The 12 Best Spokane Neighborhoods: From City Life to Suburban Bliss, There’s Something for Everyone

Spokane, Washington, is quietly becoming one of the Pacific Northwest’s most appealing places to live. It delivers many of the perks of a coastal city without the jaw-dropping price tag. While the cost of living sits just three percent above the national average, it’s dramatically more affordable than the cost of living in Seattle, where costs soar more than 58 percent higher. Add in Spokane’s No. 15 ranking for move-ins on PODS moving trends, and it’s clear the best Spokane neighborhoods are having their moment in the spotlight.

With a diversified economy anchored by thriving healthcare, education, and manufacturing sectors, the city offers both stability and opportunities for newcomers. Those looking to pursue a higher education can find a variety of options, including the acclaimed Gonzaga University. This city is known for its vibrant culture and arts scene, as it is home to several theaters, museums, and breweries. It is also near natural beauty, similar to nearby Seattle suburbs, with easy access to hiking and biking along places, like the Centennial Trail and Riverside State Park. There’s a lot more you need to know about the city, though.

Spokane at a Glance

• Spokane has an estimated population of 230,600.
• Families are drawn to the city’s attributes, while students are drawn to local colleges and universities.
• Spokane’s average home value is $386,400, compared to the Washington state average of $587,700 and the national average of $359,200.
• Spokane’s average rent is $1,400 for apartments of all sizes, compared to the Washington state average of $2,025 and the national average of $1,750.
• Spokane’s biggest draws: Job opportunities, great colleges and universities, vibrant arts and culture scenes, outdoor recreation.

Best Neighborhoods in Spokane

There are a lot of communities that span the Spokane neighborhoods map — here are 12 of our favorites.

Downtown Spokane is a walkable hub known for its lively atmosphere with a vibrant cultural and social scene.

1. Downtown

• Average rent (one-bedroom): N/A
• Average home value: $319,600
• Great for: Young professionals, outdoor recreation, arts, culture
• Commute to Downtown: You’re there!

As one of the best Spokane neighborhoods for young professionals, Downtown Spokane is a walkable hub (the neighborhood has a Walk Score of 95/100) known for its lively atmosphere with a vibrant cultural and social scene. With the Spokane River running through the area, residents can enjoy plenty of scenic views with access to other outdoor recreation activities like hiking and biking along the Centennial Trail.

You’ll find plenty of historic buildings, and housing options typically consist of townhomes, condos, high-rise apartments, and lofts. Spokane is well known for its arts scene, with world-class art galleries such as the Jundt Art Museum and Avenue West Gallery. Fox Theater is another prominent cultural destination, serving as a performing arts venue and home to the Spokane Symphony. 

2. Cliff-Cannon

• Average rent (all sizes): $1,475
• Average home value: $397,600
• Great for: Families, young professionals, retirees, local businesses, dining, arts
• Commute to Downtown: 5-minute drive

Known for its strong historic feel with architecture preserved from the early 1900s, Cliff-Cannon is one of the best Spokane neighborhoods, just 2 miles from Downtown Spokane. Residents living in this neighborhood are surrounded by lots of local businesses, beautiful outdoor spots to explore, and art hubs.

Small business supporters will find plenty of local favorites to visit, including Rocket Bakery — a staple in the community since the early ‘90s that serves up delicious handcrafted espresso drinks, pastries, and sandwiches. For fine dining and a beautiful atmosphere, Wild Sage Bistro is one of the most popular restaurants across all of Spokane.

Take an art class or craft soap at the local Corbin Art Center before exploring the beautiful gardens and sipping on some tea at the Moore-Turner Heritage Gardens.

3. Comstock

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,375
• Average home value: $436,600
• Great for: Families, outdoor recreation, local events
• Commute to Downtown: 10-minute drive

The safe, family-friendly community of Comstock is known for its variety of parks, natural beauty, and local activities that bring residents together.  At the heart of the neighborhood is Comstock Park, featuring over 20 acres of green space, softball and baseball fields, and an aquatic center where residents can swim a few laps at the pool.

Aside from Comstock Park, High Drive Bluff Park spans over 500 acres and includes more than 20 miles of trails that are ideal for hiking and biking. With spectacular views, this area is a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts.

Along with being a great place to dine, Rocket Market hosts the Rocket Market Summer Outdoor Concert Series annually, and it is a great way for the community to come together and enjoy live music. The Spokane Public Library also hosts events, including a “Summer Storytime” at Comstock Park for the kids.

