Spokane : Washington

What Spokane is like for active adults

Spokane is the 2nd largest city in Washington and one of the largest in the Northwest. It is located on Washington's eastern border with Idaho. It is the cultural, social, and economic hub of this area, along with neighboring Coeur D'Alene. The population is about 202,000.

Spokane has an active urban redevelopment history. The RiverPark Square Mall is a downtown anchor as are many reclaimed historic buildings such as the Davenport Hotel and historic Fox Theatre. Kendall Yards is a huge new development. There are many interesting neighborhoods ranging from the late Victorian-era style Browne's Addition, to the Davenport Arts District of Downtown, to the more contemporary neighborhoods of North Spokane. The Spokane River and Spokane Falls run through the city which makes for a very interesting physical feature.

Baby boomers or active adults looking for retirement communities in Spokane will find every kind of neighborhood, from traditional downtown homes to brand new over 55 communities. Median home sales price in late 2009 was $177,600, down from the previous year.

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What is special about this retirement community

Spokane has 75 parks! Those include Riverfront Park and Riverside State Park, which are either or adjacent to downtown. There are 76 lakes or bodies of water nearby, in addition to plentiful festivals and things to do. Spokane is one of the most affordable cities in the northwest. Two private universities - Gonzaga and Whitworth - along with satellite campuses of several state universities.

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What is not special about this retirement community

Spokane is remote - almost 300 miles to the nearest large city, Seattle.

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What kinds of people like retiring here

Outdoor people and those who want to live in a growing and active small city.

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Local economy is driven by

Construction, healthcare, government, education

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Climate and Physical Environment

Spokane is where the steppe meets the foothills of the Rockies (Selkirks). It is dry and fairly cold in winter. The Spokane River and Spokane Falls run through the city. There is often snow cover in winter, summers can be hot. Being east of the Cascades, Spokane is in a very different and much drier climate than Seattle. The average July high is 82 degrees and the average January low is 22.

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Cultural environment

The Spokane Symphony and several theatre groups perform in Spokane. There are a number of galleries in the Davenport and Garland Districts. The Fox Theater is active, restored original Art Deco state. Festivals and events are held throughout the year, including Spokane's two main Artwalk dates which attract large crowds to the art districts.

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Medical facilities

Spokane has 2 major hospitals, Sacred Heart Medical and Deaconess Medical Center. It is the medical hub of this part of the northwest

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Transportation

Spokane International Airport (with no international flights!) is one of the busiest airports in the northwest. I 90 goes through town. Rapid Transit is provided by ample bus service, a light rail system is planned.

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Valuable Links

Wikipedia entry for Spokane
Washington retirement guide
Spokane Visitors Center
Spokane Craigslist

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Facts about SPOKANE

State: WA
Environment: Urban,Suburban,College Town,
City Population: 100,001+
Median age of Population: 25-44
Avg Jan Temperature: 21-40
Median HH Income: 20,001-40,000
Average Home Price (MLS): $100,000-$200,000
Annual Property Tax on a $200,000 house: Less than 2000
Total Crime Index: 111-120 (high)
Cost of Living Index: 101-110 (slightly above average)
Culture Index: 111-120 (high)
State Sales Tax: Yes
State Income Tax: No
Name of the Guide: boomer

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