From Affordability to a Hub of Adventure: Everything to Know About Living in Spokane, WA

Is Spokane a good place to live? For many, the idea of living in Spokane, WA, is appealing. Whether you’re on the hunt for affordability, natural beauty, or a balanced lifestyle, you can find it in the Lilac City. Plus, it’s a great option if you’re looking to cut down on the West Coast’s high cost of living. And, you’ll find great urban perks, too, with a growing food scene, plus a vibrant arts and culture community. There’s a lot more to know about this city before you decide to pack up and move, though. Luckily, our guide is here to help you learn 20 of the most important things about living in Spokane, WA.

Living in Spokane, WA, at a Glance

• Population: The population in Spokane is almost 231,000.
• Demographic: Spokane has a younger-leaning demographic, with a median age of around 39 years old.
• City size: Spokane covers an area of 69 square miles.
• Location: Located in Eastern Washington, the Spokane River is the heart of the community.
• Fun fact: The name Spokane comes from the Spokane Native American tribe and means “Children of the Sun.”

20 Things to Know About Living in Spokane, WA

Before deciding on something as big as relocating to Spokane, it's important to consider both the pros and cons of the city. Doing so will help ensure that the community, environment, and economy align with your expectations and lifestyle. To get an idea of what life is like in Spokane, here's what you should know.

Though more expensive than the national average, the cost of living in Spokane is still lower than many other cities across the state.

1. Cost of Living in Spokane, WA

The cost of living in Spokane may be considered more expensive compared to other areas of the country; however, it’s still more affordable than other cities across the state. With a cost of living score of 103.1, the cost of living in Spokane is 3 percent higher than the national average index of 100 and over 15 percent lower than the state average of 121.9. All of that, compared to Seattle’s 158.1, makes it easy to see how Spokane might be a better choice if you need affordability.

What salary do you need, though? According to MIT’s Living Wage Calculator, a family of four with two working adults and two children living in Spokane, WA, should make at least $116,300 annually before taxes to cover basic expenses. A couple without children should make $63,000 annually before taxes, and a single person should make approximately $43,900 annually before taxes.

2. Pros and Cons of Living in Spokane, WA

To have a better idea of the positive and negative aspects of living in Spokane, WA, here are the main pros and cons.

Pros of Living in Spokane, WA

• Affordable living compared to other cities in Washington State
• A thriving outdoor scene
• Diverse neighborhoods
• Popular arts & culture activities

Cons of Living in Spokane, WA

• High crime rates
• Homelessness crisis
• Wildfire risks
• Harsh and snowy winters

3. Spokane Housing Market

Spokane’s housing market consists of a diverse blend of homes that reflect the city’s long and vibrant history. The average home value in Spokane, WA, is $383,300, and you can find a lot of different styles within that price range. Some of the most common preserved home styles in the city include Craftsman, Colonial Revival, and Mid-Century Modern, each contributing to the unique character of the community.

4. Apartments & Renting in Spokane

You can find a mixture of larger historic Craftsman and Bungalow-style homes converted into apartment buildings in Spokane, with newer builds available as well.

From historic homes providing charm to newer buildings providing modern amenities, Spokane has a variety of options to meet your needs and budget. Average rent in the city sits at $1,250 for a one-bedroom, and you’ll get about 700 square feet for that price.

Spokane’s City Line connects several of the city’s busiest and most important activity centers including the downtown area.
(Source: Spokane Transit via Facebook)

5. Spokane’s Public Transportation Provides Decent Coverage

Provided by the Spokane Transit Authority, public transit in Spokane is considered decent, even though frequency in some outlying areas of the city is not always ample. A highlight of the public transit system is the clean buses, with a new infrastructure that features zero-emission electric buses called the City Line. Depending on where you live, you might need to rely on your own car.