You’ll find a mix of unique condos and townhomes in Kendall Yards, an area known for its contemporary architecture.
(Source: Kendall Yards via Facebook)

4. Kendall Yards

• Average rent (one-bedroom): N/A
• Median home sale price: $647,000
• Great for: Young professionals, couples, unique architecture, fresh produce, dining, outdoor recreation, fitness
• Commute to Downtown: 5-minute drive

The trendy community of Kendall Yards is another one of the best neighborhoods in Spokane for young professionals and couples. Known for its contemporary architecture, you’ll find a mix of unique condos and townhomes in this area that add to the community’s vibrant feel.

Held on Wednesdays from May to September, the Kendall Yards Night Market is a popular gathering spot for locals that has fresh local produce and festivities each week with music, food trucks, and shopping from local vendors. Kendall Yards also boasts an exceptional dining scene, including delicious Italian eats at the cozy Sorella and classic American food, wines, and cocktails at the vibrant Backyard Public House.

This community also offers easy access to the Centennial Trail, as well as other opportunities to stay active at Training Yards, a fitness facility that you can only access from the trail.

5. The South Hill

• Average rent (one-bedroom): N/A
• Median home sale price: $634,000
• Great for: Families, historic homes, green spaces, dining, shopping
• Commute to Downtown: 15-minute drive

Situated south of Downtown Spokane on the hillside, the South Hill neighborhood is known for its historic charm, with local streets that are named after prominent historical figures. Craftsman and Victorian-era homes are most common in the community, with beautiful tree-lined streets that add to its charm.

Residents of South Hill enjoy easy access to green spaces, including Cannon Hill Park and Manito Park, which offer plenty of outdoor recreation activities and playgrounds.

The neighborhood’s commercial district lines 29th Avenue, offering plenty of dining options and local shopping. Looking for a classic meal? Hogan’s Cafe Deluxe is a retro diner where you can find some of the best breakfast and lunch options in the area. The Manito Shopping Center is also nearby, which has more dining options and lots of shopping spots.

6. North Indian Trail

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,675
• Average home value: $488,900
• Great for: Families, safety, outdoor recreation, dining
• Commute to Downtown: 22-minute drive

North Indian Trail is best known for its tranquil atmosphere with a mix of older homes alongside an abundance of new construction. Relatively close to Riverside State Park, families living in the area can enjoy smaller green spaces, like Pacific Park, which includes a playground and splash pad, as well as Sky Prairie Park, a great place to stroll along its various walking paths.

Indian Trail Road is where you can find the neighborhood’s main commercial district, which offers residents both dining and chain grocery stores. When you’re in the mood for something more casual, Pint House Burgers & Brews is a family-friendly sports bar with great craft beers, burgers, and salads, and over a dozen TVs to watch your favorite sporting events. JJ’s Tap & Smokehouse is a popular gathering spot for locals, with classic BBQ and activities like bingo and trivia nights. 

Golf lovers living in Audubon-Downriver can take advantage of the scenic Downriver Golf Course.
(Source: Downriver Golf Course via Facebook)

7. Audubon-Downriver

• Average rent (one-bedroom): N/A
• Median home sale price: $353,000
• Great for: Families, retirees, tranquility, green spaces, golfing, outdoor recreation, local events
• Commute to Downtown: 10-minute drive

The Audubon-Downriver neighborhood is split into two areas — Downriver in the south, and Audubon in the north — though they both share the same neighborhood center. Because these areas share similar housing styles and have access to the same amenities, they’re grouped as one community.

Immersed in nature, this is one of the best Spokane neighborhoods for families and offers residents a peaceful atmosphere away from the hustle and bustle of the city. You’ll find many tall maple and pine trees that add to the beauty of each of the residents’ yards, and homes typically feature bungalow and Craftsman styles.

Outdoor enthusiasts will never run out of things to do, and golf lovers can enjoy the scenic Downriver Golf Course. Residents are also minutes away from Riverside State Park — a popular spot for mountain biking, horseback riding, rock climbing, and hiking. Audubon Park, on the other hand, is the heart of the neighborhood and provides concerts every year.

8. Manito

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,150
• Average home value: $521,300
• Great for: Families, retirees, gardens, outdoor recreation, dining, shopping
• Commute to Downtown: 10-minute drive

The peaceful community of Manito is one of the best Spokane neighborhoods for those who are seeking an upscale atmosphere. You will find many historic Craftsman and Victorian-style homes in this area, with streets filled with beautiful ponderosa pine trees.

Residents of Manito are surrounded by many local dining and shopping establishments, including popular spots such as Republic Pi. Here, you can sip on craft beer while you enjoy some of the best wood-fired pizza around the city. Afterwards, you can spend time browsing nearby shops.

