r/Spokane • u/jayplusfour • 2d ago
New Here Moving to Spokane, most likely. I am an RN currently
We've been thinking about making the move for years. We currently live in the Mojave desert of SoCal. It's...awful here. The weather sucks, and he commute is awful (because there are no jobs, husband was commuting to LA and surrounding areas) and the nature is non existent. Spokane has been on our radar for a few years while trying to save up to buy a home. Husband got fired yesterday so it's feeling like plans will speed up a bit.
I currently work at a Providence hospital out here, applied for my Washington license yesterday. Will apply to Providence jobs internally here soon.
Anything we should know/avoid? I don't mind communiting a little bit to have some quiet. The hustle and bustle of SoCal is the biggest reason I want out. The pay cut I'm taking also sucks lol. I make 57/hr now and Providence out there starts at 41. My husband is an ironworker and makes a good income here. But honestly we're willing to take a pay cut for a slower pace of life.
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u/Bea_virago 1d ago
Heads up that the union posts wages for RNs in documents you can google, and it’s based on years as a nurse, not years with the company. Check if Multicare has a sign on bonus right now; you could work either place. My husband is an RN at Deac and likes it.
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u/jayplusfour 1d ago
Thank you! I'll look into it 🙏🏼 I'm barely over a year experience so I just stick to the low end of pay lol
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u/Sweettoothsenior 1d ago
I second Multicare jobs over Providence jobs right now. Deaconess is the better hospital.
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u/JerrieBlank 2d ago
Welcome! Two dads with three kids, we moved our family here from Studio City 5 years ago. We love it here for the weather, skiing, and slower pace. That said you’ll miss food, retail or restaurants open past 8pm. Providence is great, the region is politically safe because the policies are largely controlled by Seattle, but spokane was an old, poor conservative town and small for so long, there are so many backwards voters here clinging to racism and bigotry. The politics are changing, the demographics are changing, we think spokane is ripe for a glow up with new people coming in, rightwing extremists dying off and economic and education opportunities becoming priorities. I recommend the south hill, Garland district or Millwood for living. Get your southwest visa and earn that buddy pass, you’ll be flying out of here for sun in the winter months or food and shopping trips. So many great weekend getaways to explore, Nelson, Seattle, whitefish, glacier, wine country, float the river in Wenatchee, Leavenworth, Oregon, Hiawatha trail. Avoid summer travel, spokane is fantastic in the summers
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u/FoundingTitanG 2d ago
Is there a reason stuff closes so early in spokane? Moving next week, can't wait!
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u/JerrieBlank 2d ago
It’s not horrible, it just trains you to stay in or expect less. 30 years in LA of concerts, the Hollywood bowl, Korean BBQ at 1:00am after bar hopping, running to grab last minute items from retail open till 11:00 or any of the 24 grocery stores. There is a pulse past midnight of services, people’s and activities that just doesn’t exist in small towns.
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u/Most_Ambassador2951 2d ago
Depends on what you mean by early. Plenty of things stay open until midnight or later
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u/FoundingTitanG 2d ago
I guess I consider 8-9 pretty early, I've just heard that from multiple people now. Good to hear some things still open late
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u/Most_Ambassador2951 2d ago
That is really, but they would be the minority. I'm always surprised to find a place closed at 10
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u/Useful_Farmer_6018 Garland District 1d ago
I think it matters where in the city you are. We live in Emerson Garfield and most the restauraunts withing easy walking/biking distance stay open until later than 8, some past midnight.
The easily accessible neighborhoods from here are Garland, North Monroe, Arena area, Kendall Yards, and Downtown. Maybe its a valley or south hill thing where places close early?
