4 things to know before moving to Spokane

So, you want to relocate to Spokane. You are not alone in making this wise choice. Several hundred Americans from all over the country intend to relocate to Spokane. The global pandemic and the work from home phenomenon have fueled a relocation frenzy to Spokane. 

What is it that makes Spokane so special and inviting to everybody else? Let’s learn what makes this place so unique. The city also offers unrivaled recreational opportunities, making it a haven for those seeking outdoor adventures and providing residents with excellent access to healthcare, education, and employment opportunities. 

If Spokane is on your mind, we will help you navigate the obvious concerns. Keep reading to learn more 

What’s the weather like?

A pleasant field

Spokane, the “four weather”city is one of the best places to start over as you get to experience all the four seasons, making it one of the best places to live. The city receives nearly 200 days of sunlight per year. Despite the region’s cool winters, which have lows around 22 degrees F, summers are warm. It is also worth noting that Spokane is not prone to hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes.

Real Estate in Spokane

A wooden house on a sheet of paper with a key

Compared to other American cities, Spokane has a strong housing system that is also the most affordable. Spokane’s median home value is $175,100, which is 13% lower than the national average. If you want to set up a base and own a home, you can look at Spokane homes for sale at many reputable local realtors. 

During the peak of the pandemic, most cities saw significant drops in rent prices. The median rent index in Spokane is $950 for a one-bedroom apartment and $1,306 for a two-bedroom, according to the most recent Rent Report on Spokane.

Renting versus buying can be difficult in today’s dynamic housing market. Remote work, rising mortgage rates, rising rents, and changing lifestyles are all factors to consider when making this critical decision. It may be more advantageous for you to rent it out rather than buying it, based on your financial situation.

Cost of living in Spokane

An image of pennies with a receipt

If you’re considering relocating to Spokane, you’ll want to know how much it will cost. The cost of living in Spokane is low. It is 4% below the national average. Because there are more job opportunities and higher-paying jobs in Spokane, gas, groceries, and health care are less expensive.

Having medical insurance in Spokane will help you keep your costs under control. In addition, if an unforeseen emergency arises, health insurance can assist you in affording the necessary care. Over a year, a single adult without children will spend approximately $2,206 on medical care. Compared to metro areas of comparable size, Spokane’s employment situation is less favorable. Although the city used to be primarily dependent on its natural resources, mining and agriculture are the most important industries; things have changed dramatically. 

Things to do

A couple enjoying a sunset by a lake

Spokane offers opportunities for both indoor and outdoor activities. If you enjoy being outside, you can visit the farmers market or go for a bike ride along a section of the paved 40-mile Centennial Trail that follows the Spokane River. 

Weekends can be spent at Riverfront Park, a former rail yard that houses the country’s largest urban waterfall, an ice rink, parks, carousels, sky rides, and basketball courts. You can go to one of Spokane’s many museums on the weekends.The Campbell House, Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture, Historic Flight Foundation, and Mobius Children’s Museum are some of the few museums you can begin with.

Pros and Cons of Moving to Spokane

A wrapped chair surrounded by moving boxes

Spokane is a popular city in Washington that houses around 220,000 people. Not only is it popular for its outdoor adventure and great climate, but you will also find excellent employment and educational opportunities. However, before you make the jump and move into a new city, consider the pros and cons. Here are some of the pros and cons of moving to Spokane. 

Pro: Outdoor Activities

Once you relocate to Spokane, you will never be bored again. The city has a wide variety of outdoor activities that you can indulge in. The city has many scenic lakes, so you can jet ski or fish in it. You can even swim in them. These same lakes became a winter wonderland during the winter, and you can go ice-skating on them, provided that the surface is hard enough.

Con: Winter

Spokane tends to be pretty cold, with the average temperature being 22 degrees Fahrenheit in winter. The low temperature, coupled with the lack of sun, may cause you to fall into a seasonal depression. On average, the city has 174 days of sunshine per year, and all the days when the sun is not out are during the winter. This may be an issue if you are someone who likes to have the sun wake you up in the morning. 

Pro: Downtown

Spokane’s most enjoyable part is the lively downtown area, where you can have a lot of fun. It has many different kinds of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. It is also an incredibly walkable area, so you can have casual strolls as you observe the diverse mix of architecture the area offers. 

Con: Air Pollution

Spokane’s air quality is pretty bad due to the uncontrollable wildfire smoke that the city falls victim to each year. The air gets so unbearable sometimes that many wear masks to protect themselves from respiratory diseases. However, those in charge are constantly monitoring the issue, so they have plans to mitigate the effects when it gets too bad.

Conclusion

If Spokane has spoken to you,  a quick visit will likely persuade you if you aren’t convinced that moving to Spokane is a good idea. Everything you need to make Spokane your home is right here.There are many exciting things to do in this wonderful city, surrounded by beautiful scenery and wonderful people. Hopefully, you’ll be able to say hello to your neighbors soon when you’re outside your new neighborhood.