As one of the best attractions in Spokane, Manito Park offers elegant gardens with beautiful blossoming flowers to look at, along with playgrounds and areas to bring your dogs.

9. Peaceful Valley

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,550
• Average home value: $317,400
• Great for: Families, historic charm, outdoor recreation
• Commute to Downtown: 5-minute drive

With beautiful views of Downtown Spokane, the small community of Peaceful Valley is an ideal neighborhood for any new resident — enough to rival even the best small towns in Washington. Located at the bottom of the Spokane River Gorge, Peaceful Valley has a unique character and geography that make it one of the most interesting Spokane neighborhoods. Most homes in this area are small cottages, which are typically grouped together.

Residents of Peaceful Valley can enjoy easy water access at spots like People’s Park, which has gorgeous trails surrounding the river and connects to the Centennial Trail. A smaller area, Redband Park, also has river access and a playground. To explore tropical and subtropical plants, head to Gaiser Conservatory.

Browne’s Addition is the oldest neighborhood in Spokane, evidenced by its eclectic culture and Victorian mansions.
(Source: For The Love Of Old Houses via Facebook)

10. Browne's Addition

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,100
• Average home value: $336,000
• Great for: Young professionals, arts, culture, dining, drinks
• Commute to Downtown: 8-minute drive

Browne’s Addition is the oldest neighborhood in Spokane, evidenced by its eclectic culture and Victorian mansions. Just walking distance from Downtown Spokane, Browne’s Addition has a historic yet urban feel with a vibrant arts and cultural scene, along with great dining.

The Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture provides a fascinating cultural experience, blending regional history with arts and culture. With the largest collection of art and artifacts from the Native American tribes along the Plateau in the world, those who visit this museum can also enjoy live performances and tours of the Campbell House.

Whether you’re in the mood for a bite to eat, a drink, or both, this neighborhood has got you covered. The Elk Public House is one of the most popular spots in the area and is situated in a social pub atmosphere and known best for its corn pasta salad. Italia Trattoria is a must-visit and features some of the best Italian food in the entire city. If you love a crafted cocktail, make sure to try out the offerings at Bijou.

11. South Perry District

• Average rent (one-bedroom): N/A
• Median home sale price: $373,000
• Great for: Families, young professionals, farmer’s market produce, local events, shopping
• Commute to Downtown: 8-minute drive

South Perry District is a tight-knit community, and the local organization South Perry Together works to make the neighborhood a great place to settle down. The area is home to Thursday Market, a popular farmer’s market for both locals and visitors, and features events like the South Perry Street Fair, which has live music, vendors, and food trucks.

Perry Street itself is where you can find all of the best dining and unique shopping options. Veda Lux Boutique offers everything from clothing to jewelry, all designed by the owner herself. Windfall Thrift Store, on the other hand, is where you can find great deals on clothing and books.

12. West Central

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,550
• Median home value: $301,700
• Great for: Families, young professionals, dining, proximity to downtown/Kendall Yards
• Commute to Downtown: 7-minute drive

Undergoing rapid growth in recent years thanks to the help of Kendall Yards, the West Central neighborhood is continuing to revitalize and is expected to become one of the top Spokane neighborhoods. From mid-20th-century bungalows to Victorian-era homes, there is a lot of diversity in this neighborhood’s housing options. However, because the community is growing quickly, it’s currently regarded as one of the worst neighborhoods in Spokane for traffic.

You’re also never far from great restaurants in West Central. With an open kitchen and bar, Elliotts an Urban Kitchen offers a laid-back atmosphere with incredible food. Maple Street Bistro is also close by, offering some of the best breakfast burritos in the city and smoothies.

Residents of West Central are also just minutes from the entertainment, culture, and arts scene of both Downtown Spokane and Kendall Yards.

Moving with PODS means a flexible timeline and convenient loading right in your driveway.

Make Your Move to Spokane With PODS

When you’re ready to move to Spokane, make it flexible with PODS portable moving containers. Have a container delivered right to your driveway for convenient packing and loading on your own schedule. Need help with the heavy lifting? PODS can refer you to local packing and loading assistance. Once you're ready, your container will be picked up and transported to your new home in one of the best Spokane neighborhoods. One month of storage is built into the cost of every move, so you can take your time moving without feeling rushed.

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

Editor’s note: Average and median rent prices were obtained from RentCafe; average home values were obtained from Zillow; and median home sale prices were obtained from Redfin. For ease of reading, monthly rental prices were rounded to the nearest $25 and home values were rounded to the nearest $100.

_{*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.}