There are several thousand exceptions, of course. But here, in my opinion, are the ways people arrive at eyes-wide-open perspectives on Spokane.

1. Born and grew up here, moved away and then came back.

2. Always lived here but have traveled extensively.

3. Moved here after living in several other places.

4. Moved here after living in one other place.

5. Always lived here but have not done much traveling.

6. Moved here after living in several other places, all of which got blamed for your discontent.

7. Spokane lifer who hasn't traveled and yet still feels free to compare Spokane, for better or worse, to other cities.

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