6. Best Places To Live in Spokane

To help you decide which part of Spokane may be the right choice for you, take a look at some of the city’s best neighborhoods:

• Comstock: A family-friendly community, the neighborhood of Comstock has access to various outdoor recreational activities and local events that cater to children.
• Cliff-Cannon: About two miles away from Downtown Spokane, Cliff-Cannon is home to an array of popular small businesses, like Hidden Bagel and Indaba Coffee, and is known for its historic and charming feel. This neighborhood is ideal for singles.
• North Indian Trail: Ranked the safest neighborhood in Spokane by AreaVibes, North Indian Trail is a peaceful neighborhood filled with parks, shopping, and lively restaurants.
• West Central: The affordable neighborhood of West Central is one of the best Spokane neighborhoods that’s continuing to expand, close to the downtown area and the thriving neighborhood of Kendall Yards.
• Kendall Yards: With some of the most expensive home values across the city, the trendy neighborhood of Kendall Yards is a vibrant hub of local events in close proximity to outdoor activities, with plenty of great dining options.

7. Spokane Comes With Solid Schools & Higher Education Options

Spokane Public Schools comes with a B+ rating, according to Niche. If you’re on the hunt for the area with some of the best schools in Spokane, look no further than South Hill. Both Hutton Elementary School and Lewis & Clark High School are ranked among the top 10 elementary and high schools within Spokane County.

Students from all across the country relocate to Spokane for the city’s higher education options, including Gonzaga University, Whitworth University, and Eastern Washington University.

8. Spokane’s Minor-League and College Sports Hub

While the city isn’t home to any major league sports teams, sports fans are proud to root for their minor league home teams.

The Spokane Indians are a minor league baseball team affiliated with the Colorado Rockies, and you can catch their home games at Avista Stadium in Spokane Valley. Another popular team is the Spokane Chiefs, who compete in the Western Hockey League.

College sports are another big point of pride in Spokane, with the Gonzaga Bulldogs men’s basketball being especially popular.

Winter weather allows residents living in Spokane, WA, to enjoy winter sports at nearby destinations like Mount Spokane.
(Source: Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park via Facebook)

9. Spokane’s Four-Season Climate With Less Precipitation

Spokane’s climate is characterized by dry, sunny, and warm summers, followed by cold and snowy winters. It's sheltered from the constant rain that falls in Western Washington and thus gets less yearly precipitation than Seattle.

The summer season — which is from June to September — is the driest part of the year. During this period, the average high temperature is around 80 degrees Fahrenheit with low humidity.

So, what are winters like in Spokane, WA? The winter season in Spokane is characterized by cold temperatures, with highs of around 30 degrees Fahrenheit and lows of around 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Significant snowfalls occur yearly, which makes for great winter sports at nearby areas such as Mount Spokane.

10. Crime Rates in the City Are a Drawback

Unfortunately, Spokane does have high crime rates. It has an overall crime score of one, meaning it’s safer than just one percent of U.S. cities, and it’s estimated that more than 98 percent of other communities in Washington State have a lower crime rate. Your chances of being a victim of violent or property crime while living in the city are approximately one in 16.

All of that considered, there are still safe pockets within the city if you know where to look. Here are the top three safest cities in Spokane, according to Neighborhood Scout:

• Duncan
• Latah Valley
• Dartford

11. Spokane’s Job Market is Improving

Spokane has a stable job market overall, anchored by a variety of sectors. In fact, the unemployment rate of 3.6 percent falls below national numbers (4.7 percent) and state numbers (4.5 percent).

Health services, advanced manufacturing, and professional services are the city’s key industries. Higher education, government, transportation, and finance are also some of the city’s most prominent job sectors, while Fairchild Air Force Base remains a major employer in the region.

12. The Food Scene in Spokane Accommodates Every Palette

Spokane has a dynamic food scene, with its popular farm-to-table dining options, casual pubs, and international cuisine. Because of the abundance of farms in Spokane County, many chefs are known to use local ingredients when preparing their food. There are also a variety of other cuisines that are popular in the region, such as French-American, Italian, Korean, and Mexican.

In addition to the downtown area, other neighborhoods such as South Perry, Kendall Yards, and Browne's Addition have their own independent restaurants that are popular with local residents.

13. Spokane is a Vibrant Cultural Hub

Spokane’s cultural scene is diverse and rich with history and contemporary art. The main museum of culture and art in the area is the Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture, which features Native American artifacts, fine art, and regional history. Other prominent institutions include the Chase Gallery at City Hall and the Jundt Art Museum at Gonzaga University.

Martin Woldson Theater at the Fox is a beautiful Art Deco theater for live performances that's home to the Spokane Symphony.

Weighing the pros and cons of living in Spokane, WA? When it comes to things to do and places to see, Spokane’s got it figured out.

