Spokane, Washington
What It Is Like to Retire in Spokane
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 222,000 in 2020. 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.
Where to Retire in Spokane and Home Prices
The median sale price of a home was $383,400 in the 1st quarter of 2023, according to the National Association of Realtors.
What Is Special about Spokane
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.
What Is Not Special about Spokane
Spokane is remote - almost 300 miles to the nearest large city, Seattle. Well, remote is relative-300 fast miles on Interstate 90 to Seattle and "the coast".
Who Will Like Retirement in Spokane
Outdoor people and those who want to live in a growing and active small city. Especiallty people who like outdoors in the winter and perhaps winter sports - good/great skiing nearby, for example.
Local Economy Is Driven by
Construction, healthcare, government, education
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.
Restaurants & Cultural Scene
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.
Crime
The crime rate is very high vs. the national average.
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
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.
Valuable Links
Wikipedia entry for SpokaneWashington retirement guideSpokane Visitors Center
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