Mead, Washington is named in honor of George Meade, a Union general who rose to rank during the Civil War.
General Meade is best known for his role in defeating Robert E. Lee at the Battle of Gettysburg in 1863. The region of Spokane was explored in the early 1800's, although the population did not begin to expand and settle until 1881 with the completion of the Northern Pacific Railway. Spokane was named after the Spokane Indian Tribe, where the name in Salishan means 'sun people'. Over time, the name changed from Fort Spokane to Spokane Falls, and eventually to Spokane by 1891.
Moving to Mead
The suburb of Mead is found north of the city of Spokane in Spokane County, Washington and offers numerous places to rent. The U.S. census reported Mead as having a population of 7,275 in 2010, while the Mead region is just over 100 years old. It was not until the year 1900 when railroads were built through the area that settlers from all over Europe and America began to arrive. Mead became the second stop for the Spokane Falls and the Northern Railway train system, where the entire township boasted four buildings.
If you are moving to the northern Spokane region, be sure to consider the extremes of the climate of eastern Washington. Washington State is divided north to south by the Cascade Mountain Range which drastically affects seasonal precipitation and temperatures. The eastern side of the mountains is considered to be the 'rain shadow', where the famously wet and rainy climate of Washington State is mediated into warmer temperatures during the summer months and colder temperatures in winter. In general, the temperatures in Spokane average five degrees warmer in summer and ten degrees cooler in winter than its western counterpart, Seattle.
If travelling to Mead from neighboring states, primary crossings are at three locations across Idaho and Oregon. I-5 travels north and south along the western coast of U.S., and connects Portland, Oregon and Seattle, Washington, and also continues through the Peace-Arch International Border, connecting the U.S. with Canada via Vancouver, British Columbia. I-82 enters the state in the southeast and travels east to west at a diagonal through eastern Oregon and Boise, Idaho, while I-90 is further north connecting Seattle with Spokane, as well as with the panhandle of Idaho and western Montana.
If arriving by plane, numerous small airports are found throughout the state, with SeaTac (halfway between Seattle and the city of Tacoma, to the south) serving as the primary international and domestic airport. Spokane does have a larger domestic airport as well, as does Boise, Idaho, although considerably smaller than what can be found on the more populated west side of the state. The Amtrak and Greyhound service lines operate passenger trains in all four cardinal directions from Seattle, including east to Spokane, as well as other local stops.
Neighborhoods
There a three neighborhoods in Mead that deserve consideration, and each revolves around the largest one of Green Bluff. Be sure to investigate thoroughly before committing to one geographic location.
Green Bluff: Easily the largest neighborhood in Mead. Green Bluff has had comparatively lower crime rates across the board compared to Washington as a whole, and has had comparable home-appreciation rates with the rest of the state. The neighborhood is a popular location for homeowners and those looking for rental homes and month-to-month rental options with more space.
East of Green Bluff: The neighborhood of Town Center, which is significantly smaller than Green Bluff. Here is where the downtown of Mead exists in 1900, and where the most desirable properties for rent are. Town Center has even lower crime rates comparatively. Town Center is the closest to Spokane proper, which is a large draw for many residents.
North of Town Center / East of Green Bluff: The smallest neighborhood of the three. The area is bordered by N Newport Highway and E Colbert Road, and carries this name. The neighborhood is north of downtown and offers less availability for potential renters and buyers, although many excellent options still exist. The local bus route also runs primarily north to south from Spokane proper to Mead, and has several stops in Town Center, but fewer in the other neighborhoods.
Living in Mead
Life in Mead is as expected for a small, bustling region. Its historic routes are tied to the rail industry which gave the town its first economic boost. Although it came from a humble start, it has proved to be an excellent place to buy a home or find places to rent in Mead.
Considering the temperamental temperate climate of the Pacific Northwest, the best times to visit depend on your favorite activities. Mead is close to many large lakes including the third deepest in the lower 48, Lake Chelan, which also offers over 50 square miles of recreation stretching 55 miles long. Closer to home are many opportunities a bus or short drive away in Washington's second largest city, Spokane. It is known for the best shopping in the inland northwest, with malls, movie theaters, concert venues, and a healthy, youthful vibe.
