Looking to move somewhere In the northwest? If so, might we suggest lovely Spokane Valley, Washington, as a great choice? With a growing economy, a strong sense of community, and abundant natural beauty, Spokane Valley is an amazing, welcoming city!

If you want to know why Spokane Valley is so amazing, the information below should get you started. It’s eight reasons to move to Spokane Valley, Washington, brought to you by the storage specialists at Northwest Self Storage. Before you decide, be sure to read on and discover all the great things that await you in Spokane Valley!

1. Natural Beauty and Outdoor Recreation Activities

If hiking, biking, snowboarding, skiing, and fishing float your proverbial boat, Spokane Valley will be a definite treat. There’s so much to do in this part of Washington that you’ll never run out of adventurous ideas!

For example, you’ve got hiking and biking on the Centennial Trail and Dishman Hills, with miles of scenic trails. Nearby Mount Spokane Ski Resort is the perfect place for skiing and snowboarding.

Even better, the Spokane River runs right through the Spokane Valley. Fishing, kayaking and incredibly scenic views await, and the city is well known for exciting boating activities in summertime.

2. 20% more Affordable than Most Washington Cities

Like many states, Washington has seen an increase in the cost of living in the last few years. Spokane Valley, however, is still lower than the other major cities in Washington like Seattle and Bellevue. 

Even better, the cost of transportation, groceries, and utilities is also more budget friendly here. Being able to save on all of these costs is definitely a great reason to live in Spokane Valley.

Want some more good news on the city’s affordability front? There’s no state income taxes in Washington, which means more of your pay will make it where it belongs: in your pocket.

3. Job Market in Spokane Valley is Strong and Growing

For any town to be attractive, the job market needs to be strong. In Spokane Valley it’s just that, with a growing market that has opportunities in a wide variety of industries.

For example, Spokane Valley is home to many major hospitals and medical centers, meaning healthcare jobs are widely available. There are also several universities and colleges in the city, providing a wide range of choices for administrators and teachers.

Spokane Valley is also a growing technology and manufacturing sector, opening up many new opportunities for skilled workers. 

In short, with a balanced job market and a relatively low unemployment rate, Spokane Valley would be a great choice to start your career or keep it going strong.

4. Great Place to Raise a Family

If you’re raising children, you know that good schools and safe streets are important. Spokane Valley offers both, as well as a good bit of community pride. Volunteerism in the city is high and there are many  excellent neighborhood programs available. 

Speaking of families, the Farmers Market in Spokane Valley is a great place for families and has family friendly activities practically year-round. Plus, the city offers a wide variety of parks, playgrounds and sports facilities. If you have kids with a lot of energy, you’ll have plenty of options to let them use it up.

5. Convenient Location for Dining, Shopping, and Travel

You might be surprised to know that Spokane Valley is one of the better locations in Washington as far as convenience is concerned. The city is located along highway I-90, for example, making travel from one city to another relatively easy. 

Spoken Valley is also less than 20 miles from Spokane International Airport, which makes long-distance traveling much easier.

There’s also the fact that the city is right next to Spokane, and a short drive from that city’s lovely Downtown District. As far as dining, shopping, and entertainment go, being this close to Spokane is definitely beneficial.

6. Spokane Valley has Low Commute Times

Sure, a lot of people work from home these days. If that’s not you, and you’re still commuting, you’ll be glad to know that Spokane Valley has a lower commute time than most cities. 

On average, your commute will be less than 25 minutes one way, which is quite low for this part of Washington. There’s less congestion, fewer traffic delays and rush-hour isn’t nearly as bad.

7. You’ll Enjoy Four Distinct Seasons

If you love warm summers, colorful autumns, snowy winters and gorgeous springtimes, Spokane Valley will be a great choice! In summer, it’s plenty warm enough for hiking, camping and all sorts of water sports. Even better, it rarely gets swelteringly hot like in many cities further south. 

Springtime in Spokane Valley is filled with gorgeous flowers in bloom, outdoor festivals and pleasant weather. Autumn? Expect an explosion of gorgeous colors around the city that will delight your senses.

Lastly there’s winter which, in this part of Washington, is snowy and cold. For some, that might be somewhat problematic. For skiers, snowboarders, and anyone who loves winter sports, though, it’s heaven! Plus, there are plenty of indoor activities to enjoy during the winter here in the city.

8. Spokane Valley has a Thriving Craft Beer and Local Food Scene

We couldn’t finish this article without talking about Spokane Valley’s thriving local food and craft beer scene. It’s impressive, to say the least, with a wide selection of local breweries, wineries and farm-to-table restaurants available.

The Millwood Brewing Company, for example, is one of the best in the area. There’s also the Spokane Valley farmers market, which we referred to earlier. As far as dining, the city is quite diverse, with everything from fine dining to casual food trucks.

If you consider yourself a fan of food and a lover of libations, Spokane Valley will not disappoint!

Rent a Self-Storage Unit in Spokane Valley, Washington

Now that you’ve read the article, what do you think of our eight reasons to move to Spokane Valley, Washington? If you’re like us, you’re looking forward to arriving in this splendid city.

If you’re already here and need to store your valuables or other belongings, Northwest Self Storage is the storage leader in Spokane Valley. We offer clean, secure, and safe storage units in Spokane Valley, with top storage amenities and security systems. You can easily reserve a storage unit in Spokane Valley, Washington quickly and easily. When you do, it will be at your disposal to store almost anything.

If you decide to visit Spokane Valley, we know you’ll have an excellent time. It’s a gem of a city, with a great location, lots of amenities and attractions, and great people!

