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Washington Spokane

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Moving to Spokane, Washington

Spokane, Washington, is a vibrant city that blends natural beauty with a thriving urban environment. Situated along the Spokane River and near the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, the city offers residents a mix of close-knit neighborhoods, a revitalized downtown, and easy access to outdoor recreation. Spokane’s economy is diverse, with key industries in healthcare, education, technology, manufacturing, and outdoor tourism.

Residents enjoy an abundance of parks, trails, rivers, and nearby mountains that encourage year-round outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, skiing, and water sports. The city also hosts a wide variety of cultural events, music festivals, sports competitions, and seasonal celebrations that reflect its dynamic and welcoming community. With strong schools, a flourishing arts and dining scene, and opportunities for career growth alongside recreational adventure, Spokane stands out as a lively, family-friendly city and a leading hub in eastern Washington.

Spokane by the numbers

230,000

City population

3% Lower

Cost of living vs the national average

$395,500

Median home price

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Discover Spokane: Top Attractions and Things to Do

Local Experiences

Local Experiences

Spokane, Washington, blends stunning natural scenery with a lively urban atmosphere. Residents and visitors can enjoy walking and biking paths, riverfront trails, gardens, and scenic parks. Highlights include Riverfront Park, Manito Park, Green Bluff, and the Centennial Trail, offering year-round opportunities for recreation, relaxation, and family outings.

Families can participate in youth sports leagues, recreation programs, and events hosted at community centers, while outdoor enthusiasts explore nearby foothills, rivers, and trails for hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, and paddleboarding.

Food lovers will find a growing culinary scene, from farm-to-table restaurants and artisan cafés to international cuisine that reflects Spokane’s diverse cultural community. The city fosters connection through seasonal festivals, outdoor concerts at Riverfront Park, weekly farmers markets, and arts events showcasing local and regional talent. With its river views, expansive parks, and dynamic cultural offerings, Spokane provides engaging experiences for people of all ages.

Riverfront Park
Manito Park
Green Bluff
Centennial Trail

Sports and Recreation

Sports and Recreation

Spokane, Washington, provides residents with a wide variety of recreational opportunities and community sports that promote active lifestyles for all ages. Local parks and facilities feature walking and biking paths, playgrounds, athletic fields, tennis courts, and open green spaces that serve as gathering spots for outdoor activities, family outings, and seasonal events. Youth and adult leagues are available in sports such as soccer, basketball, baseball, softball, and tennis, fostering community engagement and healthy living.

Golf enthusiasts can enjoy nearby courses that accommodate both casual players and competitive tournaments. Spokane’s recreation centers, school athletics programs, and city-run programs provide year-round opportunities for fitness, enrichment, and team sports, reflecting the city’s commitment to wellness, community spirit, and active living.

Riverfront Park
Manito Park
Comstock Park
The Creek at Qualchan Golf Course
Indian Canyon Golf Course

Adventures

Adventures

Spokane, Washington, offers a rich mix of outdoor adventure, scenic landscapes, and cultural experiences. Residents and visitors can enjoy destinations such as Riverfront Park, Manito Park, and Green Bluff, which feature walking and biking paths, playgrounds, sports fields, picnic areas, and open green spaces ideal for family outings and active lifestyles. Golf enthusiasts can test their skills at The Creek at Qualchan or Indian Canyon Golf Course, while nature lovers can explore the Centennial Trail, nearby foothills, rivers, and forested areas just minutes from downtown.

History and culture enthusiasts will appreciate landmarks such as the Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture, historic neighborhoods, and local heritage sites that highlight Spokane’s rich history. Food lovers will find a vibrant dining scene, from farm-to-table restaurants and local breweries to international cuisines that reflect the city’s diverse community. Seasonal festivals, outdoor concerts, arts events, and farmers markets showcase Spokane’s welcoming spirit and dynamic cultural landscape—making the city a destination where outdoor adventure, history, and community come together.

Riverfront Park:
Manito Park
Green Bluff
The Creek at Qualchan Golf Course
Indian Canyon Golf Course
Centennial Trail
Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture

Seasonal Events

Seasonal Events

Spokane, Washington, celebrates its vibrant community with a year-round calendar of festivals, cultural traditions, and family-friendly gatherings.

In spring, residents and visitors enjoy events such as the Bloomsday Run, the annual Spokane Lilac Festival, and community clean-up days at local parks like Riverfront Park and Manito Park, bringing neighbors together in a lively outdoor atmosphere.

Summer brings outdoor celebrations, including the Spokane Symphony Summer Concerts, movie nights in city parks, the Downtown Spokane Farmers Market, and Fourth of July fireworks at Riverfront Park and other local venues.

During autumn, Spokane hosts the Spokane Interstate Fair, harvest festivals at Green Bluff, arts and craft fairs, food truck gatherings, and cultural events throughout the city. Cooler months also draw outdoor enthusiasts to nearby trails, rivers, and forested areas for seasonal hikes and family outings.

Winter traditions include holiday light displays at River Park Square, seasonal markets, parades, and performances at the Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox and the INB Performing Arts Center. These events bring the community together and showcase Spokane’s welcoming spirit.