14. Never Get Bored With the Attractions Spokane Has To Offer

There are plenty of things to do in Spokane that combine urban settings with cultural attractions and access to nature. Here is what you should check off your bucket list first:

Riverside State Park: A large state park with over 50 miles of trails ideal for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.

Centennial Trail State Park: A scenic trail following the Spokane River that is perfect for a long walk or run.

Spokane Cork District: Explore the city’s beverage scene and try out wineries and craft breweries.

Live entertainment: From the First Interstate for the Arts to the Spokane Civic Theatre, never miss an opportunity for live entertainment, including musical theatre and concerts.

15. Traffic in Spokane is Less of a Hassle Compared to Other Cities

Compared to nearby metropolitan areas like Portland and Seattle, traffic in Spokane is generally considered to be more moderate. With an average commute time of slightly over 20 minutes, this number is lower than both the state and national average, meaning relatively easy commutes for those who use a car as their primary means of transportation.

While Spokane residents may not need to worry much about a horrendous commute, it’s still important to consider the longer commute times that come with morning and evening rush hour.

16. Spokane’s Community-Oriented Event Culture

Spokane is well known for its events and festivals, which draw in crowds locally, state-wide, nationally, and even internationally.

Popular annual events in Spokane include:

• Lilac Bloomsday Run: One of the largest timed races in the world, which is an annual spring tradition that attracts runners, joggers, and walkers.
• Spokane Hoopfest: The world’s largest 3-on-3 outdoor basketball tournament that takes up over 40 blocks downtown.
• Spokane County Interstate Fair: A country fair held in September that offers carnival rides, food, and music.

17. Wildfire Smoke in Spokane Can Lead to Health Issues

Although its air quality is generally good to moderate, Spokane experiences some major seasonal issues, such as the smoke from wildfires during the summer and fall. Due to the smoke from these wildfires, Spokane is prone to experiencing unhealthy air quality during wildfire seasons in the summer and fall. This issue can also cause poor visibility and restrictions on outdoor pursuits.

Those living in Spokane, WA, can enjoy views of the Spokane River from multiple access points — like the thrilling SkyRide.

18. The Nation’s Largest Urban Waterfall is Found in Spokane

The Spokane River flows through downtown, adding a striking natural centerpiece to the heart of the city. The combined flow from the Upper and the Lower Falls makes it the biggest urban waterfall in the country, which has a total drop of 146 feet.

The falls are the main feature of Riverfront Park — a 100-acre public area that was constructed as part of the World's Fair in 1974. There are a variety of viewing platforms accessible to the public, including the SkyRide and the Monroe Street Bridge.

19. Homelessness Has Created Issues in the City

In Spokane, homelessness is a major issue that affects people who are experiencing it, as well as the local businesses and residents. Lack of affordable housing is a primary reason behind this.

Due to the increasing number of people experiencing homelessness and the prevalence of criminal activity, many businesses and residents have raised concerns about the safety of their community.

20. Take a Weekend Getaway From Spokane

When you’re looking to take a weekend trip away from Spokane, there are plenty of day trips you can make in under four hours.

The village of Leavenworth, nestled in the Cascade Mountains, is known for its events like Oktoberfest and Christmastown, and is about three hours from Spokane. You can also take a drive to Seattle, which is Washington’s largest city, and offers popular urban attractions such as the Space Needle and Pike Place Market.

Moving to Spokane With PODS

Once you have made the decision to move to Spokane, enlist the help of PODS portable moving containers to help simplify your move. Have a container delivered right to your driveway, where you can load at your own pace. Need help with the heavy lifting? PODS can refer you to local packing and loading assistance. Once everything’s packed up, have your container picked up and delivered to your new home in Spokane, or leave it in a PODS Storage Center until you’re ready for it.

Visit PODS online for a free local moving quote or call 877-350-7637 for long-distance moving.

Editor’s note: For ease of reading, monthly rental prices were rounded to the nearest $25 and home values were rounded to the nearest $100. Home values in the millions were rounded to the nearest $100,000.

(Source for image featured at top: Visit Spokane via Facebook)

_{*This article was written on behalf of PODS Enterprises, LLC (“PODS”). PODS does not warrant the completeness or accuracy of any information contained in this article and disclaims any liability for reliance upon the content herein.}