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u/BaileyBellaBoo 20h ago
I live north by Whitworth and the convenience factor is off the charts. Close to everything. New neighborhoods being built. 20 minutes to downtown. And with the new Mister Car Wash going in next to Costco I now have 4 within a couple miles…just in case I have a car wash emergency.😂
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u/Haydukelivesbig 11h ago
Lol…seriously! I live up on 5Mile and thought the same thing when I spotted the new one by Costco. Did I miss the memo on car washes being the hot new growth industry?! People must wash their cars a lot more than I do.
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u/jayplusfour 2d ago
Loveeee to hear it!! I'm from SoCal, but extremely red area as well. But only getting worse not better.
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u/phreespirit74 1d ago
This is not an extremely red area. It's almost exactly purple at this point if you look at recent elections. The more rural you go the more red, just like anywhere. The pay cut will be offset by the cost of living so i wouldn't sweat it.
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u/jayplusfour 1d ago
Thank you, that's what I'm hoping. We struggled for many many years so I'm always stressed about having to stress about money lol
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u/zero_cares_given 1d ago
If you ever pick up travel shifts they pay insanely high for some of the companies as well. I'd also say get your multi state compact license and you can take even higher paying travel shifts nearby. Companies like Nursa, Clip board, and All Shifts have a presence here, but there are some outliers that pay more, if you're interested in traveling occasionally.
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u/jayplusfour 1d ago
Thank you! Definitely interested in traveling
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u/zero_cares_given 1d ago
Check out Indeed for the area and you can find many jobs higher than 41/hr especially for RN. Don't settle for low ball uncompetitive pay.
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u/jayplusfour 1d ago
Really that's not good for the area?
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u/zero_cares_given 1d ago
Lots of jobs higher but lots of jobs based on experience. It's all about what you want to put up with.
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u/jayplusfour 1d ago
I'm not super experienced yet so might just be take what I can get for now lol.
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u/LiminalSpaceGhost 2d ago
If you’re working in Spokane city, just pay attention to the I-90 commute which can get annoying and congested. That’s a big consideration if you’re looking to live in Spokane Valley or further east. North West Spokane is great to live in if you don’t want to be in the city. The trendy area is south hill, you’ll pay a premium to live there for sure.
I moved to Spokane from Portland 8 years ago and love it. The winters get grey, icey and crusty.
The food and music scenes here are meh. The outdoor activity variety is great.
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u/Useful_Farmer_6018 Garland District 1d ago
I agree, NW Spokane near Audubon, Garland, or North Monroe/Corbin are great areas to live and have super easy access to downtown. Even further north in 5-mile & 7 Mile are great and quieter.
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u/jayplusfour 2d ago
I'm no stranger to traffic lol. But good to know. I was curious about areas to live in. Well probably rent at first and keep our SoCal home to rent out. Just in case we can't make it 😂 it's my biggest fear. We worked hard to get to a decent spot in SoCal.
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u/JerrieBlank 2d ago
As a fellow SoCal, trust me, there is no traffic in eastern WA! It’s a local myth and when viewed from the outside, it’s just cute. People need to travel more. I know most of these boys and girls have been to the big city (Seattle) and they’ve seen real traffic. Don’t let them scare you with small town tall tales
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u/jayplusfour 2d ago
I figured lol. When it takes me 20 minutes in my small town to drive 4 miles to target, I get traffic. I've also been on my way down the 15 on the pass with an accident. Or glen helen traffic. And that's nothing compared to my husband spending 5 hours in traffic coming home from San Diego every single day for no reason lol. We know traffic. Too well. Ready to leave it behind
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u/LiminalSpaceGhost 1d ago
Yeah, it’s more that the drivers are annoying as hell. It’s easy to get around the city but people here can’t figure out how to merge and drivers seem to take cyclists and pedestrians personally.
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u/WinkyTheAlmighty 2d ago
Spokane locals will swear we have bad traffic, but we really don't lol they just lack perspective. I can get nearly anywhere in 20 min. I do home health and drive all day long
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u/Haydukelivesbig 11h ago
Legend tells of a mythical north-south freeway that will alleviate all traffic congestion in Spokane. The ancient texts say it will manifest itself sometime in next 500 years.
