Near Nature, Near Perfect. All REALTORS® enjoy the opportunity to sell others on our region, but the Greater Spokane region really sells itself. Spokane – the name meaning “Children of the Sun” – was named for the Spokane Indians who lived near the Spokane River. Their living was sustained by fishing, trading and gathering. The tribe once sprawled out over 3 million acres. History relates how the first white men to the area were fur traders in the early 1800’s. Samuel Jackson, the first missionary, arrived in 1836.

History doesn’t sell the locale, but it does portray our long-standing appreciation of our desirable water access, pleasant weather and abundant natural resources. These are still the primary reasons we love our home. Spokane REALTORS® thrive on showcasing our community to those contemplating a move here. Our economy is diverse and thriving with agriculture, forestry and manufacturing, plus Fairchild Air Force Base, all our quality medical facilities, award winning schools, bio-science and technology companies. So much to appreciate!

What has real meaning is the tour we often give visitors. Have you ever thought of all the highlights – Manito Park, Riverfront Park and the vibrant downtown area, the Museum of Arts & Culture, and several interesting art districts? Drive by our education districts and try to name all the universities and colleges serving our citizens. While taking a quick trip around the area, the geographic variety is breathtaking. The Palouse wheat country, rivers and dams, nearby mountains and lakes all only minutes away, whatever your address.

The Greater Spokane region is renowned for our sporting events – Bloomsday, one of the world’s largest foot races, and Hoopfest, the nation’s largest three-on-three basketball tournament. Love to be active? Think boating, skating, golfing, biking and swimming. Of course, we have snow sports too, at their finest! And who would think of missing the Lilac Festival, or skipping a visit to our well known wineries? We have it all.

Statistics alone cannot convey how we love our Inland Northwest. The conversations give our home its meaning. It is not unusual to hear someone explain how they felt after being away for a period of time, driving from the airport, going east on I-90 and seeing the familiar skyline of “home.” It brings so many of us back to our roots. This is where we choose to raise our families and find refuge from chaos. With 260 days a year of sunshine, ample rain, good drinking water and four seasons of fresh air, Spokane REALTORS® enjoy selling the Inland Northwest, even though it sells itself. Near Nature, Near Perfect.

Linda Miller can be reached at President@SpokaneRealtor.com.