It's not a big city.

Of course.

And the "small town" description some prefer is ludicrous, even if it is intended to be satirical.

It almost goes without saying that "Biggest city between Minneapolis and Seattle" is too vague and boosterish to be helpful.

So when you find yourself in a conversation with someone who has never been here, how do you describe Spokane?

"A medium-sized city"?

Doesn't exactly trip off the tongue, does it?

And what does that even mean?

You could always cite population figures. But then you get into the whole city proper vs. metro area thing.

Maybe Spokane is just "a city." The listener can picture whatever he or she wants.

You can invite them to come check it out. See for themselves.

Everybody loves the drive in from the airport.

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