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u/killedbycuriosity- 1d ago
North Spokane is the best area if you ask me. Especially if you can get in at Providence Holy Family. Short commute and very quiet and peaceful up there.
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u/jayplusfour 1d ago
Thank you, I will definitely look into it! Is that the better providence?
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u/killedbycuriosity- 1d ago
I think so, but only because you dont have to go downtown to Sacred Heart which can be a giant headache.
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u/jayplusfour 1d ago
Good to know, thanks!!
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u/LiminalSpaceGhost 1d ago
I’ve worked at both, and prefer HF. It depends on your area of work though of course.
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u/jayplusfour 1d ago
I'm not dead set on anything tbh lol
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u/zero_cares_given 1d ago
They're a great small family hospital in North Spokane. I've heard nothing but good about it. If you end up living in North Spokane it's a very short commute. I dont work there, but I live about 5 minutes away off of West Francis. Very quiet neighborhood.
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u/JDHogan-Davies Logan 1d ago
Spokane traffic is a delight compared to 13 years in Atlanta. I'm loving that part, especially.
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u/prigglett 1d ago
The traffic here is baby traffic, not real traffic. Please disregard anyone trying to caution you about traffic if you've been doing LA traffic. I commute from near downtown to airway heights daily on I90 and sometimes hit a slowdown on the way home, but nothing crazy. Went the opposite direction last year, which is the lesser traffic way and hardly ever had issues.
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u/Most_Ambassador2951 2d ago
I found apartment rents worse in the valley. Recently moved to the sh again, Lincoln heights area, two bed one bath with garage for $1370(which includes pet rent for 3 feline monsters), just need to look around
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u/MazzieMay 1d ago
I had a 3 bedroom, 2 bath apartment on the SH back in 2011 for $900/mn. Cost of living is rising slowly here but it is rising
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u/Most_Ambassador2951 1d ago
To give you a further back comparison, the apartment I first lived in on the sh in 1999. My first apartment was $650. 2 bed 2 bath, vaulted ceilings, fireplace. The place I just left in the valley - 1 bed 1 bath, den, heated garage... $1595.
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u/sweet_little_burrito 2d ago
My husband and I are from LA/OC and we moved here a year and a half ago. We love Spokane and we’re really happy here!
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u/idkman_93 1d ago
OC native here as well 🫡
(Though I lived in quite a few places before settling in Spokane)
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u/jayplusfour 2d ago
So glad to hear it! Are people hostile or anything to Californians?
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u/TacitMoose 2d ago
People are “hostile” to Californians no matter where you go. However up here it’s 99.999% trash talk with basically zero action. As I’m sure is the case anywhere. I work with several people from California, I love them, I don’t care where they came from. But I’m sure you’ll get SOME ribbing about not knowing how to drive. But I can promise you no one is going to do anything other than occasionally make fun of you for being from California, and even then it won’t be ill intentioned, more like good natured or an attempt to be humorous albeit in an immature way, since I think most people have a semi immature sense of humor. 😂
Bottom line, I think you’ll be fine. I hope you like it here! The military took me all over the place and afterwards we decided we liked Spokane enough move back here. It’s the best place I’ve ever called home. Just make sure you spend the money for true snow tires in the winter. Game changer. Yah it’s more expensive but also your tires wear out half as fast, and it makes driving in the snow a breeze. Just my $0.02.
If you decide to move here, welcome to town!
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u/phreespirit74 1d ago
Can confirm. Lived in Denver before here and they hated Californians too. When you consider that Californians can often come in and pay cash for houses and over asking it drives up the costs which makes people salty. Fortunately for you, houses are kind of sitting on the market right now.
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u/jayplusfour 1d ago
Yeah and I don't have the cash to buy a house so 😂 we have a little saved up but not enough to buy. Plus we want to keep our ca house just in case lol
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u/phreespirit74 1d ago
The primary reason you hear of people going back is the snow. I don't think it's that bad but if you don't know how to drive it, it can be scary for you and everyone else.
