Spokane, WA, known as 'The Lilac City,' offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern urban amenities. Located in eastern Washington, Spokane is a large city that serves as a major cultural and economic hub. Major nearby cities like Coeur d'Alene and Pullman enhance its status as a central point in the region. Spokane's blend of historic landmarks, cultural festivals, and urban amenities creates a distinctive living experience.
Spokane is home to several iconic landmarks, including the Riverfront Park, the historic Davenport Hotel, and the scenic Manito Park. The city offers a variety of attractions, from the beautiful Spokane Falls to the bustling River Park Square, known for its shopping and dining. Spokane's dining scene is diverse, offering everything from Pacific Northwest cuisine to international dishes.
Annual events such as the Lilac Bloomsday Run and the Spokane International Film Festival highlight the city's vibrant cultural scene and provide unique entertainment opportunities for residents and visitors. These events celebrate Spokane's rich cultural heritage and community spirit. Prestigious institutions like Gonzaga University contribute to the city's academic and cultural vibrancy, fostering a thriving intellectual community.
The arts and culture scene in Spokane is dynamic and diverse, with numerous theaters, music venues, and art galleries. The Fox Theater and the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture are just a few of the cultural landmarks that showcase the city's commitment to the arts. Living in Spokane provides ample opportunities to engage with art, music, and history, making it an exciting place to call home.
Spokane’s community is welcoming and diverse, creating a friendly environment for newcomers. The city is home to professional sports teams like the Spokane Chiefs (WHL) and the Spokane Indians (MiLB), providing plenty of excitement for sports fans. Major industries in Spokane include healthcare, education, and manufacturing, with significant employers such as Providence Health & Services and Gonzaga University driving economic growth. The city has extensive public transit options, including buses and the Spokane Transit Authority (STA), making commuting convenient and accessible.
Amenities
Conveniently located, the area boasts a variety of amenities, including grocery stores, shopping, coffee shops and entertainment options all within walking distance.
Commute
The high commute score in this area could imply easy access to public transportation, as well as shorter-than-average commute times to your workplace.
Cost Of Living
Everyday cost of living expenses like goods and services, housing, groceries, transportation, health care and utilities are far below the national average.
Housing
Impressive scores in the housing category characterize this area, potentially attributed to the availability of affordable housing, strong appreciation rates and high home values.
Health & Safety
Accessible health facilities like hospitals, doctors offices, clinics and nursing homes as well as good air quality are all factors that have led to a high score in this category.
Crime
Reporting high crime rates per 100,000 people, this area may be perceived as an unsafe place to reside. These statistics encompass both violent and property crime rates.
Ratings
Through surveys and polls, AreaVibes obtained feedback from local residents in the area, and the results did not indicate a favorable outlook on factors like local amenities and the safety of the area.
Spokane, Washington is a big city with a population of 223,638 people. With a population density of 3,252 people per square mile, Spokane is well above the nation's average density level. According to the most recent Census, 84% of Spokane residents are White, 3% Asian and 2% Black. In Spokane, only 48% of people over the age of fifteen are married. This city could be a good option for singles ready to mingle. If you are not a fan of long commutes, you will enjoy living in Spokane. With an average one way commute time of only 21 minutes, getting to and from work is a breeze compared to the national average of 26 minutes.
Are you trying to figure out if living in Spokane is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a great experience before relocating to any new city in Washington, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. To help you find the best places to live in and around Spokane, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like amenities, cost of living, employment and more.
Spokane, WA receives 81/100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #76 in Washington and #1,305 in the USA. This is a terrific score, as Spokane ranks well in multiple categories! The cherry on top is that Spokane also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities. Based on the rankings for each individual category, Spokane has received high marks for cost of living (A), education (B+) and housing (A+). The bad news for Spokane, there are some categories for which it does not rank well, this includes: crime (F).
If you're considering living in Spokane, it comes with numerous advantages, particularly in the form of an extensive selection of local amenities. These amenities play a pivotal role in elevating the quality of life within this vibrant community. From easily accessible grocery stores, to conveniently located fitness facilities, a diverse range of dining establishments and a multitude of shopping options, Spokane provides a comprehensive array of resources for its residents. This ensures the effortless fulfillment of your daily needs and creates ample opportunities for relaxation and recreation. The convenience of these local offerings greatly contributes to the overall appeal of the area, making it an enticing destination for those in search of convenience, diversity, and a gratifying lifestyle. If you're contemplating a move, the abundance of local amenities could very well be a defining characteristic of this area. Some of the more notable entertainment options include: Riverfront Park, Manito Park, and Centennial Trail.
Finding affordable real estate and housing in Spokane can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.
There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Spokane is actually affordable. The median home price for Spokane homes is $359,861, which is 26.8% lower than the Washington average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Spokane, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 4.5, which is 16.7% lower than the Washington average.
| Statistic | Spokane | Washington | National |
| Average one way commute | 21min | 27min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 73.2% | 72.3% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 11.0% | 10.2% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 3.7% | 6.2% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.5% | 0.9% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 3.5% | 3.6% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 7.0% | 5.6% | 4.6% |
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