[jhynesrockmtn]

I moved from Seattle to Spokane 3 years ago. I love it here. Big city amenities in a relatively small town. 4 true seasons. It will be in the 70's up to 80 the coming week with nothing but sun. Great park system, two major hospitals and a medical school coming. 4 universities if you want to take college classes or ogle coeds while retired. Outstanding recreational activities with parks, hiking, rivers, lakes, road course race track, active Porsche club. Great restaurant, beer/wine scene here. Good local music, national acts come through regularly. I've seen Neil Young, Govt. Mule, Tedeschi Trucks and Band of Horses in outstanding venues within the last year.

I bought a house in an established close in neighborhood, double lot, 3 bedroom/2 bath, new kitchen and interior resto, brand new 30 by 40 shop, etc. I'm in it a little over $300k. A similar house in Seattle would be double or more and there is no way I could have built the pole building shop I have here. You can have acreage and a more rural setting 15 minutes outside of town.

Major airport 10 minutes outside of town, Seattle is a 4 1/2 drive away, no traffic to speak of, great back roads and smaller towns to explore, lakes and rivers if you miss water. I think overall it's a great balance between true small town living and having bigger city amenities available to you.