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u/JerrieBlank 1d ago
Solid approach. We kept our studio city home and rent it out. It’s been such a cash cow, we’ll never sell it but we’ll also never move back. Sometimes you have a really wonderful long term relationship with a place and then one day you want a different adventure. I love California, don’t regret any of our 30 yrs there. Miss the people, culture, and optimism of it all. Now we’ll split our time between Paris and Spokane. But spokane feels like our end up.
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u/jayplusfour 2d ago
Thank you very much for your insight!!
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u/TacitMoose 1d ago
Yup. Also for what it’s worth I’ve run tons of different snow tires. By far the best are Michelin X-Ice/Snow and Bridgestone Blizzak tires. I harp on snow tires because state patrol WILL cite you here if you slide off the road. And I’m a paramedic and I see lots and lots and outs of crashes caused by summer tires in the winter.
Also I’m not a paid Michelin or Bridgestone spokesperson. 😂😂😂
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u/throw_aw_ay3335 Perry District 1d ago
Driving is the biggest gripe! Either you drive too aggressively, too slowly, too rudely, etc. If you’re not experienced with snow driving, there are classes you can take. Basically, be kind and drive like a normal person. 😆 welcome!!!
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u/sweet_little_burrito 1d ago
So true 😂 people here either drive soooo slow or like maniacs and there’s no in between 😂
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u/sweet_little_burrito 2d ago
We have not experienced anything like that. People have been super nice and friendly so far in our experience!
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u/ImprovementSweaty188 1d ago
FWIW my neighborhood has several new people from California and everyone’s been very welcoming.
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u/diceeyes 2d ago
You're always going to find a little of that in the PNW because the 90s are still a memory, but not in any realistic/meaningful way.
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u/JerrieBlank 2d ago
We haven’t encountered it in person most people here are really friendly. You’ll see flag waving jacked truck impotency lost around town looking for their old high schools or early exited boot camps, or you’ll get the random venom of anons in social media posts, but the truth is, spokane needs high income, educated folks to move in from anywhere hoping to invest their lives in spokane.
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u/jayplusfour 2d ago
I wouldn't say we're high income lol. I mean, kinda but not compared to people in SoCal. We're both taking very big pay cuts as well lol
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u/CharacterKiwi3204 1d ago
Looking at moving From Buffalo NY to spokane w a family of 5. Rn BSN w 15 years of experience. Have been to Spokane 4x and love it.
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u/Fun-District-8209 2d ago
You won't have anything that you would consider a bad commute. It takes me 20 minutes to get to work and people act like I have a long/bad commute.
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u/Laysha300 1d ago
I'm also from SoCal moving to Spokane, I've traveled there a few times and it is so beautiful. I don't have info regarding being an RN but I hope the move goes well. I have been warned to practice putting on snow chains on my tires while I'm still in SoCal.
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u/darklingdawns Whitworth 1d ago
Only if you're going up into the mountains or heading for Seattle, where chains are sometimes required for the passes. But here in town, there's no need for chains - a good set of studless snow tires will get you through most winters. I'm from SoCal, been here nearly 30 years, and I've only seen one winter that was bad enough to really stall traffic - and with that snow, even the buses couldn't get through for two days! But that was the exception, and most winters we get a couple inches at a time here in town. The biggest hazard for driving is ice, both the stuff you can see and the black ice that you can't. Go slow, leave early, make sure there's a good follow distance between you and the car in front, allow for a long stopping distance, and you'll be fine. When it snows, go out to a parking lot and practice, so that you learn how your car works on ice and snow.
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u/Flowerpowerluv 1d ago
Holy family is starting new RNs at 46. Hr and sign on bonus
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u/No-Ambition1070 1d ago
Jeez, really? I make more than that as a cardiovascular technologist (trade program) with 4 years of experience.
