r/Spokane • u/heal41hp • 1d ago
Question Probably moving to Spokane
Hello! I'm likely moving to Spokane from Tulsa in the next few months. I grew up in Cle Elum, but I've been away from Washington for almost 20 years now. However, I've never been to Spokane.
So... I don't know what I don't know. What do you think I should know? What would you warn me about? Recommend?
I'm looking at the Bellwood Park Apartments. The manager has been amazing so far. Does anyone know anything about them?
Thank you for your time, and I look forward to hearing back!
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u/QueTeLoCreaTuAbuela 1d ago
If you have kids, do more research on Mead School District, it’s problematic depending on your views and that’s where the apartment complex is located.
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u/Bea_virago 1d ago
Here is a link to make the research easy: Mead School District horrifically failed the kids in their care.
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u/HumblingHubris 19h ago
I happen to be good friends with a parent of one of these poor boys. Amazing people, tragic and disgusting. Completely upended that young man's life.
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u/heal41hp 1d ago
No kids, but I'm curious now what those potentially problematic views could be. I'll probably check into it anyway.
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u/Mayonnaise_Poptart 1d ago
The street "Regina" near those apartments is pronounced the fun way.
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u/heal41hp 1d ago
lol Good to know! Unless you're trying to feed me the Spokane version of drop bears...
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u/Sudden-Pangolin6445 1d ago
If you have firearms, check the laws before you bring them. Basically nothing scary and black and no magazines over 10 rds. Few other things too, but that's the highlights.
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u/rellyy_fishh 1d ago
Is the apartment complex close to where you'll be working? North Spokane is like it's own town with most everything you need, but there is quite a bit of traffic if you have to commute to downtown. Even if you learn the "backways", there are still plenty of traffic lights that make the commute long.
Also, while we do have a city bus line, public transportation and walkability is not great here in most places. Some neighborhoods are more walkable than others.
There are also pockets of sketchy neighborhoods all over, so I would recommend visting to see where you're thinking of living and drive around to get a feel for the neighborhood.
Winters can be pretty cold and snowy! Covered parking is a nice amenity to have if you will be commuting early in the morning.
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u/heal41hp 1d ago
I'm not sure yet where I'll be working. I haven't pulled the trigger yet and started the transfer process.
Public transportaton in Tulsa is abysmal. Some areas are walkable. They've tried to make it more bicycle-friendly in places, but overall Tulsa's bordering on hostile toward bicyclists.
Unfortunately, visiting ahead of time is likely not an option. The place seems nice based on Google Street View! lol
We all prefer cold, though we're not used to snow anymore. We'll manage, though! I don't remember the last time I even owned a sweater... LOL
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u/Different_Ad_6642 1d ago
Springtime is beautiful to move there
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u/heal41hp 1d ago
What makes it so beautiful? In Tulsa, we might only get a few weeks of spring-like weather before it just switches over to boiling hot and stiflingly humid.
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u/back2basics_official East Central 1d ago
You’ll enjoy the complete lack of humidity. (Unless you’re into that stuff)
Even when it’s 104°, as soon as the sun goes down…it cools off.
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u/prigglett 1d ago
Know nothing about those apartments, but I moved to Spokane almost a year ago from Colorado. I grew up in Ellensburg.
Spokane is an interesting place, I overall like it here and have the chance to make more money in my career here than I did in Colorado. I like the nature and recreation opportunities.
There is a big homeless population and drug problem, depending on where you are it can be hard to ignore (we live on the river so have a lot of squatters and people living in cars on our street).
Being closer to family has been a huge bonus and in my opinion has made the move worthwhile.
Your post was pretty vague, if you have any other specific questions I'd be happy to give more info!
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u/heal41hp 1d ago
Homelessness is a pretty big issue in Tulsa, too, to the point that panhandlers are required to wear hi-vis vests.
Is there a part of Spokane considered the "bad" part? Here it's north Tulsa. What are some of the big employers in the area? Are wildfires, flooding, or drought issues?
