Finding Recession-Proof Ground

According to a recent article in Forbes headlined, "Recession-Resistant Cities For Real Estate," 25 U.S. locations provide solid ground to those battling shaky economic times. Spokane, Wash., at No. 5, is one that made the cut.

"These are the 25 metro areas ushering in a steady rise in home prices since the beginning of 2011, according to Zillow.com," Forbes wrote.

List-qualifiers were chosen based on home values both on and off the market; this includes logistics such as home sale prices, property histories and tax records.

Forbes ranked Spokane, with a median home price of $148,800 ahead of such cities as Pittsburgh, Destin, Fla., and Boulder, Colo.

Spokane, located in the heart of the Inland Northwest, is home to more than 200,000 people (citydata.com). Whether it's city life, a vivid outdoor experience, reputable school systems, or an easy-access airport as a launch pad for travel-enthusiasts, Spokane offers a variety of aspects that keep its real estate market steady and its residents coming back for more.

Sandpoint, Idaho determined a national hot spot

In a country that includes varying landscape, numerous historical monuments, and picturesque scenery, it's tough to pinpoint the best places in America to spend your time.

Yet, teams participating in a "Best of the Road" contest may have found them. The contest, sponsored by Rand McNally and USA Today, evoked surprising findings recently chronicled in a USA Today article headlined, "The five best small towns in America." The task required each team to "start in New York City and wind up in Los Angeles, exploring the best of small-town America along the way," USA Today wrote.

And amongst the winners, dubbed the "Most Beautiful" by its surveyors, is Sandpoint, Idaho. Located northeast of Spokane, Wash. in the Idaho Panhandle, Sandpoint provides the scenery of Lake Pend Oreille, vast mountain expanse and outdoor activities galore.

"Sandpoint isn't just a 'drive through and let's stop here' place," the team that visited told the USA Today. "Its quaint downtown shops and restaurants welcomed us in, and its landscape kept us in awe."

Also included on the list were Walla Walla, Wash., Lafayette, La., Rapid City, S.D., and Glenwood Springs, Colo. The five winning towns "were chosen based on friendly people, great scenery, terrific food, patriotic fervor and just plain fun," USA Today wrote.

Spokane, Wash. lands on 'Top 100 Places to Live' list

Spokane, Wash. has landed a spot on "Relocate America's 2011 Top 100 Overall Places to Live," continuing its legacy of notably high quality of life.

Known for its continual economic expansion, family-oriented community, and progressive ideas, the area provides its residents with nearly every aspect a comfortable life can offer - and offers breathtaking scenery to enhance the experience.

"Spokane is the perfect base for all sorts of activities with an amazing number of outdoor recreational opportunities just a short drive away," Relocate America wrote. "You'll find mountains for skiing, hiking and biking, lakes and rivers for swimming, boating and fishing, and golf courses with challenging holes and unmatched scenery."

This year, Relocate America chose each candidate based on a few high-priority factors: "communities positioned for economic recovery, already experiencing economic recovery or have proven overall economic stability," according to Relocate America.

Spokane provides beautiful scenery and approximately 260 days of sunshine to utilize it and an optimistic economic outlook. Relocate America notes the strong health care, higher education, and research community that stabilizes and promotes the community's business opportunities.

Holding its own on a list with Austin, Texas, Phoenix, Washington, D.C., and Denver, Spokane seems to offer its every-growing population of residenta more than enough momentum and possibilities to keep them satisfied. Claiming the phrase, "Near Nature-Near Perfect," the community continues to remain a sought-after destination point for individuals looking for a comfortable, affordable and convenient lifestyle.

Quality of life part of relocation decision

Companies looking at relocation or expansion consider the business case first. A clear understanding of real estate, labor, power and other costs of doing business are a must, especially in today’s economic environment. Communities without a business case that makes sense are excluded from consideration early in the process.

Once the numbers become enticing, evaluation typically turns to other factors. Quality of life is one of those hard-to-quantify, but important intangibles. Everyday influences such as housing costs, commute times and recreational opportunities all help set communities apart.

Titan Springs, an aerospace parts manufacturer founded in Southern California, moved to Hayden, Idaho. The ability of its employees to own a home without having to commute an hour and a half from Lancaster to Los Angeles was an important factor in that decision. Learn more about quality of life and its impact as a relocation consideration in this interview.

Talking about California's economy on "The Business of Life" radio show

Business consultant and radio personality Ron Tunick recently invited me on as a guest of his show, “The Business of Life” in Ventura, Calif. We discussed that state’s economic challenges and their impact on small business. Tunick offered several thoughts about California (“Our economy is in real trouble”), Idaho (“If I had to go to one place, it’d be Hayden Lake, Idaho. God lives there, am I wrong about that?), and Washington (On Spokane: “You talk about a sleeper city in this country where there’s great opportunity and a great workforce. And, for $250,000, you can buy all the home you want.”)

During the 30 minute interview, topics ranged from the disparity in tax structures and state budget troubles to commute times and air transportation. We touched on business considerations specific to small manufacturers. Tunick offered that California needs to get better business retention efforts, before concluding that under current economic conditions: “If you own a business get out of here get up there” to Washington and Idaho. You can listen to the interview here.

The Lure of Greener Pastures

Last fall, an article ran in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune, "The Lure of Greener Pastures," highlighting the reasons why I believe that companies are leaving California and heading to places like the Inland Northwest to do business. Similar articles ran in the Inland Empire Business Journal, the Pasadena Star New, and the San Fernando Valley Business Journal - all illustrating why the low business costs and high quality of life in Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho are enticing companies to move to our region.