Gonzaga University
- Local Atmosphere

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If Spokane were a glass, one could spend days arguing whether it were half full or half empty. Truth be told, there’s a strong case for both. The half-full Spokane has a quiet upscale downtown nestled picturesquely on the banks of the Spokane River. It has snazzy new restaurants, old brick buildings, coffeeshops, and cinemas, as well as Riverfront Park and Spokane Falls. There is a thriving local music scene attracting concerts and events. People remark on how it feels like a small community, but has the advantages of a mid-sized city. Not too far from this is hiking, climbing, swimming, and skiing aplenty. The half-empty Spokane is notable for low-rent housing, ugly and abandoned buildings, and congestion. It easily falls into the white trash stereotype with poverty, drug abuse, and mullets being endemic. This is the Spokane that has an influx of meth houses and sexual predators.

Gonzaga is positioned somewhat between the two. The campus is on the river and only a 15- or 20-minute walk from downtown, Riverfront Park, and all the sports and concert venues. But it is also surrounded by the somewhat impoverished Logan neighborhood, and one can quickly run into the depressed and ugly sections of town. The campus itself, however, is clean and beautiful. It’s entirely possible to live only in the nice Spokane, mainly on campus but enriched by excursions to downtown or the South Hill. But to think that’s all there is to Spokane would be blatantly false.

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Local Atmosphere at Gonzaga University

rj233713

'15

Finance

5.0

A+

Sports

There are all types of intramurals here such as soccer, basketball, dodge ball, etc. The biggest event is when the Zags play basketball everyone is spirited and always excited to see a good game.

Jan 10, 2012

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Local Atmosphere at Gonzaga University

abusek

'14

Journalism

2.7

C+

Spokane Not for the Faint at Heart

While it appears a rather rough neighborhood for students coming from privileged backgrounds (most do: we are a private Catholic school), Spokane gets better with time. While we can't overlook the harsh winters, there are a variety of athletic and artistic endeavors within the community that are easily accessible to students.

Jul 22, 2011

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Local Atmosphere at Gonzaga University

sbruna

'13

English

3.8

B+

Spokane Is a Place of Small Town Adventure.

There are activities in just a short walk downtown including ice skating, a mall, and fabulous trails to run, walk, or bike on.

Jan 20, 2011

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