With concerts, festivals, and family activities happening year-round, Spokane offers something exciting for residents and visitors alike.

Bloomsday Run
Spokane Lilac Festival
Spokane Symphony Summer Concerts
Spokane Farmers Market
Spokane Interstate Fair
River Park Square
Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox
INB Performing Arts Center

Community Resources

Healthcare
Hospitals and Medical Centers

Spokane, Washington, and the surrounding region provide residents with access to a wide range of high-quality healthcare services, including full-service hospitals, specialty clinics, and family practices.

Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center & Children’s Hospital – This major hospital offers comprehensive care, including emergency services, surgical programs, maternity and neonatal care, cardiology, neurology, oncology, and rehabilitation services. It also serves as a regional trauma and teaching hospital.
Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center & Children’s Hospital

MultiCare Deaconess Hospital – Serving Spokane and nearby communities, Deaconess provides inpatient and outpatient care with specialties in cardiology, orthopedics, cancer treatment, surgical services, and emergency care, along with rehabilitation programs.
MultiCare Deaconess Hospital

Providence Heart & Vascular Institute – Offers advanced cardiac care, surgical and specialty services, emergency care, and innovative treatment programs for heart-related conditions.
Providence Heart & Vascular Institute

Spokane Specialty & Rehabilitation Services – Features comprehensive inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation, specialized programs for seniors, physical and occupational therapy, sports medicine, and care for patients with complex medical needs.
Spokane Specialty & Rehabilitation Services

Together, these facilities ensure Spokane residents have convenient access to advanced medical, surgical, pediatric, and behavioral health services, supporting the overall well-being of the community.

Education
Schools and Learning Institutes

Spokane, Washington, offers families a strong network of educational opportunities, from public schools and charter programs to respected private academies and nationally recognized colleges and universities.

K–12 Schools

Spokane Public Schools – The district operates multiple elementary, middle, and high schools with a strong emphasis on academic achievement, STEM programs, arts education, athletics, and college readiness.
Spokane Public Schools

Shadle Park High School & Lewis and Clark High School – Flagship public high schools offering Advanced Placement courses, career and technical education pathways, and a broad range of extracurricular programs to support academic and personal growth.
Shadle Park High School
Lewis and Clark High School

Elementary & Middle Schools – Neighborhood schools focus on foundational academics, student-centered learning, and supportive environments. Magnet programs and specialized offerings, including dual-language and STEAM initiatives, are available across the district.

Private & Independent Schools

Gonzaga Preparatory School – A Jesuit college-preparatory school emphasizing academic rigor, leadership development, athletics, and faith-based education for students in grades 9–12.
Gonzaga Preparatory School

The Community School – An independent school serving preschool through grade 12, offering personalized learning, project-based education, and a focus on creativity and critical thinking.
The Community School

Epiphany School – A private K–8 school providing strong academics, arts programs, and a supportive community environment.

Higher Education

Gonzaga University – A private Jesuit university offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across disciplines including business, law, health sciences, and the liberal arts.
Gonzaga University

Eastern Washington University – Spokane Campus – Provides undergraduate and graduate programs in partnership with local healthcare, business, and technology organizations.
Eastern Washington University – Spokane Campus

Spokane Community College (SCC) & Spokane Falls Community College (SFCC) – Two campuses of Spokane Community Colleges offering associate degrees, workforce training, transfer programs, and continuing education for students of all ages.
Spokane Community Colleges (SCC & SFCC)

Public Resources
Regional Services and Agencies

Spokane, Washington, is governed by a mayor and city council, supported by a network of local departments that provide essential services to residents. Law enforcement is provided by the Spokane Police Department, which emphasizes community safety, crime prevention, and responsive policing. Fire protection and emergency medical services are managed by the Spokane Fire Department, ensuring reliable emergency response throughout the city. Together, these agencies maintain a safe and secure environment for residents, businesses, and visitors.
Spokane Police Department
Spokane Fire Department

Weather & Climate

Spokane experiences a semi-arid climate with four distinct seasons. Winters are cold with occasional snow, offering opportunities for nearby ski resorts and winter recreation, while summers are warm and dry, ideal for hiking, biking, and outdoor activities. Average temperatures range from about 25°F in January to 87°F in July, providing a wide variety of seasonal experiences throughout the year.

Transportation & Mobility

Spokane serves as a key transportation hub for eastern Washington. The city is accessible via Interstate 90 and U.S. Route 395, providing regional and cross-country travel. Public transportation includes Spokane Transit Authority (STA) buses, the City Line bus rapid transit, and the Spokane Intermodal Center, connecting residents to local and regional destinations. Spokane is also served by Spokane International Airport, which offers domestic flights and seasonal international service.
Spokane Transit Authority (STA)
Spokane Intermodal Center
Spokane International Airport

Utilities & Waste Management

Essential services in Spokane are managed by the Department of Public Works, overseeing water, sewer, trash collection, recycling, and street maintenance. Electricity and natural gas are provided primarily by Avista Utilities. The city supports sustainability through recycling programs, water conservation initiatives, and environmentally conscious planning.
Spokane Department of Public Works
Avista Utilities

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This city guide is provided as a service by Atlas Van Lines.