Discovering Spokane: The Ultimate Guide to Living in a Great Place
Spokane is considered a good place to live due to its low cost of living, ample job opportunities, and outdoor recreational activities. Located in eastern washington state, spokane boasts an affordable cost of living compared to many west coast cities.
Jobs in healthcare, education, and manufacturing are plentiful in spokane, and there is a growing tech industry as well. Outside of work, residents can enjoy nearby national parks, skiing, hiking, and water sports. The city is home to a variety of restaurants, breweries, and cultural events, including the annual lilac festival and bazaar.
Overall, spokane offers a high quality of life for those seeking a more affordable, outdoorsy lifestyle.
Neighborhoods To Explore In Spokane
Spokane, located in eastern washington state, has become an increasingly popular choice for people looking to live in a smaller, yet vibrant city. One of the reasons for that is the variety of neighborhoods that make up the city. Here are three neighborhoods that are worth checking out if you’re thinking about moving to spokane.
South Hill
The south hill neighborhood is a beautiful, historic area with a mix of old and new homes. It’s famous for its victorian and craftsman houses, tree-lined streets, and parks. Located in the heart of spokane, residents can enjoy easy access to downtown and great schools.
Here are some key points to note:
- South hill boasts great schools such as wilson and roosevelt elementary and ferris high school.
- Manito park, a 90-acre park, is a popular destination for residents and visitors with its gardens, duck pond, and conservatory.
- The neighborhood offers a range of shopping and dining options on 29th avenue, including unique boutiques, cafes, and bars.
Riverside
Located in downtown spokane, the riverside neighborhood is an urban center that attracts young professionals and college students. It’s a vibrant area with plenty of dining, shopping, and entertainment options. Here are the key points:
- Riverside offers easy access to riverfront park, spokane arena, and spokane convention center.
- Gonzaga university, a private roman catholic university, is located in the neighborhood.
- The area features many restaurants, cafes, and bars that cater to different tastes and budgets.
Perry District
The perry district is located on the south side of spokane and is a charming neighborhood with a mix of cafes, art galleries, and boutiques. It’s a small community that’s known for its community events, farmer’s market, and public art.
Here are some key points to consider:
- The perry street cafe, casper fry, and south perry pizza are just a few of the local eateries in the district.
- A wide range of small shops and businesses can be found in the district, including vintage stores, art galleries, and bookshops.
- The neighborhood is known for its community-oriented vibe, with regular events such as street fairs, concerts, and food festivals.
Overall, spokane offers a diverse range of neighborhoods that cater to different lifestyles and preferences. So, whether you prefer a historic area like south hill, an urban center like riverside, or a community-focused neighborhood like perry district, you’re sure to find the perfect home in spokane.
Top Things To See And Do In Spokane
Spokane, washington, is famous for its natural beauty, outdoor activities, cultural attractions, and a vibrant downtown. The city is said to have a small-town feel, with all the amenities of a larger city. If you’re wondering if spokane is a good place to live, then the answer is a resounding yes! In this blog, we’ll focus on the top things to see and do in spokane, so let’s dive right in.
Riverfront Park
Riverfront park is one of the largest and most scenic parks in spokane, situated right in the downtown area. It features 100 acres of beautiful green space, a lake, a river, scenic walking trails, and a skating rink, making it the perfect place to spend an afternoon with family or friends.
Here are some of the attractions you cannot miss when visiting riverfront park:
- Spokane falls skyride
: take a gondola ride across the stunning spokane falls for a bird’s-eye view of the city and the surrounding natural scenery.
- Imax theatre: Featuring an eight-story-high screen and 12,000 watts of digital surround sound, this cinema promises an immersive movie experience.
- The pavilion: If you’re a roller-skating enthusiast, then this skating rink, housed in a historic pavilion, is the right spot for you.
- Numerica carousel: Take a ride on this antique-style carousel, which is over a century old and features 54 handmade horses.
Spokane Falls
The spokane falls is a spectacular waterfall situated in the heart of the city and is a must-see attraction. The falls are lit up at night, which makes them even more stunning. Here are some ways to explore the spokane falls:
- Spokane falls walking tour: Take a guided tour and learn about the history and geology of the falls.
- Spokane falls skyride: Enjoy the falls from above on the spokane falls skyride (as mentioned above).
- Spokane falls park: Picnic in this beautiful park and enjoy the picturesque views of the spokane falls.
- Riverfront park gondola: Glide over the falls on this aerial tramway for a unique perspective.
Manito Park
Manito park is a 90-acre public park with five major gardens, making it a prime spot for relaxation and nature lovers. The park boasts a diverse range of flora and fauna, including roses, lilacs, ponds, and walking trails. Here are some things to do at manito park:
- Duncan garden: Stroll around the manicured gardens and admire the flowers and fountains.
- Mirror pond: Take a leisurely walk around the pond and appreciate the ducks, geese, and swans that call it home.
- Rose garden: Check out the garden’s more than 150 varieties of roses in full bloom from may to october.