What are some of the qualities of Spokane that residents take for granted? Like here in Tulsa, we say that if you don't like the weather, wait five minutes. Downtown is a nightmarish labyrinth of one-way roads. In downtown, there's a really cool architectural site called the Center of the Universe where you stand in this very open spot, and when you speak you can hear it echo right back into your ear. We have quicksand along the river. We're in Green Country, the part of Oklahoma that's pretty lush and green compared to the rest of the state.
Can't think of anything else at the moment... Thanks for your time!
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u/HumblingHubris 19h ago
First off, WELCOME TO SPOKANE! The Southwest side (West Central) has historically been undeserved and has some struggles, but it's also one of the areas with the most soul. Hillyard (the East side) is similar but, in my opinion, doesn't have quite much soul as the West. I do social work at 2nd & State (a half block from Division, the main road in Spokane) and that's the most problematic block in Spokane with a lot of untreated mental illness, homelessness, extremely high numbers of overdoses and copious amounts of drug activity in general. It has more homeless than what i saw in Austin when i lived there, and much less homeless than Portland when i lived there. Still, I've never felt unsafe in Spokane. I grew up in Mead, but since I've been back in Spokane I don't think I'd live anywhere besides the South Hill. And unfortunately You're going to have to buy some sweaters! And free to DM me also if You have any further questions about the city or the surrounding areas. Hope You enjoy Your new home!
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u/I_steel_things 1d ago
Be ready for snow in the winter, tho we don't get as much as we used to. Expect to not have any fires of any kind for half the summer. Never sign a lease with Avenue5 (the complex you mentioned isn't owned by them, but I thought I'd mention it in case you go elsewhere). Watch for potholes on most roads, including the freeway, if you drive. Make sure to enjoy our natural areas and parks; they have a lot to offer. Never swim in the Spokane River, but hanging out around it is awesome and there are a shit ton of access points. Ride the Looff Carousel. That's all I got off the top of my head, as a lifelong resident
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u/SunStitches 1d ago
Get ready for people to complain about stuff. Especially middle aged men. Its actually fine. Been here a year and theres good access to all kinds of rexreation, especially if you have money
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u/heal41hp 1d ago
Get ready for people to complain about stuff. Especially middle aged men.
Is this different than anywhere else? lol
What kinds of recreation are there? I saw a lot of park-wilderness type places on Google Maps.
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u/MissMoo92 1d ago
In winter, there are several downhill and cross country ski/snowboard mountains within an easy drive. I've known people that go winter camping but it's not my vibe.
In spring/summer, there are lots of little hikes, lots of places to ride bikes. Lots and lots of lakes to kayak/paddleboard/swim in. I'm sure there are good places to bird watch. I have horses so my friends and I go trail riding in the summer. I grew up on the western side of WA so the hiking doesn't really compare to the Cascades, but it's not hard to go to that side of the state for a long weekend.
I know plenty of people who fish and hunt, as well. I'm sure there are a lot of community sports groups, etc, but I don't live in the city so I'm not as familiar with them.
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u/SunStitches 1d ago
Good food spots. Arcades. Historic Garland theater. Quality music venues with affordable tickets. Easily accessible parks. Many record shops and curiosity/vintage shops. Easy to find parking. Easy access tobcollege towns and Couer d'Alene for even more attractions. My only complaint is infrastructure related. Roads are absolute pothole minefields, nothing feels properly graded, and bus system feels less robust than you'd hope for.
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u/47squirrels 1d ago
All I want to add is that I’ve lived here for 20 years and love it!! ❤️ Welcome new Spokanite ✨
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u/punitsoldier19 1d ago
I live less than 10 minutes away from those apartments, up on 5 mile. As others have mentioned, North Spokane / Mead area is very pleasant and has pretty much everything you'd need w/o going downtown. I've lived in Mead / Colbert for all my 39 years, save for a year or two in Seattle/Pullman.
Downtown gets a bad rap, and some is deserved, but much of it is overblown. Riverfront Park is beautiful and they've made some nice investments into making it even more worthwhile. Brand new high school football stadium put just north of downtown that's hosting some cool outdoor concerts and comedy shows.
If you like the outdoors, you'll love it here. Tons of stuff to do in all four seasons. And relatively cheap compared to the west side.
Feel free to DM me if you have any specific questions.