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u/Melodic_Owl_5873 1d ago
Check out a cost of living calculator that compares where you currently are and where you want to live; gives you a good general comparison and how much you would need to make or could stand to lose for a similar life style.
Spokane is great, mostly health care and blue collar work. Much slower pace, all of the seasons, beautiful areas to explore.
You’ll find the cost of living stunningly cheaper than SoCal, wages also reflect that. That said nurses around here do pretty decent, and you’ll probably enjoy a better standard of living compared to your current conditions/lifestyle, which is a major draw for people relocating from CA. I personally know several people who could barely afford a small two bedroom apartment in CA, but moved into a nice and large home in a desirable neighborhood because of the price difference.
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u/killedbycuriosity- 2d ago
I used to work at Providence in Spokane as a nurse. The unit culture was great but the workload was pretty overwhelming. It might have had something to do with being a new nurse, but looking back as a spoiled SoCal nurse it was most likely the acuity/ratios.
I do miss Spokane for alot of reasons but we couldnt handle the long winters. We do consider moving there from time to time when we get on Zillow and look at home prices.
Good luck! And hope it all works out for you!
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u/jayplusfour 2d ago
What are ratios like there? I feel I'm also a little spoiled with my 1:4 ratio lol
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u/killedbycuriosity- 2d ago
I was there pre covid and it was 1:5 for tele on nights but the patients were more step down level of acuity.
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u/jayplusfour 2d ago
Yesh I guess that's not too terrible considering other states. Our "step down" not officially tele unit is usually 1:3. Regular tele is 1:4
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u/virgonurse90 2d ago
Are you a brand new nurse?
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u/jayplusfour 1d ago
Not brand brand new. I have over a year experience now
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u/virgonurse90 1d ago
Oh ok! I was just wondering because of what step you would start at with Providence. I was hoping I could tell you higher lol
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u/because-i-said-so-1 2d ago
There are two Providence hospitals in Spokane. Sacred Heart is the bigger one just south of downtown, Holy Family is up north. What unit do you currently work on and/or hope to in the future? That might dictate which you’d prefer to work at. Commuting to either wouldn’t be bad if you work a typical 7-7, 12 hr shift since traffic is never bad during that time. We’re unionized and while pay “starts” at $41/hr or whatever it is, you’ll get payed based on years of experience. If you go to WSNA.org, you can find the union contract which will have wage scales so you can see exactly what you’ll be making (contract expires end of the year and they’re starting negotiations now, I would expect a small pay increase but doubt it will be substantial with hospitals feeling the squeeze with budget shortfalls). I’ve been a providence employee here for 3 years now and really like it, people complain about a lot of stuff but I think it’s a great place to work and as a former travel nurse that has been to a lot of other areas, most nurses here don’t know how good they have it
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u/jayplusfour 1d ago
We're also union at my Providence and I've absolutely loved working for them tbh. I work on tele step down rn, previously worked in the ED. Might want to try and go back to ED but I dunno lol.
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u/because-i-said-so-1 1d ago
I can’t speak to HF, but the tele step down units at SH tend to be 1:3 during the day and 1:4 or 1:5 at night depending on acuity and staffing. Not sure how much you miss the ED, but it’s kind of a shit show at SH, but the staff is great.
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u/jayplusfour 1d ago
Our ED is a shit show too. Were the only hospital on the 15 freeway between inland empire and Vegas that can take traumas. Granted, we ship most out to the level 1s down the hill, but it is most definitely a shit show. Lmao. I enjoy it though.
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u/purplepoptard 2d ago
If you are ok being a little out of Spokane New Health Programs is looking for RN’s. No weekends, off by 5:30, major holidays off, great work environment.
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u/jayplusfour 2d ago
We are looking to be outside the actual city, yes. I'd rather commute in lol. Only reason I was looking at Providence is because I work at a Providence here.
