Been meaning to ask this. Just moved here 12 months ago and With a population of 229K, Spokane is a mid-size city. Household incomes average around $65,745 in Spokane. The unemployment rate is 3.7%, which is pretty low. Crime rate is something to consider — Spokane sits at 689.6 per 100K. Rent is about $1,141/month for a decent place. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Cheers. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The weather takes some getting used to. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The weather takes some getting used to. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The weather takes some getting used to. It's changing fast — some good, some not so much. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
0 upvotes
28 Replies
Aria Lee
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a software engineer who relocated here from Nashville about 8 years ago. The main reasons were work and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Lots of new development happening
- Close to major attractions
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are pricey, gas is decent.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. Feel free to reach out with questions..
35 upvotes
Luca Rivera
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is nightlife. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Worth doing your research before committing.
35 upvotes
Willow S.
Moved here from Pittsburgh about 9 years ago. I genuinely enjoy living here. Still getting used to safety but Happy to answer more specific questions..
35 upvotes
Weston Reed
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a sales manager who relocated here from Dallas about 14 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Decent public transit for the size
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are wild, gas is excellent.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
34 upvotes
Willow Alvarez
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want dating scene, then yeah this place is great. But if outdoor recreation matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
33 upvotes
Paisley Wright
I've lived in Greenfield for about 12 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. When I first moved here from Austin, I was surprised by job market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Good schools in most areas
- The cultural scene scene is decent
The downsides:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Road conditions need improvement
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for couples. No regrets on my end..
33 upvotes
coastal_isaac21
I've lived in Riverside for about 1 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. When I first moved here from LA, I was surprised by safety. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Strong job market in several industries
- The food scene scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Road conditions need improvement
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for young professionals. Definitely worth checking out..
33 upvotes
Ruth R.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 25, moved here 5 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Oak Park and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Nice parks and green spaces
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The job market situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for couples. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Seattle, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $50K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
30 upvotes
santiago_mama
I'm a marketing manager and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. The community is surprisingly good and there's always something going on.
26 upvotes
Evan Sanchez
bump
25 upvotes
Leah Mitchell
accurate
25 upvotes
Camila
I've lived in West for about 3 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from Baltimore, I was surprised by walkability. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Nice parks and green spaces
- The food scene scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for retirees. Feel free to reach out with questions..
23 upvotes
Melanie
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from Raleigh about 2 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Good healthcare facilities
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are pricey, gas is tough.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. No regrets on my end..
23 upvotes
Everly Gray
Used to live on the Riverside side, now on the Fairview side. Completely different vibe. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
20 upvotes
Carter Williams
this is the way
20 upvotes
Rylee Ramos
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 9 years ago from Dallas and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Fairview. It's improving for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in legal. If you're in education you might struggle.
People: Generally tough. It took about 9 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like Thai.
Definitely worth checking out..
20 upvotes
Aaron C.
Used to live on the Pine Hills side, now on the Cedar Grove side. Completely different vibe. the quality of life is solid.
18 upvotes
Sarah Edwards
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Eastside for 8 years. Moved from Portland for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is average - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Eastside schools are pretty good. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Nightlife is limited. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 8/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
17 upvotes
Lucy N.
couldn't agree more
14 upvotes
Zoey Allen
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 9 years. Moved from LA for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. healthcare is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Lakewood schools are hit or miss. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Not a lot of cultural diversity. Homeless population growing downtown. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 9/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
13 upvotes
Kaylee Cook
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. it's been a really good experience overall. Compared to Charlotte it's hit or miss.
10 upvotes
Benjamin R.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. it's exactly what I was looking for. Compared to Minneapolis it's surprisingly good.
9 upvotes
Evelyn
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 36, moved here 11 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in Eastside and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Active local events and festivals
2. Good airport with direct flights
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Chain restaurants dominate
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The food scene situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for remote workers. decent vibes, walkable.
- Maple Ridge: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Chicago, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $90K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
7 upvotes
Sebastian Anderson
accurate
7 upvotes
Leonardo
this is the way
3 upvotes
Ann P.
nah I disagree
2 upvotes
Elizabeth Stewart
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are hit or miss, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
1 upvotes
Samuel M.
Came here for family and stayed because I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The public transit is honestly decent and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
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