Dan,
I move to the Coeur d'Alene/Spokane area in 1971 from Glendale, CA. I have seen many changes in this area. Crime? Yes, it is definately here. It is mainly in the inner cities. There is lots of acreage within 1/2 hour of Spokane/Coeur d'Alene that is much quieter. We definately have our share of drugs with Meth being a major problem. I have heard that Gang are present, however not dominate and again this is in the inner city.
People say that the Washington Schools are better that Idaho. I don't know for sure. I raised both my boys in Post Falls, Idaho. I wasn't always pleased, however I feel they got a good education.
Climate:
Summer weather usually starts about the middle of June, and last through September. It will get into the low 100's for a couple of days. Average summer temperature is somewhere between 85 and 95 degrees.
Fall starts the end of September first of October. We will get some snow in November, however it usually will not stay on the ground until after the first of the year. Snow will usually last through the end of February and into March. At time's the winter temperature will go down and slightly below 0* for a few days, maybe a week at the most. Average winter daytime tempertures are between 24* and 36*.
March through the middle of June we get some rain, we also get some great spring days like this last weekend. Sunny and 60-70 degrees.
You will definately see the 4 seasons. There is plenty of recreation all through the year, fishing, hunting, hiking, camping, Lots of lakes, water skiing, boating, motorcycling both road and dirt, mountian biking, snow skiing, snowmobiling, and the list goes on. If you can afford it, there is always something to do.
Property prices are definately lower that any where in Calif. I would recommend the outlying areas.
Hope this help. You can always PM me if you would like.