintain relatively low traffic compared to other urban centers. The city’s layout is designed to reduce congestion and improve flow, making commuting to and from work easier and less stressful. Several major roads pass through or near Spokane, including I-90, US 2, and US 395, some of which provide direct routes. seattle and even all the way chicago,
5. Cultural Attractions
Spokane is rich in cultural attractions, making it an ideal destination for those who appreciate art, history, and music. The city is home to a variety of museums and galleries, such as Northwest Museum of Arts and Culturethat showcases the history and art of the region, and Spokane Art Schoolwhich offers classes and exhibitions for local artists. Bing Crosby Theater, which has been an event in the city since the 1920s, hosts a variety of music, theater and film events throughout the year. In addition to these cultural attractions, Spokane is known for its vibrant festivals and events. The Lilac Festivalwhich takes place every May, is a celebration of the city’s history and culture, while hoopfestThe world’s largest 3-on-3 basketball tournament attracts thousands of visitors to the city each year.
6. Growing Economy
Spokane’s growing economy is one of the many reasons why it is a great place to live and work. The city has experienced significant growth in recent years, with opportunities in healthcare, education, technology and other sectors. Additionally, the city has a strong entrepreneurial spirit, with many startups and small businesses finding success in Spokane. This has led to a thriving business community, with resources such as the Spokane Small Business Development Center and Startup Spokane providing support and resources to entrepreneurs and small business owners. In addition to these developments, Spokane is home to several major universities and medical centers. Gonzaga University, Whitworth University, Sacred Heart Children’s HospitalAnd Multicare Deaconess HospitalWhich contribute to the growing economy of the city and provide many employment opportunities.
Cons of Living in Spokane
7. Harsh Winters
While Spokane’s winters can be beautiful, they can also be harsh and challenging for some residents. The city experiences freezing temperatures, snow and ice Average snowfall of about 7 inches And a average low of about 28℉ during the winter months. Icy landscapes can also make getting around challenging, especially for those who are not experienced driving in winter conditions.
8. Season of Fire
Spokane’s fire season has a potential downside for residents, as the area is prone Forest fire during the summer months. These fires can be dangerous. However, the city has taken steps to prepare for and prevent wildfires. The Spokane Fire Department has a comprehensive wildfire prevention plan, which includes education, planning and response measures.
Additionally, the city and county have implemented fire restrictions to reduce the risk of wildfires during the summer months, including a ban on campfires and outdoor burning.
9. Limited Public Transportation
Spokane’s public transportation system is limited compared to other major cities, which can be a challenge for residents who rely on it. The bus system covers most of the area, but routes can be short and may not run until late at night. Additionally, there is no light rail or subway system, which can make it challenging to travel efficiently throughout the city. While there are some bike lanes and trails in the city, areas such as hilly terrain south hill Could make bicycling difficult for some residents.
10. Lack of ability to walk
with Walkscore of 49Spokane’s lack of walkability can be a challenge for residents who prefer to get around on foot. The city is sprawling and hilly in some parts, with wide roads and limited footpaths. While Spokane may not be the most walkable city, there are still opportunities for residents to explore the city on foot. The city has several walkable neighborhoods, such as main city, south perryAnd kendall yard which offer a variety of shops, restaurants and entertainment options. Additionally, the city has invested in creating more walkable spaces, such as the revitalization of Riverfront Park, which is also connected to the Centennial Trail.
11. No sports team
Although Spokane may not have any major professional sports teams, it offers sports fans many opportunities to enjoy their favorite activities. The city has several minor league sports teams, including the Spokane Chiefs hockey team and the Spokane Indians baseball team. In addition, Spokane is home to gonzaga bulldogs, Known for their strong basketball program, the Bulldogs have consistently been one of the nation’s top teams in recent years, regularly making deep runs into the NCAA Tournament. Gonzaga’s basketball success has helped put Spokane on the map as a basketball city.