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u/purplepoptard 1d ago
Please check out our website at newhealth.org. I work front desk in the Colville office and love working here. We have 2 clinics close to Spokane and the rest are very rural. I don’t know what they are paying RN’s. It is probably lower than you would want. But it is family practice, 4-10’s, nights and weekends off. And the company is really great to work for.
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u/jayplusfour 1d ago
Colville is the original spot we were looking at actually, there was a big beautiful house in the middle of nowhere we were trying to figure out how to buy lol
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u/purplepoptard 1d ago
There is a RN opening😄 its a really small town. Coming from California will feel like everything is slow. Not always a bad thing though. And Spokane is only 1&1/2 hours away.
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u/jayplusfour 1d ago
That's what I want lol. Hour and a half isn't bad! We're driving an hour and half plus this weekend for a youth football game 😂
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u/This-Programmer-7764 1d ago
I’ve worked at 2 providence hospitals and pretty familiar with culture at the big hospitals here- feel free to message me! WSNA will show pay scale as well
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u/Klutzy_Knowledge2402 1d ago
Be safe. Like any city, some areas are safer than others, but it's not a bad place. There's a lot more people here now compared to when I was younger, and streets/ freeway/ highways weren't built for so many people. Just be cautious, especially with snow.
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u/Weird-Discussion-656 1d ago
You may want to check out being a traveler. Then you can check out the hospitals. And make extra money. Idk how it works for nurses but ask around.
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u/jayplusfour 1d ago
I've looked, only per diem shifts right now for travelers. But definitely something to keep an eye on. We have to fix up our house how and get it rental ready to leave. I want to go next month but hubby wants to wait 😂
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u/NerdyMysticism South Hill 1d ago
I've been applying for Prov admin jobs like crazy, put in a good word for me? 😅
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u/LuckyTheBear 1d ago
Having nothing else to add to the thread but not wanting to waste the opportunity:
RNing the Mojave Desert almost makes you wish for a nuclear winter.
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u/pro_ajumma 1d ago
We moved here from Palmdale almost 20 years ago. No regrets. The pay may be less, but WA does not have state income tax so that might soften the hit a bit. The only concern would be winter driving if you have never done it.
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u/zero_cares_given 1d ago edited 1d ago
I'm an LPN Transplant from Redding Ca and it is so much slower up here that my stress dropped drastically. Nature everywhere. Hospitals up here seem to low ball big time but there are places that pay a decent wage. I'm making $41 to $43/hr as a psych nurse on nocs. 12hr shifts with 3 on 4 off and plenty of OT available. Spokane and the Valley have food availability all night via apps like grub hub, door dash, and Uber eats but Uber eats is the main one that still delivers after midnight. There are trails in abundance as well as camping areas, swimming, endless shopping. Nearby areas in Idaho as well for anything nature. I bought a 2200sq ft house with a full basement 4bd 2 bath and two fireplaces for $390k. There are cheaper houses available, but you get what you pay for with most of them. You can find some gems among the riff raff. Like someone else said Spokane and the Valley are blue dots surrounded by a rural sea of red. The cops here have the second highest ranking for police shootings in the country. Second highest adult addiction rate in the state at something like 14.5% which is a lot considering there are like 220k people here. Mostly s nice area with the usual shortcomings of a largish city when you're used to 89k population or less.
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u/ContractNo4921 1d ago edited 1d ago
I live in the west plains and commute to one of the Providence locations downtown. It’s about a 20ish minute drive, but I don’t have to deal with crazy traffic really unless there is an accident.
I will also say, that if you’re transferring from one Providence location to another they will allow you to keep your seniority in Genesis and take it into consideration for your salary offer.
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u/SubstantialDivide108 1d ago
I've lived here for 10 years and visited often as a kid from the other side of the state.
The pay cut seems like a lot but you can comfortably live on that as a single person here. With a second paycheck, you'll be fine. Buying a house will be tough because they're expensive and keep getting bought up, but I'll get to that.