- Japanese garden: Relax and unwind in this serene garden modeled after traditional japanese gardens.
Spokane is a fantastic place to live, thanks to its natural beauty, affordable housing, and a variety of cool and exciting things to do. If you’re thinking about moving to spokane, it’s natural to feel a bit apprehensive. However, with these top things to see and do in spokane, you’re sure to discover the many perks of living in this unique city.
Food And Drink In Spokane
Local Cuisine
If you’re a foodie searching for the next place to explore, you’re in luck because spokane is home to a diverse range of local cuisine. Discover the best spots to enjoy the city’s culinary culture with local favorites such as:
- Biscuit wizard: A food cart specializing in biscuits and gravy.
- Frank’s diner: A classic 1900s train-car diner serving up breakfast all day.
- The flying goat: Offers wood-fired pizza and craft beer.
- Durkin’s liquor bar: Known for their delectable small plates and classic cocktails.
- Cochinito taqueria: Street food from mexico to spice up your life.
- Wisconsinburger: A local burger chain, known for their delicious cheese curds and juicy burgers.
Restaurants And Bars To Visit
Looking for an evening on the town? Spokane has an abundance of restaurants and bars that offer a memorable night out. Check out some of the best spots in town:
- Churchill’s steakhouse: Showcases premium cuts of beef aged for thirty days.
- Scratch: A contemporary american bistro crafting individualized dishes.
- Inland pacific kitchen: Offers an innovative tasting menu utilizing local ingredients.
- No-li brewhouse: Their beer compliments the food, chili lime wings are their bestselling appetizers.
- Wandering table: Has a globally inspired menu, sharing-style plates and artistic cocktails.
- High tide lobster bar: Fresh-sourced lobsters from maine and true new england flavors.
The food and drink scene in spokane is something to experience, with an array of dining choices that suits everyone’s taste. So, whether you’re searching for authentic local cuisine or a hot new spot to hit up with friends, the food and drink atmosphere in spokane will undoubtedly have something to offer.
Housing In Spokane
Housing Market In Spokane
Spokane’s housing market is currently stable. Although the average price is higher than the state’s median house value, the market is slightly more affordable than other nearby metropolitan areas. Here are some key facts about the housing market in spokane:
- The median home value in spokane is $270,000, which is 2% higher compared to the same month last year.
- According to zillow, spokane’s housing market is considered a “balanced market,” which means there are about the same number of houses for sale as there are people looking to buy.
- The average cost per square foot for housing in spokane is $155, which is lower than seattle’s $306 per square foot.
Types Of Housing Available
Spokane’s housing options cover a broad range of styles and prices. Depending on your budget and housing preferences, you can find anything from small apartments to large farmhouses in the outskirts. Here are some of the most common types of housing available in spokane:
- Single-family homes: These are detached homes that are typically larger and more family-friendly.
- Apartments: Spokane has a variety of nice apartment complexes with many amenities.
- Condos: Condos are ideal for those who want to own their home but not deal with the upkeep of a house.
- Townhouses: Townhouses are a popular choice for those who want more space than an apartment and a small yard.
In addition to these types of housing, spokane is known for its historic homes and buildings. These structures range from early 20th-century bungalows to mid-century modern homes. Many of these homes offer unique architecture and style not found in other cities.
Overall, spokane has a stable housing market that is slightly more affordable than other metropolitan areas. With a diverse range of housing options, there is something for everyone in spokane.
Frequently Asked Questions For Is Spokane A Good Place To Live
What Is The Cost Of Living In Spokane?
Spokane’s cost of living is lower than the national average, offering affordable housing, healthcare and grocery costs.
What Outdoor Activities Can You Do In Spokane?
Spokane is surrounded by national parks and lakes, making it an outdoor lover’s paradise, with hiking, skiing, fishing, and camping.
What Are The Job Prospects In Spokane?
Spokane has a diverse job market, with opportunities in healthcare, education, and the tech industry, creating a growing economy.
What Are The Best Neighborhoods To Live In Spokane?
Spokane offers diverse neighborhoods, with the south hill, brownes addition, and the garland district, being the most popular ones.
What Is The Climate Like In Spokane?
Spokane has a four-season climate with warm summers and cold winters. The temperature varies with the lowest recorded temperature being -30°f.
Conclusion
Spokane is a vibrant and growing city that offers a high quality of life. Its affordable housing, thriving economy, and diverse culture make it an attractive option for people of all backgrounds. With its beautiful natural surroundings and opportunities for outdoor recreation, spokane is perfect for those who love to explore the great outdoors.
The city is also home to world-class healthcare facilities, top-notch education institutions, and a thriving arts and entertainment scene. Whether you’re a young professional starting your career or a retiree looking for a peaceful and welcoming community, spokane has something for everyone.
All in all, the answer to the question “is spokane a good place to live? ” is a resounding yes. With its many advantages and opportunities, spokane is a great place to call home.