Spokane is the second-largest city in Washington and is located in the eastern part of the state. Also known as the “Lilac City” for its plentiful lilacs that bloom in the spring, Spokane continues to attract large numbers of new residents who want to enjoy comfortable living. The city has grown from being the site of a trading and fur trapping post in the 19th century to a flourishing city of just over 210,000 people.
Many desirable neighborhoods exist throughout the city, which makes it easy for people of all lifestyles to find the best places to live in Spokane. The overall cost of living here is slightly lower than the national average. Some of the most affordable housing options can be found in the Riverside, Peaceful Valley and North Indian Trail neighborhoods. The nearby cities of Millwood, Mead and Liberty Lake are among the safest places to live in the area.
Winter and summer climate conditions tend to stretch for longer periods in Spokane, but the city also enjoys a pleasant spring and autumn. During the winter, average snowfall totals are around 45 inches with the lowest temperatures usually dropping into the 20s. Summers can be hot and dry with average highs reaching into the 80s and 90s. The city receives most of its precipitation from the beginning of October through the end of December.
There are many ways to get around downtown Spokane and the surrounding suburbs. The city’s public buses are operated by the Spokane Transit Authority. Interstate 90 and U.S. 2 are two major freeways that many drivers use to get to and from their destinations each day. Spokane International Airport handles the city’s domestic and international flights. The city’s skywalk system makes it safer for pedestrians to reach many locations within the downtown region.
Some of the best places in Spokane for residents are also located near some of the city’s top attractions. Spokane is famous for its many parks, and some of the best parks to go to spend a day outdoors include Riverfront Park and Saint Michael’s Mission State Park. Manito Park is home to the beautiful Duncan Garden. Spokane Falls, which is a tiny waterfall system on the Spokane River that can be seen from the central business district, is another special part of the city. The Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture and Fox Theater are other city highlights.
Finding the best places to live in Spokane is easy with AreaVibes. AreaVibes makes it possible to sort all the best places to live in and around Richmond. To fully customize your search, you can filter based on what's most important to you. This will allow you to narrow down your results based on crime rates, cost of living and even home and rent prices.