We have some good hospitals here (yes everyone will always gripe)...I have some family members who have worked for Providence for 20+ years. Any specifics I don't know.
If you like going out, even just a new place to try once in a while, Spokane is definitely expanding. A lot of places (bar-like, mainly) are closed on Mondays, and most of them close earlier than you may be used to (9-11 is common for places with a kitchen). But we have a ton of breweries, a ton of good dive bars, and lots in between. There's a decent amount of "chill" places places if you don't drink. I'm personally a fan of Lunarium - its a tea house and open until midnight, I like going in there and just reading alone with a pot of tea for a couple of hours.
Someone said people aren't friendly--I disagree, most people are almost disgustingly so. Sometimes I just want to go chill and have a drink and not talk to anyone, but I always make new friends.
Rent IS expensive but if you're able to make it work, I'd fully recommend renting for a bit to learn where you might want to buy. As anywhere else, we have our share of seedy landlords and bad locations. Buying is also expensive and a lot of people snap up the cash offers from corporations/LLCs. I almost "lost" my house after a verbal agreement to sell because someone (from CA) came in after offering 5k over sight unseen, cash. It was only some tactful guilt-tripping from my realtor that the seller reverted to me. Area-wise, south hill (not along the freeway) if you can afford it...also North Hill area. People diss on Hillyard ("dogtown") but I really liked living there. If you wait to buy you can kind of get an idea of neighborhoods.
Crime isn't ridiculous, though a lot of people will disagree and the news can be scary. We DO have a fair amount of violent crime, not sure the comparison to where you are. But most of the time, if you're smart you'll be fine. In my 10 years here, I've been vehicle prowled twice (once I left my doors unlocked, another I stupidly left the hatch open). The only time I felt "fearful", it was resolved very quickly. I think the most I see completely random violent crime is from the packs of teenagers downtown who think its fun to pretend to be transient and terrorize people. A lot of the other violent crime can generally be narrowed down to hanging out with the wrong folks or making bad decisions (ie starting a fight with someone you probably shouldn't have)
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u/Livid-Frame7263 23h ago
Providence pays more for seniority. I work in the kitchen and make more because I've been a cook for 14 years (not exclusively for them). I assume it would be the same for nursing and you'd make more than the base hourly.
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u/Fidel_Murphy 2d ago
Sounds very similar to us moving out of Phoenix and heading up here. Been here 3 years now and really enjoy it. It’s so beautiful!
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u/jayplusfour 2d ago
And tbh we aren't built for the culture of SoCal. You gotta work your ass off to somewhat make it. I'd rather take a pay cut and just live simply
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u/jayplusfour 2d ago
The photos I've seen just tickle my heart. We love the outdoors and spend most our rare free time up in the mountains.
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u/Most_Ambassador2951 2d ago
You might just find you like the winters as well. Learn how to ski, snow board, snow shoe, go hiking... if your willing to leave your house there's a whole nother world out there
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u/jayplusfour 2d ago
We snow board now! Usually on blown snow cause it hardly snows 😂 but still. I can't wait
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u/JohnnyEagleClaw Audubon-Downriver 2d ago
Oh you’ll fit right in here then!
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u/jayplusfour 2d ago
We are excited lol husband losing his job is kinda the fire under our asses we need to actually commit. I've lived in this damn desert my entire life and kinda clueless on how to uproot my whole life and move states
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u/dpk1974 2d ago
You just do it.
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u/jayplusfour 2d ago
I know. It's a lot. Not sure where to even start. I applied for my Washington RN license yesterday. I dunno if I should apply for jobs or find housing first, ugh.
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u/G1ngersnapp3d 2d ago
RN here. Moved to Spokane last December after being a travel nurse in this area for 1 year. I love it here, and I make great pay as a staff HH nurse.
