Living in Spokane, Washington

Spokane is Washington’s second-largest city and the unofficial capital of the Inland Northwest. It sits on the Spokane River in eastern Washington, about 20 miles from the Idaho border (and you can feel some of the Idaho political influence) and 4.5 hours from Seattle. Unlike the western side of the state, Spokane has four distinct seasons, a lower cost of living, and a laid-back pace that appeals to both families and remote workers.

The city has a smallish city vibe, and its culture runs much more outdoorsy than anything else. Running and biking trails weave alongside the river, which cuts right through the city. Outside the city, five ski resorts, nearby lakes (including Lake Coeur d’Alene), more rivers, and forests provide the best of Washington’s scenery and amazing recreation opportunities. While those moving from Seattle or Portland will find downtown sleepy, it's a good mix of nature and urban if you like your ratio heavier on the nature side of things.

Life in Spokane is a mix of daily practicality and extraordinary access to the outdoors. The downtown core is compact and walkable, with parks, restaurants, craft breweries, and public art. As you move outwards, the neighborhoods quickly turn residential, and you’ll find everything from historic districts to new suburban subdivisions with mountain views.

Spokane is a hub for outdoor lovers. You’re within an hour of Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park, Lake Coeur d’Alene, and more than a dozen hiking trails. Riverfront Park, right downtown, is the city’s signature green space, with playgrounds, bike paths, waterfalls, and the historic Looff Carousel.

If you want to check out everything happening in Spokane, take a peek at the calendar of events.

We highly recommend visiting Spokane and staying in the community in a VRBO rather than a hotel to get a feel for living among the locals. You can also receive discounted travel fares via our partnership with Expedia.

Spokane’s economy is anchored by healthcare, education, and professional services. It’s home to multiple hospitals and health systems, including Providence Sacred Heart, MultiCare, and the Spokane VA Medical Center. Gonzaga University, Eastern Washington University (nearby in Cheney), and Washington State University’s health sciences campus also contribute to the city’s economic base.

Tech and remote work have seen growth, with co-working spaces and a new generation of small startups coming in. Spokane is also a regional hub for logistics and aerospace, with Amazon, Boeing suppliers, and multiple distribution centers in the metro.

Not surprisingly, the biggest population growth is coming from expats from more expensive West Coast cities looking for economic and lifestyle improvements.