The post 8 Reasons to Move to Spokane Valley, Washington appeared first on NSA Storage Blog.

There are few places in the United States with the rich history of Vancouver, Washington. Combine this heritage with Vancouver’s abundant natural wonders and you get a city unlike any other in the Pacific Northwest. Nature and history truly intertwine here, making Vancouver a unique, attractive, and exciting place.

Planning to visit Vancouver or make a move to this sublime city along the Columbia River? If yes, the data and details below are just what you need to get started. Read on to discover why Vancouver begs to be explored, brought to you by the self-storage specialists at Northwest Self Storage.

Historic Places and Landmarks in Vancouver

As mentioned earlier, Vancouver is loaded with history. The city was founded as Fort Vancouver way back in 1825. That makes it the oldest continuously inhabited settlement in the Pacific Northwest!

The reason why the area was settled so early is simple; the mighty Columbia River! This strategic location gave Vancouver a direct line to the West Coast, and was pivotal for regional commerce like fur trading. By the way, the city was named after famous British explorer George Vancouver, who in 1792 charted the northwest coast.

Some of the more notable historic place in Vancouver include the following:

• Pearson Air Museum- An amazing museum that chronicles the history of aviation in the Pacific Northwest. Highlights include vintage aircraft and other articles from the earliest days of flight in the United States!
• Fort Vancouver National Historic Site- The original headquarters of the Hudson’s Bay Company, the biggest fur trading operation in the Pacific Northwest. If insights into 18-century colonial life are what you seek, this is the place to find them.
• Officers Row- Originally built for army officers stationed in Vancouver, these 21 Victorian era homes are simply gorgeous.
• Vancouver Land Bridge- Connecting Fort Vancouver National Historic Site to the Columbia River waterfront, this pedestrian bridge offers fresh air and amazing views.
• Clark County Historical Museum- You’ll find compelling exhibits that showcase Native American culture and the evolution of local industry at this fantastic museum.
• The Slocum House- One of the last remaining examples of Italianate architecture, Slocum House was constructed in 1867.

Natural Attractions Abound in Vancouver, Washington

Celebrated nationwide for its remarkable natural beauty, Vancouver offers several different, but equally breathtaking, landscapes. This unique blend comes from being situated between the Cascade Mountains and Columbia River.

The  benefit of this distinctive location is that you get easy access to amazing natural environments and landmarks.  Below is a list of some of the best, showcasing Vancouver’s diverse natural beauty.

• Columbia River Gorge–  Known for its waterfalls, hiking trails, and panoramic views, the best word for Columbia River Gorge is “breathtaking”.
• Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge- This amazing refuge, which spans more than 5,300 acres, is home to meadows, forests, and wetlands. That makes it a fantastic location for bird watching as well as simply enjoying Vancouver’s abundant nature.
• Mount St. Helens- About an hour away, Mount Saint Helens is well known for having erupted years ago. Today this active stratovolcano offers amazing hiking and stunning vistas. There are also many educational exhibits along the trails to quench your thirst for knowledge.

Vancouver, Washington Offers Many Opportunities for Adventure and Outdoor Activities

One of the best things about living in Vancouver is the abundance of outdoor activities to enjoy. Not only that but the city offers more than a few beautiful green spaces and parks. Below we’ve listed some of the best but, rest assured, there are many more to discover and explore!

• Vancouver Lake Park- If you enjoy watersports, including kayaking, canoeing, and swimming, this is the park for you.
• Esther Short Park- Many community events are held here but, even when they aren’t, it’s a great place to relax and unwind.
• Waterfront Renaissance Trail-  Five miles of scenic walking, biking, and jogging path along the Columbia river with picturesque views of the city? Yes, please!
• Salmon Creek Greenway Trail- Do you enjoy nature watching in beautiful forests and wetlands? If yes, Salmon Creek Greenway Trail will be one of your favorite places in Vancouver.
• Vancouver’s Trail Network-  Vancouver maintains an incredible 20-mile network of trails in and around the city. They’re perfect for hiking and biking no matter your level of experience.
• The Columbia River- We’ve mentioned the Columbia River several times and for good reason; it’s phenomenal! From fishing and kayaking to every other type of water sport, you’ll find it here! Plus, there are also several lakes around the city to enjoy.

The Views Around Vancouver are Spectacular

Along with everything else we’ve mentioned you’ll find views around the city that are, in a word, spectacular. The first are views of Mount Hood which, on most days, is dramatically snowcapped. You can see them from several points as they provide a magnificent backdrop to the city.

In fall, the autumn foliage in Vancouver is particularly beautiful. Diverse tree species in the area provide the burst of color, which enhances the allure of this unique American city.

Self Storage in Vancouver, Washington

We think you’ll agree that Vancouver is quite a place! With a combination of culture, history, and abundant natural spaces, there’s something for everyone here. Whether you’re visiting or moving to Vancouver, we think you’ll find that it’s a great place to enjoy yourself.

If you’ve decided to stay and call Vancouver home, Northwest Self Storage can help.  We’re the city’s self storage leader, with clean, safe, and secure storage units in Vancouver. You can easily reserve a storage unit in Vancouver, Washington, online so that it’s ready when you and your family arrive.

Until next time, we hope the information provided today has given you much to think about. Vancouver is an amazing place, no doubt. If you’ve decided to call it home, welcome!

The post Vancouver, Washington: A City of Historic and Natural Wonders appeared first on NSA Storage Blog.