When you’re interested in moving somewhere new, you want to find a great neighborhood as well as a great city. In Spokane, the second largest city in Washington state, there are plenty of places to consider moving to, each with its own unique benefits. Whether you want access to downtown, gorgeous brick homes, community gardens, or an affordable neighborhood, here are some of the best neighborhoods in Spokane to consider.
Is Spokane, WA a good place to live?
Spokane is known for its relatively lower cost of living compared to many other cities on the West Coast of the United States, making it a desirable place to live. The city offers a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities, including hiking, biking, skiing, and water sports due to its proximity to natural areas like rivers, lakes, and mountains. The city is also home to several universities and colleges, offering educational opportunities for students. Overall, Spokane is considered a great place to live by many. We’ve selected 15 of the top neighborhoods in Spokane based on their location, amenities, and proximity to popular points of interest. Read below and discover the best neighborhoods in Spokane:
1. West Central – Best for a quiet middle-class lifestyle
Many people who live in the West Central neighborhood indicate that they feel like it’s the best Spokane neighborhood. Here, you can find plenty of unique architectural areas, burgeoning economic development, popular Spokane shops, and much more. Plus, it includes Washington State’s largest historic district. If you’re expecting to engage with the environment around you, but you don’t want the area to be too busy, then West Central is a great option.
2. Lincoln Heights – Best for simple commercial living
If you love to have easy access to commercial areas, like strip malls and other small shops, then Lincoln Heights might be a good option. The Lincoln Heights Shopping Center is the main area of this neighborhood. Locals indicate that it’s a quiet neighborhood, as the commercial businesses are confined to a specific area, which means you get the best of both residential life and commercial access.
3. Emerson/Garfield – Best for green space
If you love going outdoors and enjoying some natural beauty, then the Emerson/Garfield area could be absolutely perfect for you. Aside from its namesake, Emerson Park, this is where you’ll find the beautiful Corbin Park, which used to be a racetrack before it was turned into the current area, with plenty of walking trails and other nature opportunities. Plus, the sidewalks and beauty of the outdoor areas lead to plenty of neighborly love.
4. Riverside – Best for activities and entertainment
The Riverside neighborhood is where most people learn to love Spokane. This neighborhood includes downtown Spokane and Riverfront Park and is known for being a central business area where you can find large chain stores, small boutiques, and everything in between. From the Ridler Piano Bar to the Magic Lantern Theatre, there’s always something to do locally. Plus, it’s also beautiful, with Spokane Falls running through the city center.
5. North Hill – Best for local neighborhood charm
North Hill is one of the more distinct neighborhoods in Spokane, and if you love old-school charm, you’ll love North Hill. The Garland District is a beautiful area within this neighborhood, and you can also visit other old-timey experiences like Mary Lou’s Milk Bottle, Maple Street Bistro, and The Garland Theater.
The North Hill Spokane neighborhood also encompasses other neighborhoods, including Nevada Heights, Audubon/Downriver, and Hillyard.
6. East Central – Best for charming historic homes
When East Central was first established in the late 1800s and early 1900s, it was one of the first Spokane suburbs. Today, the area benefits from both its historic homes, its newer apartment complexes, and single-family dwellings. You can find ample parks and local economic areas, combining to form a beautiful, charming location in Spokane.
7. Peaceful Valley – Best for a combination of nature and shops
Residents of Peaceful Valley regularly refer to it as one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in Spokane. In Peaceful Valley, you can access the vibrancy of the downtown scene while also enjoying contemporary homes and local parks. This makes it the perfect opportunity for people who want to enjoy a variety of amenities near their homes.
8. Chief Garry Park – Best for affordability
The Chief Garry Park area is one of the most diverse in the city, and it also offers significant affordability for many. The area has a median household income of around $38,000, and the average one-bedroom apartment rental is around $1,050 per month. While the real estate market is growing in this area just like every other area, a lower average household income has kept the area largely affordable for many people, though you might find it difficult to move in from the outside.
9. Manito-Cannon Hill Park – Best for community events
Many of the people who live in Manito-Cannon Hill have lived here for their entire lives, which has created a close-knit community with people who want the best for each other. It’s common to find block parties and people meeting with new neighbors, which is great if you’re someone who loves making new friends. The Manito-Cannon Hill Park council regularly organizes neighborhood get-togethers, and they even have a Facebook group where they update people on the latest events.
10. North Indian Trail – Best for outdoor enthusiasts
If you’re looking to get outdoors, then you might want to try North Indian Trail. It’s one of the best places in Spokane for people who want the outdoors to be literally on their doorstep. After all, its name indicates its proximity to trail opportunities. Its convenient northwest location within Spokane gives the area a view of the Spokane River Gorge and plenty of hiking and walking trails.
