The native people who lived here tens of thousands of years ago referred to themselves as "Spokane" or "children of the sun". That's not a bad name for an area that is blessed by temperate weather, plentiful natural resources, and acres of green areas. The Spokane area today still offers all of that, plus opportunities for business launching, first-class sports and cultural offerings, and close proximity both to Canada and western states such as Idaho. Spokane is a community that has reinvented itself multiple times over the last one hundred and thirty years, and it's a welcoming area for new residents looking for re-invention as well. Read on to learn more about what some of Spokane's best neighborhoods have to offer.
Early in the 20th century, the city of Spokane hired the sons of celebrated landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted to do for their city what their father had done in other parts of the country. The result was Rockwood, a deliberately designed residential park that incorporates residences with parkland and towering, elegant trees. Today on the National Register of Historic Places, in addition to green tranquility and graceful homes, the neighborhood offers many nature study opportunities, several wineries, the Spokane Public Market, and the Spokane Convention Center. Restaurants and general businesses are limited here. The Rockwood area caters to older residents, and school choices are limited here as well. Apartments here average around $900 per month depending on size and amenities, and homes average around $300,000.
One of Spokane's wealthier neighborhoods, Manito-Cannon Hill offers a limited selection of schools, but boasts an elementary school that is among the state's most highly rated. Manito-Cannon Hill has a stable housing market and a good blend of business, shopping, and dining opportunities, much of it located at the nearby Steam Plant Market. There is a strong theater presence in this neighborhood, which is the home of the Spokane Symphony Orchestra, and there are plenty of outdoor opportunities here, ranging from downtown Spokane's Riverfront Park, to sports oriented South Hill, to the John A. Finch Arboretum. In close proximity to U.S. 395, apartments in Manito-Cannon Hill range between $500-$1,250, and homes average $250,000.
Located just off U.S. 195, Comstock offers many recreational opportunities, including a public park that offers tennis and swimming, and hosts a summer symphony concert series. The area offers a number of medical and neighborhood offices, shopping in the form of the Manito Shopping Center, scattered businesses, and limited schools. Restaurants are limited as well. Access to public transportation is good. Comstock has a slightly higher percentage of school-aged children than other Spokane communities, as well as a slightly higher female population. Earning median is solidly middle class. Comstock apartments range between $600-$1,800+ depending on size and amenities. Comstock area homes average around $200,000.