Living in Eastern Washington: A Tale of Rural Charm and Outdoor Beauty
Eastern Washington, bordering Idaho, offers a unique blend of rural charm and outdoor beauty. With its semi-arid climate characterized by hot summers and cold winters, it provides both tranquility and endless opportunities for outdoor activities. However, the region's distance from major urban centers means that amenities and services can sometimes be more spread out.
Climate and Natural Beauty
The climate in Eastern Washington is distinctly dry, with an abundance of sunny days. This area is celebrated for its fertile farmlands, stunning natural environments, and beautiful inland mountain ranges. In fact, the region boasts some of the most captivating canyons and coulees in the Pacific Northwest.
Living and Work
While Eastern Washington is not densely populated, it is home to numerous vibrant cities and towns. Residents in the region typically look towards Seattle for work and services, while outdoor recreation activities are often centered around nearby Idaho. The northern parts of Idaho, including the Spokane metro area, and the capital, Boise, also draw people for their amenities.
City Life in Spokane
Just outside of Spokane, life can be a mixed bag. On one hand, the area offers parks, a decent downtown, and a great town to visit in the spring and summer, complete with nice neighborhoods and friendly people. On the other hand, it has its share of challenges. The town can be quite boring at times, and there are corrupt county officials and poor road conditions. Some residents are known to be quite angry and whiny. The seasons can be described as having one month of spring and one month of autumn, with the rest of the year being cold and snowy in the winter, and hot and dry in the summer.
Geographical Diversity
To the south of Spokane, there is a wealth of fairly flat farmland where over 70 different crops are grown. To the south, the landscape transitions into hills that are ideal for growing grapes for jams, jellies, or wine. Continuing north, around 50 miles away, the area is characterized by cattle and hay production. Beyond that, the region evolves into forested hills, while the eastern foothills of the Cascade Mountains are nearby.
Location of Ephrata, Washington
A year in Ephrata, Washington, was notably drier than the western side of the Cascades. Winters were much colder with snow that lingered on the ground for weeks, while summers were considerably hotter. This area is rich in agricultural diversity, with crops ranging from flat farmland to hills perfect for grape cultivation.
Conclusion
In summary, life in Eastern Washington blends quiet, rural living with the stark beauty of nature. While it offers a rich tapestry of outdoor activities and stunning landscapes, it also presents its own set of challenges. Whether you love the serene winter landscapes or the scorching summer sun, Eastern Washington is a place where one can enjoy the best of both worlds, or at the very least, take the good with the bad and make the most of it.