11. West Hills – Best for travel lovers
The West Hills neighborhood encompasses Spokane International Airport, and while this does provide some noise pollution, it’s easier to ignore than you might assume. Its proximity to an easy place to travel has created a higher median income in this area and a strong community identity, with both retirees and families enjoying the neighborhood.
12. Logan – Best for college students
In Logan, you’ll find Gonzaga University, the main university in the area. Gonzaga University’s impact is hard to deny, and this is definitely one of the more rambunctious residential neighborhoods in Spokane. Even if you’re not enrolled at Gonzaga, college-aged students will love the opportunities afforded for both socialization and nightlife.
13. Shadle Park – Best for a unique identity
Those who live in Shadle Park tend to be very proud of their identity. That identity is enshrined in its unique water tower—a boldly designed green and yellow water tower sporting the local high school’s colors that you can see from anywhere in the neighborhood. It’s a longtime landmark in the area, and when it was first unveiled in 1965, it received praise from many utilities engineers for combining aesthetic interest with functional form. You’ll find that people in this neighborhood are proud of their strange, dominating water tower, making it a bold central part of the neighborhood.
14. Northtown – Best for athletics
Northtown is most well-known for its sports complex and Northtown Square, a centrally located shopping center. Franklin Park is known for being the center of Northtown. In this 43-acre park, you’ll find a horseshoe pit, athletic fields, a splash pad, and more. Plus, you can find plenty of sporting goods at Northtown Square.
15. Nevada Heights – Best for people who prefer privacy
Nevada Heights is home to around 20,000 people and 600 businesses, which is enough to be its own small city. However, most of the area is zoned as a single-family residential district, which means that it’s an incredibly suburban area. That provides a significant amount of privacy for individual homeowners or renters, though at the cost of a less walkable area on average.
Short-term renting in Spokane
Whether you’re interested in living in a neighborhood where there’s always something to do or you’d rather keep to yourself, there are many neighborhoods available in Spokane. One of the best ways to get a feeling for your next neighborhood is to try out a short-term rental in Spokane. Because these rentals are in residential neighborhoods, it’s easier to make sure you get a feel for the area before you commit to a long-term stay.
Frequently asked questions about Spokane, WA
Spokane offers a mix of urban and outdoor lifestyles with a low cost of living and plenty of employment opportunities. The city also has a vibrant arts and culture scene, including numerous festivals and events throughout the year.
Spokane is home to Riverfront Park, the Spokane River, and the Centennial Trail, which offer plenty of outdoor activities. The city also has a variety of museums, art galleries, and theaters, including the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture, the Spokane Civic Theatre, and the Bing Crosby Theater.
Manito/Cannon Hill, Five Mile Prairie, and Indian Trail are all popular choices for families in Spokane. These neighborhoods offer great schools, parks, and recreational activities for children and families.
Browne’s Addition, West Central, and Peaceful Valley are all located near downtown Spokane and offer a mix of historic homes and modern apartments.
Spokane hosts a variety of events and festivals throughout the year, including Bloomsday, Hoopfest, and the Lilac Festival. The city is also home to a thriving food and beer scene, with numerous breweries and restaurants to choose from.
Spokane and Seattle are both located in Washington State, but they have distinct differences. Seattle is a larger city with a more diverse population and a thriving tech industry, while Spokane is a smaller city with a lower cost of living and a strong sense of community. Seattle is located on the Puget Sound and offers easy access to outdoor activities like hiking and kayaking, while Spokane is located near the Idaho border and offers outdoor activities like skiing and fishing. Both cities have their own unique attractions and qualities, so it ultimately comes down to personal preferences and what you are looking for in a city.
It depends significantly on which neighborhood you’re in, where you’re looking to go, and what you’re planning to do. On average, most residents indicate that you do need a vehicle to experience Spokane as a whole. However, walkable neighborhoods are in close proximity to downtown areas or other commercial districts, such as Riverside or Emerald Garfield. Here, you’ll find plenty of walkable attractions and public transportation options.
The Spokane real estate market has become increasingly competitive in the last few years. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Spokane is around $1,095 per month or $1,375 for a two-bedroom apartment. Check the Zumper rent research page to find a great home in Spokane.
Officially, there are 29 neighborhoods in Spokane: Bemiss, Chief Garry Park, East Central, Hillyard, Logan, Minnehaha, Nevada Heights, Shiloh Hills, Whitman, Browne’s Addition, Cliff/Cannon, Comstock, East Central, Grandview/Thorpe, Latah/Hangman, Lincoln Heights, Manito/Cannon Hill, Peaceful Valley, Riverside, Rockwood, Southgate, West Hills, Audubon/Downriver, Balboa/South Indian Trail, Emerson/Garfield, Five Mile Prairie, North Hill, North Indian Trail, Northwest, and West Central.
South Perry, Latah Valley, and Lincoln Heights are all located near outdoor recreation areas like the Spokane River and offer easy access to hiking and biking trails.
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