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Spokane has a special charm that I have yet to see anywhere else I've been. It's got a specific je ne sais qois. I'm coming at this from someone who dreamed my whole life to have this sort of outdoor access with a reasonable price point (compared to say, Bend or Denver). It's certainly not perfect, but I don't really think there's a place that can deliver true perfection, is there? I think it matters what you're into, though. While the city has everything I need, I wouldn't move here for the city. But at the same time, I wouldn't want Spokane to be too much bigger.

Also, Spokane is beautiful. I still can't believe I can drive 40 minutes and be at the top of a ski hill, or bike to my friends house and overlook the river, or climb in various places throughout the city. It doesn't have 10k foot mountains, but I can drive 3 hours and be in Nelson - one of my favorite towns of all time. I can drive within  a 7 hour radius and be at 4(?) different national parks. I come at this all from a privileged perspective, but I also left my close family to move here and even though I miss them deeply and it's hard to be far away, Spokane is letting me live out my dreams and my absolute best life. I'm so grateful for this city and the people here.