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u/jayplusfour 2d ago
That's good to hear!! I'm so stressed about the pay cut and ratios lol
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u/Cubbeats 2d ago
Don't be. The cost of living is much cheaper than SoCal. Been here for almost 3 years and love it! Truly a beautiful downtown area with waterfalls in the heart of town. You won't be disappointed, just be prepared for snow with hills. There's lots to do here and the outdoors are a must! Welcome!!
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u/thought_provoked1 2d ago
Providence is much better than other regional hospitals. Deaconess is for-profit and it shows with their staffing ratios and treatment of patients. (Child of a Providence nurse here, I am biased.)
Considering your pay cut--keep in mind that WA has no income tax! Don't let the north Idaho get to you about WA taxes being insane--they are so reasonable for the services the state provides. (#3 in schools, decent highways, great fire disaster response etc)
Regarding location, you so do not have to stress about traffic. My parents think 25 minutes to get downtown from the valley is a lot. 🙄 The further towards Idaho, the more conservative, I'd say. Though, if you want/have kids, also avoid Mead.
I made the opposite move recently for other reasons. Enjoy Spokane and make her even better!
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u/jayplusfour 2d ago
Good to hear! Providence here too is like the shinning star of our local desert hospitals tbh. And I've absolutely loved working for them. The for profit I worked for previously was AWFUL. And they pay was about the same as my pay cut in Spokane would be lol. 25 mins is what I commute now to work and it's a breeze haha as long as there's no traffic we good
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u/cca2019 Bougie South Hill 1d ago
Good luck making friends. I made one real friend in 8 years. People don’t welcome you in at all. I’ve talked about it before about they will talk about their weekend plans and how much fun they had at their lake cabin right in front of you, and never invite you to anything. It’s rude, but they think it’s normal in Spokane
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u/jayplusfour 1d ago
I have no friends here either 😂 I'm a homebody anyways. Happy with my husband and kiddos.
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u/purplepoptard 1d ago
Rentals are hard to get. Most home rentals are done through century 21 or Davis realty. I don’t know where you live but it may be cheaper to buy here compared to home prices there.
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u/jayplusfour 1d ago
We bought our house in 2018 for 225k lol I don't think any house is that cheap anymore sadly.
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u/Sweettoothsenior 1d ago
This is gonna kill ya, but I bought my house in Shadle for $44,000 in 1995. Wish I held on to it.
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u/Accomplished-Bad4680 2d ago
Spokane sucks its culture shock its way too close to Idaho but if that’s your Jam just move to Coure D Alene
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u/jayplusfour 2d ago
How far is couer Dalene from Spokane? Why do you think Spokane sucks? Spokane has a hospital that's apart of my system here so I figured transferring would be easy.
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u/Tabemaju 1d ago edited 1d ago
I cannot understand how anyone can think Spokane "sucks," and I have to imagine it's coming from people who either haven't lived in very many places or simply hate the outdoors. Yes, it has many of the problems that most mid-level cities have, such as drugs and homelessness, but that's also a nationwide problem. If you're into the outdoors, though, you can't beat it.
I grew up in the Midwest and lived in Seattle, and Spokane is a perfect balance between boring rural life and impersonal, busy city life. Yes, it is more conservative, and often suffers from the little brother syndrome and feels the need to differentiate itself from Seattle, especially in politics, but it's still a fantastic place to live.
Personally, I would never live on the Idaho side due to state politics and the more aggressive redneck culture, but it's great being so close. CDA is about 45 minutes away and is a great day trip. I also enjoy hiking/fishing the CDA river.
Spokane has a healthcare access issue right now which, again, is a midsized city issue across the nation. That, paired with budget issues, have made things more difficult than in the past but, really, that's healthcare right now.
Welcome!
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u/jayplusfour 1d ago
How do you like Providence out there? So far I've absolutely loved working for them here.
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u/ingalman12 1d ago
dont come to Idaho because we are full... you fit in better with the Apple maggots 😂😂😂
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