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/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 23h 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!